Levels Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment entitled, “Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)” was conducted at PG Research Farm, Agronomy Section, R.C.S.M. College of Agriculture, Kolhapur during summer, 2019. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications and nine treatment combinations of three inorganic fertilizer levels viz., F1- 75% RDF (18.75:37.5:0 kg ha-1), F2- 100% RDF (25:50:0 kg ha-1), F3- 125% RDF (31.25:62.5:0 kg ha-1) and three bio-fertilizers levels viz., B1- Control, B2-Rhizobium spp.+ PSB (Lignite based), B3- Rhizobium spp.+ PSB (Liquid based). The application of 100% of RDF ha-1 was found at par with 125% of RDF ha-1 and significantly superior over 75% RDF ha-1 in respect of recording higher value of the growth character and yield viz., plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, plant spread plant-1 (cm), dry matter plant-1 (g), number of nodule plant-1,weight of nodule plant-1 (g), dry pod yield (q ha-1), haulm yield (q ha-1), biological yield (q ha-1), and harvest index (%). The dual seed inoculation of Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Lignite based) significantly superior over control and at par with Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Liquid based) in respect of recording higher value of growth attributes and yield viz., mean plant height (cm), plant spread (cm), number of branches, dry matter plant-1 (g), number of nodule plant-1, weight of nodule plant-1 (g), dry pod yield (q ha-1), haulm yield (q ha-1), biological yield (q ha-1) and harvest index (%).

Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on quality of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment entitled, “Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers quality of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)” was conducted at PG Research Farm, Agronomy Section, R.C.S.M. College of Agriculture, Kolhapur during summer, 2019. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications and nine treatment combinations of three inorganic fertilizer levels F1-75% RDF (18.75:37.5:0 kg ha-1), F2-100% RDF (25:50:0 kg ha-1), F3-125% RDF (31.25:62.5:0 kg ha-1) and three bio-fertilizers levels B1-Control, B2-Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Lignite based), B3- Rhizobium spp.+ PSB (Liquid based). The crop was fertilized as per treatments by using urea and single super phosphate was given by placement method. The application of 100% of RDF ha-1 was comparable with 125% RDF ha-1 significantly over 75% RDF ha-1 in respect of recording higher value of quality attributes viz., oil content in kernel, oil yield, protein content in kernel and protein yield. The dual seed inoculation of Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Lignite based) as well as Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Liquid based)in respect of recording higher value of quality attributes viz., oil yield, oil content in kernel, protein content in kernel and protein yield. The quality attributes of groundnut were not influenced by the interaction effect of both the factors. This indicates that the both factors under study viz., inorganic and biofertilizer levels behaved independently in respect of quality of summer groundnut variety.

Influence of spacing, nutrition and growth regulator on yield and quality enhancement in lavender

A field investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu to standardize the optimum plant density, inorganic fertilizer recommendation and concentration of growth prompting substance for Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of three levels of spacing (40 x 60cm, 45 x 90cm and 60 x 120cm), three graded levels of inorganic fertilizers (100:40:40, 122:400:40 and 150:40:40 kg NPK per hectare) two varying concentration of GA3 (100 and 200 ppm as foliar application). The study revealed that closer spacing of 40x60 cm recorded more plant height (93.28cm) whereas the shortest plant height was observed in the control where GA3 was not sprayed. The earliest flowering (193.43 days), maximum leaf area / plant (9085.62cm2), chlorophyll content (412.63 mg/g), No. of florets/ flower head (22.18), length of flower head (3.75 cm) was observed under the treatment T8. The flower oil yield/plant was maximum in the treatment T14 (29.23mg/plant). The maximum estimated oil yield/ha was registered under the treatment T2 (10.32kg).

