NPS Fertilizer Research Articles

Response of Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) Varieties to Application of Blended NPS Fertilizer in Bore, Southern Ethiopia

Low soil fertility influences plant establishment, growth, seed yield and the profitability of a field pea production in the study area. A field experiment was conducted in Bore on station of Bore Agricultural Research Centre with five levels of NPS (0, 50, 100 and 150) with three varieties of field pea (Arjo-1 and Bilalo) in randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of the study were to evaluate the effect of blended NPS rates on the yield and yield components of field pea varieties and to identify economically feasible rates of blended NPS that increase the productivity of the field pea. Growth, Yield and yield components of field pea were significantly influenced by different rates of blended fertilizer treatments. Results showed significant effect of various levels of blended fertilizer on all tested parameters except on days to flowering, days to maturity and number of seed per pod. Variety Arjo-1 showed the highest plant height (182.1 cm), highest grain yield (5023 kg ha-1) and highest net benefit (152299.5 Birr ha-1) with application of 150 kg NPS ha-1. Likewise, variety Bilalo with application of 150 kg blended NPS ha-1 fertilizer scored significantly the highest hundred seed weight (271.3 g). The highest number of total pods per plant (89.67) was recorded at application rate of 100 kg NPS ha-1 variety Arjo-1 and same application of fertilizer gave the highest agronomic efficiency (1282 %) for Bilalo variety. Although, minimum value of those traits were obtained with 0 kg ha-1. Similarly, application of 50 kg NPS gave net benefit (132111.0 Birr ha-1) with the highest marginal rate of return (129686 Birr ha-1) with Arjo-1 variety. Therefore, production of field pea with the application of 50 kg NPS ha-1 was most productive for economical production.

Effect of N Rates and Seeding Rates on Agronomic Efficiency, Partial Factor Productivity, Grain Yield, and Grain Quality of Wheat under Irrigation in West Shewa, Ethiopia

Recently, wheat research has been established in Ethiopia for irrigated areas with the goal of developing high-yielding, higher-quality wheat cultivars. Nonetheless, two of the most crucial production variables are the N rate and the seeding rate, both of which need for the determination of ideal rates. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum N rate and seeding rate for bread wheat production under irrigated conditions in West Shewa highland areas during 2020–21 on different soil types. A factorial combination of seeding rates (125, 150, and 175 kg/ha) and N rates (0, 23, 46, 89, and 111 kg/ha N) with consideration of 19 kg of N content in 100 kg NPS fertilizer that was applied uniformly for all experimental plots except for those without fertilizer (zero rate plot) at sowing. The experiment was laid out in an RCB design with three replications. Most of the interactions were non-significant for grain yield and other parameters, while the main effects of seeding rates and N rates showed a significant effect on grain yield and other parameters measured. The highest test weight, agronomic efficiency, and partial factor productivity were recorded for the black soil type. Agronomic efficiency showed an unpredictable trend, while partial factor productivity showed a decreasing trend with an increasing seeding rate and N rate. Depending on the agronomic and economic analysis results, it can be concluded that a seeding rate of 175 kg/ha and an N rate of 111 kg/ha were found to be optimal for the production of the wheat variety ‘Kakaba’ under irrigation in the highlands of west Shewa.

Effect of NPS Fertilizer, Spraying Nano-NPK+TE and Cerium Oxide NPs on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

The aim of this research was to identify the effects of NPS fertilizer with the spraying of Nano-NPK+TE and Cerium Oxide NPs on the growth and yield of (Amber 33) rice. This field study was carried out in the Tali’a region, 41-Husainiya, Hilla city, Babylon province, Iraq, from 14/6/2022 to 25/11/2022, The study treatments were randomly distributed on the experimental units according to a simple and one-way experiment by a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The study treatments consisted of adding NPS fertilizer at four levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1) and spraying with nanomaterials of Nano-NPK+TE and Cerium Oxide NPs at concentrations of (2.5 ml L-1) and (50 mg L-1), respectively, with four sprays for each of them. A total of 16 experimental units were used. The statistical analysis using Duncan’s test revealed to us that the process of fertilizing with NPS fertilizer and nanomaterials led to the highest improvement for plant height with a value of (130.43 cm) achieved by the combination of (NPS 300 kg ha-1 + spray CeO2 NPs + Nano-NPK+TE), This combination also achieved the highest chlorophyll index of (41.6 SPAD), as well as the highest response in biological yield (21.19 Meg ha-1), grain yield (5.89 Meg ha-1) and the index of yield harvesting (27.8%). Moreover, this treatment achieved high response for the weight of 1000 grains at (21.31 g). Additionally, the bi-combination of spraying with CeO2 NPs and Nano-NPK+TE had the highest agronomic efficiency at (381.61 kg kg-1).