Response of rabi onion (Allium cepa) to biofertilizers in a sandy loam alluvial soil

An experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design during rabi 2016-18 at Ludhiana. There were 14 treatments consisting of two factors. Factor I comprised two levels of inorganic fertilizers [100% RDF (recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers) and 75% RDF] and factor II consisted of six combinations of biofertilizers along with a control. The data pooled over years revealed that the utilization of various biofertilizers significantly improved the plant height, number of leaves, 20-bulb weight, bulb equatorial diameter and yield over control at both levels of inorganic fertilizers. However, the per cent increase over their respective control was higher when these biofertilizers were used with 75% RDF than with 100% RDF. Biofertilizer treatments significantly improved the ascorbic acid, total soluble solids and pyruvic acid of bulbs, reduced the physiological loss in bulb weight during storage but the differences in bulb dry matter and ash content were non-significant. The effects of all biofertilizers on soil chemical and microbiological properties were beneficial but non-significant. Two treatments, i.e. 100% RDF + T6 (Azotobacter + Sphingobacterium + Burkholderia) and 100% RDF + T1 (Azotobacter + Bacillus) that exhibited 11.5% and 8.6% increment in bulb yield over control (100% RDF) have been identified. Besides, three treatments, i.e. 75% RDF + T6, 75% RDF + T1 and 75% RDF + T5 (Azotobacter + Bacillus + Burkholderia) registered 8.3%, 7.8% and 7.3% higher bulb yield over control (100% RDF) and therefore may be recommended to save 25% inorganic fertilizers.

Influence of organic and inorganic fertilizer levels on growth and yield of dual purpose K12 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under irrigated condition

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during rabi season (October 2019 - January 2020) to find out the suitable organic manures and level of fertilizers on the growth and yield of dual purpose K12 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice. The main plot consists of four different organic manures namely FYM @12.5 t ha-1, poultry manure @ 5.0 t ha-1, vermicompost @5.0 t ha-1 and composted pressmud @ 3.0 t ha-1. In sub plots 75%, 100%, 125% recommended dose of fertilizers was applied along with absolute control (without fertilizer). Observation on plant growth parameters like plant height and dry matter production was recorded at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest. The grain yield and stover yield was also recorded. The experimental result shows that application of poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 with 125% recommended dose of NPK recorded significantly higher plant height (307.3cm), dry matter production (19635 kg ha-1), grain (4589 kg ha-1) and stover yield (15711 kg ha-1).

Effect of Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Uptake of N, P, and K by Maize in an Ultisol of Tambunan Langkat

Maize is a cereal commodity that has an important role in supporting food security and food diversification programs. The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is one of the efforts to increase national maize productivity. This study was aimed to explore the effect of the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on N, P and K uptake by maize in an Ultisol. Treatments tested were combinations of five levels of organic fertilizer application (0%, 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of recommended organic fertilizer dose), and five levels of inorganic fertilizer (0%, 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of recommended inorganic fertilizer dose). The twenty-five treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized block design with two replications. Results of the study showed that there was a relationship between N, P and K uptake by maize with maize shoot dry weight, root weight, and shell weight. The highest plant height, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight of the maize were obtained by the treatment of 100% of organic fertilizer. The highest maize shell dry weight and uptake of N, P was obtained by the in the treatment of 75% organic fertilizer.

Effects of varieties and inorganic fertilizers ongrowth and flowering of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

An experiment was conducted at the Landscaping Section of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from November 2017 to May 2018 to investigate the effect of varieties and inorganic fertilizers on growth and flowering of gerbera. The experiment consisted of two factors viz., Factor A: varieties (V1= Mini Daisy, V2= Aladin) and Factor B: Different levels of inorganic fertilizers (T0 = 0, T1 = N 300 kg/ha, T2 = P 275 kg/ha, T3 = K 225 kg/ha, T4= N+P+K 300+275+225 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Varieties and different levels of inorganic fertilizers had significant effect on plant height, number of leaves per plant, spread of leaves, days to first flower bud emergence, days to harvest maturity, total number of flowers produced and spread of flowers and field life of gerbera. Total number of flowers per plant (10.89) was recorded from Aladin (V2), which was higher than that of Mini Daisy (V1) (10.16). The highest number of flowers per plant(12.44), while, the lowest number of flowers (9.10) was obtained from T0 (control). Considering the combined effect, the maximum number of flowers per plant (12.87) was obtained from the treatment combination of V2T4 (Aladin+N+P+K), while, the lowest number of flowers per plant (8.67) was recorded from V1T0 (Control). Therefore, combined application of N, P and K fertilizers along with variety Aladin was found to be better in respect of growth and flowering of gerbera.