Effect of NPS Fertilizer, Spraying Nano-NPK+TE and Cerium Oxide NPs on the Qualitative Properties and Bioactive Components of Rice Grains (Oryza Sativa L.)

The aim of this research was to identify the effects of NPS fertilizer with the spraying of Nano-NPK+TE and Cerium Oxide NPs on the active substances in rice grains, amber 33 cultivar. This field study was carried out in the Tali’a region, 41-Husainiya, Hilla city, Babylon province, Iraq, from 14/6/2022 to 25/11/2022, The study treatments were randomly distributed on the experimental units according to a simple and one-way experiment by a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The study treatments consisted of adding NPS fertilizer at four levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1) and spraying with nanomaterials of Nano-NPK+TE and Cerium Oxide NPs at concentrations of (2.5 ml L-1) and (50 mg L-1), respectively, with four sprays for each of them. A total of 16 experimental units were used. The Statistical analysis using the least significant difference test revealed that the process of fertilizing with NPS fertilizer and nanomaterials led to significant differences and an increase in the contents of volatile oils, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids among the dietary components of rice grains, so the findings from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that soil fertilization with NPS mineral fertilizer at level (300 kg ha-1) achieved the highest level of stearic acid content with a value of (9.460%), as well as the highest improvement in Palmitic acid content (24.240%) recorded by the treatment (NPS 100 kg ha-1). Moreover, the bi-combination of NPS (200 kg ha-1) + Spray CeO2 NPs gave the highest content of Oleic acid content in percentage (10.310%), and Linoleic, another type of unsaturated fatty acid, indicated a content of (10.020%) by the combination of (NPS (300 kg ha-1) + Spray nano-NPK+TE). Additionally, the highest percentage of Volatile oils showed at the foliar spraying combination (Spray nano-NPK+TE + CeO2 NPs), which gave a value of (46.50%).

Micronutrients in coated phosphate fertilizer improve precision distribution and nutrient use efficiency of soybean

AbstractChallenges regarding uniform micronutrient distribution and P‐use efficiency in agricultural soils are common. Micronutrients can be added as coated P fertilizers, creating multi‐nutrient fertilizers for crops to address this issue. The objective of this study was to quantify the diffusion and availability of P, B, Cu, Mn, and Zn in coated P fertilizers. Another objective was to evaluate the nutrient uptake, partitioning, and yield of soybeans. Treatments were monoammonium phosphate and NPS (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur) fertilizer coated with Maxxi‐Phós and either Wolftrax, Microsol, or MIB Precise. Applied concentrations of B and Cu varied between 0.15% and 0.05%. The Mn and Zn ranged from 0.45% to 0.15%. Nutrient accumulation and recovery were assessed in the greenhouse and field trials. P diffusion ranged from 5.58 to 18.88 mm in 336 h. Micronutrient use efficiencies varied according to the soybean (Glycine max) phenological stages, with emphasis on the V4 stage, which resulted in the following values: B (0.65% to 13.89%), Cu (6.73% to 62.84%), Mn (0.73% to 3.36%), and Zn (0.01% to 2.34%). Nutrient exports were: 55.7 kg of P2O5 ha−1, 209.6 g of B ha−1, 109 g of Mn ha−1, 216.7 g of Zn ha−1, and 64.3 g of Cu ha−1. There was significant absorption (p ≤ 0.05) of B, Mn, and Zn at stages R1–R5.1 in the field trial, whereas it was from V4 to R1 for Cu. As a multi‐nutrient fertilizer for soybeans, micronutrient‐coated P fertilizers could replace exported nutrients.

Effects of irrigation scheduling methods and blended NPS fertilizer on tuber yield and water productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in northwest Ethiopia

Irrigation water scheduling methods influence the growth, yield, and water productivity of crops including potatoes. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of irrigation frequency determination methods on tuber yield, irrigation water productivity and fertilizer use efficiency of potatoes at Koga irrigation scheme, in Northwest Ethiopia. The treatments were consisted of two irrigation frequency determination methods (wetting front detector and crop water requirement) and six NPS fertilizer rates (0, 90.8, 136.2, 181.6, 227.4 and 272.0 kg ha−1, which were factorial combined in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth and tuber yield data of potato were collected based on the standard procedure. Irrigation water productivity, partial factor productivity, and agronomic efficiency were calculated using their respective models. The collected data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. The results revealed that the wetting front detector method recorded the highest tuber weight (79.5 g), tuber yield (41.9 t ha−1), and irrigation water productivity (9.1 kg potato m−3 water) compared to crop water requirement method. NPS fertilizer at the rate of 272 kg ha−1 also produced the highest tuber weight (86.5), tuber yield (58.1 t ha−1) and irrigation water productivity (12.4 kg potato m−3 water). Treatment combination of wetting front detector and 272 kg ha−1 NPS recorded the highest plant height (64.m cm) and stem number (10.4). Wetting front detector method recorded the highest partial factor productivity (275.2 kg potato per kg NPS) compared to crop water requirement. Wetting front detector combined with NPS rates generally recorded higher partial factor productivity compared to the respective NPS rates combined with crop water requirement. NPS fertilizer at 272 kg ha−1 combined with wetting front detector gave the highest net benefit (236,591.7 ETB ha−1) with acceptable marginal rate of return (248.9%), which is recommended for economical production of potato in the area.

Validation and Evaluation of the Existing Agronomic Practices for Chickpea Productivity around West Arsi Zone of Shashemene Wereda

The activity was conducted around Shashemene wereda of selected kebele in 2022/23 main cropping season, to validate and evaluate crop management (agronomic) practices for adopting chickpea production on the small holder farmer’s field. The study was conducted on selected farmer’s field, then training and awareness were created about the experiment before we established on selected host farmer’s field. The farmers handled all activities by their own local chickpea agronomic management practice on their own farm. However, the research recommended agronomic practice were carried out by the researchers. We already organized the field day two times i.e., at the time of sowing and while harvesting of chickpea. The participants were actively and seriously evaluated the difference between treatments (local farmers practice and research recommended agronomic practice). Producing of chickpea by row planting, NPS fertilizer application, apron star seed treatment and on time fungicide or insecticide application is much better than their local management practice. So, chickpea sown by recommended management practice has showed better performance. The recommended agronomic practice enables to obtained the maximum grain yield (2,030 kg ha-1 and 1,552 kg ha-1) from both Teketay and Natoli varieties respectively. The result of our economic analysis forced to conclude that, planting of chickpea with row spacing, fertilizer application, apron star seed treatment is more economical and advantageous than farmer’s local practice.

The effect of slow-release coated fertilizers on the yield of spring wheat

The article presents the results of a study of NPK and NPS fertilizers effectiveness, as well as urea, on the granules surface of which a coating based on monocalcium phosphate with a thickness of 100 microns was applied. The use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers provided an increase in the yield of spring wheat grain by 31-46%, while the yield when using coated fertilizers was 9-10% higher compared to conventional fertilizers. The shell of the granules contributed to a more complete use of nutrients by plants, and the nitrogen use efficiency increased from 40-49% to 47-59%.

Yield and economics of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by blended NPS fertilizer rates and inter row spacing at maenitgoldia, Southwest Ethiopia

The common bean is one of Ethiopia's most economically important legumes. However, its national average yield remains lower than the potential yield obtained at research stations. This is because of low soil fertility, inappropriate plant spacing, disease and insect pest problems. As a result, this experiment was carried out during the 2021 to investigate the impact of blended NPS fertilizer rates and spacing between crops on the growth and yield of common bean and to analyze the economic feasibility of blended NPS rates with common bean spacing. A four-factorial combination of mixed NPS levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and three row spacing (30, 40, and 50 cm) were used in a three-replicate randomized complete block design. After collecting plant phenology, growth, yield, and yield attribute parameters were analyzed by using SAS version 9.3 software. The results revealed significant differences for the main effect of the NPS blended fertilizer, row spacings, and their interaction on most of the measured phenological, growth, yield, and yield attributes of the common bean, however, neither the main effect nor the interaction effects affected seedling emergence. The combined use of 150 kg of mixed NPS ha-1 with a row spacing of 40 cm resulted in a higher grain yield (2.5 t ha-1) and maximum net benefit (41775 ETB ha-1). Hence, it can be established that earlier mentioned NPS fertilizer rate and row spacing isa better choice for farmers in the area and similar agro-ecologies in order to achieve the highest possible grain yield and a higher net return.