Allelopathic Crop Water Extracts Application Improves the Wheat Productivity Under Low and High Fertilizer Inputs in a Semi-Arid Environment

The water extracts of allelopathic crops have potential to stimulate the plant growth when applied at low concentration. Most of the previous studies have evaluated the role of exogenous application of allelopathic water extracts at low fertilizer inputs. In this 2-year study, comprised of three independent field experiments, we evaluated the role of exogenous application of allelopathic water extracts of sorghum/sunflower and benzyl aminopurine, applied alone or in combination, in improving the productivity and profitability of bread wheat grown at optimum and high levels of inorganic fertilizers. In first two studies, the sorghum or the sunflower water extracts (5% each) and benzyl aminopurine were applied alone or in combination with benzyl amino purine under optimal (N:P = 125:90 kg ha−1) and high (N:P = 225:150 kg ha−1) fertilizer; no extract application and water spray were taken as control. In the third study, the sorghum water extracts and benzyl aminopurine were used alone or in combination, under optimal (N:P = 125:90 kg ha−1), high (N:P = 225:150 kg ha−1) and very high (N:P = 325:210 kg ha−1) fertilizer keeping water spray as control. The foliage sprays were done at 40 and 75 days after sowing in all experiments. The results indicated that stay green character, grain yield and yield components, and the profitability of wheat were improved with the exogenous application of sorghum/sunflower water extracts and benzyl aminopurine as compared with the control treatments in all experiments. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced physiological functioning and hermetic response of the crop plants to potential allelochemicals present in crop water extracts. The combine application of water extracts and benzyl aminopurine was most useful in terms of yield increment regardless of any fertility status, possibly due to synergistic action of the allelochemicals and the commercial growth regulator. In nutshell, combine use of allelopathic crop water extracts and benzyl aminopurine can be used to improve wheat yield under any fertility status. However, the application of allelopathic crop water extracts and benzyl aminopurine, either alone or in combination was not profitable when applied at high or very high fertilizer level.

Effect of agro industrial wastes compost on soil health and onion yields improvements: study at field condition

PurposeIndustries are generating numerous amount and types of organic wastes to the environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of agro industrial wastes compost on soil physicochemical quality, soil microbial population, growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) under field condition .MethodsThe experiment was conducted in a completely randomized plot design at field condition. Allium cepa L. was grown using five different levels of agro industrial wastes compost, three different levels of inorganic fertilizers and three controls.ResultsCompost amendment improved the soil pH, TOC, TKN, field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), and available water content (AWC), cultivable bacterial count and fungi. But no significant effect was found on electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus (P) compared to the control. Exchangeable Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu increased while Pb, Cr, and Mn value showed no significant change with compost application. Field application of compost improved onion shoot numbers, shoot girth, and shoot length. Further, significant shoot weight and bulb weight were also obtained after compost treatment.ConclusionsAfter compost amendment significant improvement in soil fertility and onion yield was obtained. This can be recommended for small scale farmer’s food security improvement and combined with agro industrial wastes management.

Maize and Weed Response to Legume Cover Short Fallow and Fertilizer in Port Harcourt South Eastern Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted in Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South Eastern Region of Nigeria between March and September 2017; to evaluate the effect of planted short fallow legume cover crop on maize performance and weed growth. The experimental design was a 5 x 2 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a plot size of 4 m x 4 m with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four different legumes cover species fallow and a natural fallow as follows: Mucuna [Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var. utilis), Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet), Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill spp)], Centrosema (Centrosema pascuorum (L.) and a natural fallow (No Legume Cover) and two levels of inorganic fertilizer as NPK 15: 15: 15 (0 and 15 Kg ha-1 NPK). All legume cover growth characteristics were negatively correlated with weed cover and weed dry weight (r = -0.58 and r = -0.59 at P=0.0001). Legume dry weight had a positive correlation with all maize parameter (r =0.64 at P=0.0001) except for stem diameter (r = -0.43 at P=0.0051). Similarly, all weed attributes were negatively correlated to maize parameters. Maize height was better in plots that received short fallow legumes than natural fallow. There was increase in soil Nitrogen level after 10 weeks of fallow. Legume cover crop short fallow has the potentials for weed suppression, soil fertility and productivity improvement in maize culture.