Cereal yields in Ethiopia relate to soil properties and N and P fertilizers

There is an urgent need to increase cereal yields in the Ethiopian Highlands to ensure national food security. A major crop response-to-fertilizer program was set up in 2017–2019 as part of the CASCAPE project in the Ethiopian Highlands. It covered 33 experiments on maize, teff and wheat in five reference soil groups (Nitisols, Luvisols, Vertisols, Leptosols and Andosols). Five levels of multi-nutrient fertilizer (50–300 kg NPSZnB ha− 1 and 100 kg urea ha− 1) were applied. At the lower fertilizer level, average yields were 5500, 1500 and 3300 kg ha− 1 for maize, teff and wheat, respectively. At the highest rate, yields were 7900, 2100 and 5000 kg ha− 1. Maize and wheat yields were strongly correlated to the reference soil groups, but not to rainfall differences. Wheat yields were also positively correlated to soil organic carbon levels, underpinning the need to apply integrated soil fertility management. Comparing NPSZnB fertilizers with NPS and DAP fertilizers revealed a lack of statistically significant advantage for the fertilizers including Zn and B. As B was present in fine-granular form in the fertilizer bags, being prone to segregation, firm conclusions on the need for this micronutrient cannot be drawn. The use of ‘recommendation windows’ is suggested to group results into concrete packages at district levels and below, preferably combined with soil maps since soil types were correlated with maize and wheat yields. The windows could then be the starting point to develop ‘last mile’ fertilizer use policies, relevant to farmers and the way they manage their fields in the landscape.

Performance of Selected Carrot Varieties as Influenced by NPS Fertilizer in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Performance of Selected Carrot Varieties as Influenced by NPS Fertilizer in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Improving fertilizer response of crop yield through liming and targeting to landscape positions in tropical agricultural soils

Nutrient management research was conducted across locations to investigate the influence of landscape position (hill, mid-, and foot slope) in teff (Eragrostis tef) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield response to fertilizer application and liming in the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The treatments included 1) NPS fertilizer as a control treatment (42 N + 10P + 4.2S kg ha−1 for teff and 65 N + 20P + 8.5S kg ha−1 for wheat); 2) NPS and potassium (73 N + 17P + 7.2S + 24 K kg ha−1 for teff and 103 N + 30P + 12.7S + 24 K kg ha−1 for wheat) and 3) NPSK and zinc (73 N + 17P + 7.2S + 24K + 5.3Zn kg ha−1 for teff and 103 N + 30P + 12.7S + 24K + 5,3Zn kg ha−1 for wheat) in acid soils with and without liming. Results showed that the highest teff and wheat grain yields of 1512 and 4252 kg ha−1 were obtained at the foot slope position, with the respective yield increments of 71% and 57% over the hillslope position. Yield response to fertilizer application significantly decreased with increasing slope owing to the decrease in soil organic carbon and soil water content and the increase in soil acidity. The application of lime with NPSK and NPSKZn fertilizer increased teff and wheat yields by 43–54% and 32–35%, respectively compared to the application of NPS fertilizer without liming where yield increments were associated with the application of N and P nutrients. Orthogonal contrasts revealed that landscape position, fertilizer application, and their interaction effects were significant on teff and wheat yields. Soil properties including soil pH, organic carbon, total N, and soil water content were increased down the slope, which might be attributed to sedimentation down the slope. However, available P is yet very low both in acidic and non-acidic soils. We conclude that crop response to applied nutrients could be enhanced by targeting nutrient management practices to agricultural landscape features and addressing other yield-limiting factors such as soil acidity and nutrient availability by conducting further research.

Partial budget analysis of on-farm hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production under varying rates of NPS fertilizer application and improved varieties: The case of Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Hot pepper is among economically high value crops growing in Arba Minch areas and contributes alot to the livelihood of smallholder farmers who engaged in this on-farm business. In this important on-farm business, there are production costs related to purchasing inputs that can improve the productivity of crop and analyzing the financial profitability of the business is found to be very important. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess on-farm financial profitability of hot pepper production under different improved varieties and varied rates of NPS fertilizer at Arba Minch through partial budget analysis. The study consisted of three hot pepper varieties (Bako Local, MarekoFana and Melka Shote) and six rates of NPS fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1). The treatments were laid-out in factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of the partial budget analysis indicate that application of 200 kg NPS ha-1 for Melka Shote variety gave the highest net benefit (185,649.90 ETB ha-1) with a maximum marginal rate of return (5411.20%) as compared to other treatment combinations. Moreover, the net benefit curve also revealed that application of NPS fertilizer beyond 200 kg ha-1 decrease the net benefit obtained from the production of hot pepper across the three varieties. Therefore, production of Melka Shote variety with the application of 200 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer could make the producers financially profitable and improve their income.