English

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers and their combinations on release of soil nutrients at different growth stages of wheat. A factorial combination of four levels of inorganic fertilizers (0, 33.33, 66.66, and 100% of the recommended NPK fertilizers) and vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) were laid out in complete randomized design with three replications. Soil was collected before planting and after planting (at tillering, flowering and maturity stages of wheat) from each pot in order to determine dynamics of selected nutrients (NPK). The interaction between vermicompost and chemical fertilizers were not significant for NPK contents of the soil at all growth stages except phosphorus at heading stage. In all cases, highly significant increases in total N, available P and K in the soil were observed due to the increasing rates of main effect vermicompost or inorganic fertilizers during all growing periods. The highest available as well as total contents of NPK in the soil were found at tillering stage. This initial increment at tillering stage for both factors showed a declining trend later at heading and maturity stages. However, the observed decline was in exception for vermicompost applied at 6 t ha-,1 which maintained highest level of available P and K and 4 t ha-1 which continued mineralization of K up to heading stage. In general, application of 6 ton vermicompost per hectare was found proportional with the full dose of the recommended fertilizers in supplying NPK for wheat crop. Therefore, building up the total as well as available NPK to higher levels up to heading stage can bring maximum nutrient uptake and yields of wheat. Key words: Growth stages, mineralization, nutrient availability, nutrient decline.

English

Studies to evaluate the efficacy of Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) seed cake as an organic fertilizer were carried out at Bunda College of Agriculture during the 2010/2011 growing season using an on-station experiment. The major objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Jatropha seed cake as an organic fertiliser. The field experiment was laid in a 3 × 3 design with 3 levels of Jatropha (0, 92 and 184 kg N/ha corresponding to 0, 2875 and 5750 kg DM of Jatropha seed cake, respectively) and 3 levels of inorganic fertilizer (0, 23 and 46 kg N/ha). Field results showed that maize yields responded to the amount of Jatropha seed cake while inorganic fertilizer rate and the combination of Jatropha seed cake and inorganic fertilizer (at the same level of Jatropha seed cake) did not affect the grain yield of maize. The best performer in terms of grain yield was a treatment combination of 5750 kg/ha of Jatropha seed cake and 23 kg N/ha of inorganic fertilizer which produced a grain yield of 2483 kg/ha. However, this was comparable to 2331 kg/ha produced by the combination of 2785 kg/ha of Jatropha seed cake and 46 kg N/ha of inorganic fertilizer. The grain yield of sole Jatropha 5750 kg/ha was 2126 kg/ha. The grain yield of full rate of inorganic fertilizer (23:21:0+4S + urea) application was 2853 kg/ha. It can be concluded from this study that sole application of Jatropha seed cake has a potential of producing grain yield comparable to full rate inorganic fertlizer application.  Key words: Jatropha seed cake, organic fertiliser, inorganic fertiliser. &nbsp

Effect of Application Levels of Inorganic Fertilizer with Biochar on Corn Growth in an Upland Field

Effect of Application Levels of Inorganic Fertilizer with Biochar on Corn Growth in an Upland Field

Quality and Grain Yield Attributes of Rwandan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars Grown in a Biotron Applying Two NPK Levels

High-yielding rice cultivars with good processing quality and rich in nutrition suitable to a changing climate are of particular importance for future rice-based food production. Here, seven Rwandan rice cultivars were grown in a climate chamber of the biotron facility at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, to be evaluated for their grain yield, nutritional composition, and dough mixing properties. Two different levels of inorganic fertilizer were applied weekly from the seedling stage until flowering. Significant differences for grain yield and quality attributes were found between cultivars. Jyambere showed significantly the highest yield while Ingwizabukungu, Nemeyubutaka, and Jyambere were high in mineral elements content. Ndamirabahinzi and Mpembuke had the highest levels of TPC and TAC. Generally, the lower fertilizer dose resulted in a better performance of the cultivars for both yield and quality attributes. Significantly higher content of Fe, Ca, and Ba was found in grains from the moderate fertilizer dose, whereas K, Na, P, S, Zn, Cd, and Pb increased in grains from the higher fertilizer dose. The cultivar Ndamirabahinzi showed less variability of evaluated characters across fertilizer doses. The results from this study may be used for rice breeding of cultivars with high yield and good grain quality.

Influence of growth retardant and inorganic fertilizers on vegetative growth of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Ramat)

An experimental field vegetative growth parameters observation was recorded on the influence of growth retardant (CCC) and Inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on vegetative growth of Chrysanthemum cv. Birbal Sahni. To investigate the optimum concentrations of Chlormequat chloride (CCC) with three levels C1, C2 and C3 i.e.1000 ppm, 5000 ppm and 10000 ppm and also three increasing levels of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) i.e. NPK1 (100 kg N2 + 60 kg P2O5 + 40 kg K2O/ha), NPK2 (150 kg N2 +120 kg P2O5 + 80 kg K2O/ha) and NPK3 (200 kg N2 + 180 kg P2O5 + 120 kg K2O/ha) appreciably improved the vegetative growth of chrysanthemum. Minimum plant height (cm) were recorded at concentration of cycocel C2 (5000 ppm) while, maximum plant height (cm) with amount of NPK3 (200 kg N2 + 180 kg P2O5 + 120 kg K2O/ha) spread (cm), maximum plant spread (cm), diameter of main stem (cm), number of leaves, number of branches/plant and flower weight/plant (g) were recorded with a beneficially concentration at 5000 ppm of CCC and N3(200 kg N2 + 180 kg P2O5 + 120 kg K2O/ha) amount of inorganic fertilizers. However, combined application C2+NPK3 of CCC and NPK significantly affected the above characters of chrysanthemum cv. Birbal Sahni.

Response of surface GHG fluxes to long-term manure and inorganic fertilizer application in corn and soybean rotation

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of dairy manure and inorganic fertilizer on soil surface greenhouse gases (GHG) [carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4)] fluxes from soils managed under corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. The experiment was established on a silty loam soil, and the treatments included three manure application rates [phosphorus based recommended rate (low manure, LM), nitrogen based recommended rate (medium manure, MM) and two times recommended nitrogen rate (high manure, HM)], two inorganic fertilizer levels [recommended fertilizer (medium fertilizer, MF) and high rate of fertilizer (HF)], and control (CK) replicated four times. Soil GHG fluxes were monitored once a week during the growing season for 2015 and 2016. Data from this study showed that there were not any significant impacts from manure and inorganic fertilizer applications on the annual CH4 fluxes in 2015 and 2016. However, annual soil surface CO2 fluxes were increased by manure treatments compared to inorganic fertilizer treatments in both the years. In contrast, manure treatments decreased N2O fluxes, but significantly increased net GWP than the fertilizer treatments in 2016. In general, higher manure and fertilizer rates resulted in higher annual GHG emissions compared to lower manure and fertilizer rates in both years. Data from this study showed that HF application in crops can be detrimental for the environment by emitting higher GHG emissions, therefore, improved application strategies for manure and fertilizer management need to be explored to avoid any negative environmental impacts.

Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of hybrid rice as influenced by nutrient management modules and its impact on economic of the treatments

Field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad to develop nutrient management modules for efficient cultivation of hybrid rice. Results showed that growth and yield characters viz. plant height, number of tilers and panicles per hills were high-est under nutrient management module of 100% NPK + 5 t press mud (T3). Significantly higher grain and straw yield was recorded under treatment T3 over all the treatment except treatment T1, T2, T4, T5 and T6 which were recorded on par. Uptake of NPKS and Zn was significantly improved under treatments having organic manure along with inorganic levels (100%, 75% and 50% NPK) of fertilizer over alone levels of inorganic fertilizer. NPKS and Zn uptake was higher in treatment module T3 followed by treatment T2 (100% NPK + 10 t FYM ha-1). The net return Rs. 27373.70 ha-1 and 26087.0 ha-1 and benefit: cost ratio (1.53 and 1.45) was maximum in treatment T3 closely followed by T2. Findings of this study warranted that treatment module T3 resulted higher growth and yield of rice crop. Net return was also higher in this treatment.

Effect of inorganic fertilizer dose and vermicompost on growth and yield of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit

The experiment was conducted on two years old guava at Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Allahabad, during the year 2016-2017. It was laid out in Randomized Block Design (R.B.D) with 4 replications and 11 treatments. The treatments included different levels of inorganic fertilizer and vermicompost. The maximum increase in plant height (155.71 cm), number of branches (25.23), canopy spread E-W direction (101.88 cm) and N-S direction (104.88 cm), was obtained with the application of T10 [50% RDN through chemical fertilizer +50% RDN through vermicompost (100:50:50 g NPK+1kg vermicompost)]. Maximum number of flowers/plant (18.25), fruit set (48.42%), fruit length (7.57 cm), fruit diameter (7.78 cm), volume of fruit (118cm3) and specific gravity (1.14 g/ml), were recorded with the application of T10 (50% RDN through chemical fertilizer +50% RDN through vermicompost), which was superior as compared to other treatments taken under present study. The maximum average fruit weight (128g) and number of fruits per plant (8.53) as well as significant highest yield per plant (959.14g) were obtained with the application of 50% RDN through chemical fertilizer+50% RDN through vermicompost (T10). The maximum total soluble solids (12.040Brix), ascorbic acid (180.89mg/100 g pulp) and minimum titratable acidity (0.51%) were recorded with the soil placement of 50% RDN through chemical fertilizer +50% RDN through vermicompost (T10), which was superior and economically viable as compare to other treatments with a maximum cost benefit (C:B) ratio of (1: 1.04).

Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of strawberry [Fragaria x ananassa L. Duch.] cv. CHANDLER in Central Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-15 to study the performance of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with combination of bio-fertilizers at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. It comprised application of different level of inorganic and bio-fertilizers in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments i.e. T 1 -Control (No inorganic and no bio-fertilizer), T 2 -(100 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 3 -(100 kg N ha -1 +PSB), T 4 -(75 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 5 -(75 kg N ha -1 +PSB), T 6 -(60 kg P ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 7 -(60 kg P ha -1 +PSB), T 8 -(45 kg P ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 9 -(45 kg P ha -1 +PSB),T 10 -(60 kg K ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 11 -(60 kg K ha -1 +PSB),T 12 -(45 kg K ha -1 + Azotobacter ) and T 13 -(45 kg K ha -1 +PSB). It was observed that overall minimum plant height was obtained (14.18 cm) at 90 days after transplanting in T 1 -Control and maximum plant height (18.67 cm) in T 2 -(100 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ). The maximum number of leaves was recorded highest (18.67) in T 2 -(100 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ) with followed by (17.67) in T 4 -(75 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ). The minimum spreading of plant in North-South direction (15.63 cm) was recorded in case of control. The highest yield per plant observed in T 2 (173.42g). Among the thirteen treatments T 2 -(100 Kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ) showed best performance in terms of maximum fruit yield of strawberry.

Adoption Intensity of Inorganic Fertilizers in Maize Production: Empirical Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Eastern Ethiopia

Evidences suggested that use levels of inorganic fertilizers are below the recommended rates in maize production. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate the reasons behind the failure to adopt the recommended rates of these fertilizers on maize production. This study analyzed determinants of intensity of adoption using a survey data collected from 383 randomly selected maize producing households. For this purpose, a two-limit Tobit model was applied. The econometric result revealed that variation in districts, family size, membership to cooperatives, distance to FTC, and livestock holding significantly affected smallholders’ intensity of adoption of DAP in maize production. On the other side, variation in district, farming experience, farm size, membership to cooperatives, dependency ratio, and annual income significantly determined intensity of adoption of Urea. It is, therefore, necessary to give due emphasis to the indicated determinants in order to assist maize producing farmers by boosting maize productivity.