NODULATION, SEED YIELD AND ITS RELATED TRAITS RESPONSE OF COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) CULTIVARS TO NPS FERTILIZER UNDER ACIDIC SOIL

This study was aimed to evaluate the response of common bean cultivars to NPS fertilizer. Results revealed that the main effect of NPS rates, and cultivars highly significantly affected 50% days to flowering, number of primary branches per plant, pods per plant, hundred seeds weight, above-ground dry matter biomass, and grain yield. Nasir cv. provided highest for all the studie parameters, among NPS rate, 100 kg ha-1 recorded the highest results for the 50% days to flowering, the number of primary branches per plant, pods per plant, hundred seeds weight, above-ground dry matter biomass, and seeds yield. The interaction effects of NPS rate and cultivars highly significantly influenced days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, total and effective nodule number, and the number of seeds per pod. Thus, cultivar Nasir interaction with 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate resulted in higher total and effective nodule number, seeds per pod, and the less for plant height which was recorded highest result for Red Wolaita with 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate. This study was revealed that cultivar Nasir with the optimum amount of NPS fertilizer application, the common bean can produce a more effective nodule that is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen for plant nourishment under acidic soil..It can be concluded as the combined use of 100 kg ha-1 NPS with cultivar Nasir results in higher grain yield and soil fertility improvement through nitrogen fixation for succeeding crops.

AMALGAMATED N P S FERTILIZER ON CROP PERFORMANCE AND NODULATION OF SOYBEAN VARIETIES ON ACIDIC SOIL.

This experiment was aimed to evaluate the effect of amalgamated NPS chemical fertilizer on crop performance and nodulation of soybean (Glycine max L (Merrill)) varieties on acidic soil during 2020 cropping season. Varieties of soybean i.e “Katta” and “Korme” and six levels of amalgamated NPS chemical fertilizer were used in factorial arrangement within randomized complete block design with three replications. Nodule parameters were highly influenced (P<.001) by the main effect of amalgamated NPS chemical fertilizer levels. The highest grain yield (2390 kg ha-1) was obtained from application of 19(N) 38(P2O) 7(S), kg ha-1 .. “Katta”and “Korme” varieties of soybean were high yielder at level of 19(N) 38(P2O) 7(S), kg ha-1 combined NPS fertilizer application. Therefore, both varieties “Katta” and “Korme” with application of 19(N) 38(P2O) 7(S), kg ha-1 mixed chemical fertilizer were recommended for enhancing nodule development and seeds yield.

Response of barley to different rates of NPS and NPSB Fertilizers in the highland of Bule Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

One of the main constraints for sustainable barley production is lack of information on the use of multi-nutrient fertilizers, involving the actual limiting nutrients for specific site. On farm experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons on two farmers’ field to evaluate the effect of NPS and NPSB, and to determine their optimum rates for barley production in Bulle woreda. The experiment consisted of nine treatments, including control (no fertilizer)(T1); four rates of NPS at 46 kg N. 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S/ha (T2), 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S/ha(T3), 92 kg N, 39 kg P, 17 kg S/ha (T4), 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S/ha (T5); and four rates of NPSB at 46 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S, 1.07 kg B/ha(T6), 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S, 1.4 kg B /ha (T7), 92 kg N, 39 kg P, 17 kg S, 1.7 kg B/ha(T8) 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S, 1.07 kg B/ha (T9) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Except the absolute control, all plots received 50 kg K/ha. Results of ANOVA indicated that application of NPS and NPBS significantly (P < 0.05) improved plant height, biomass and grain yield compared to control. NPS application at 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P and 10 kg S + 50 kg K/ha followed by NPSB at 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S and 1.4 kg B + 50 kgK/ha recorded highest barley grain yield and resulted in 5271 and 5158 kg/ha, respectively, while the lowest yield was recorded for the unfertilized plot. In general, effects of NPS or NPSB were not significantly different, suggesting that farmers’ could invest in NPS for increased barley production. This treatment also gave higher net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return even under projected (20%) input price increment.t Therefore, we could recommend the application of 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P and 10 kg S + 50 kg K/ha (142 kg NPS + 142 kg urea + 100 kg KCl kg/ha) for barley production in the study area. The response of barley to NPSB (inclusion of B in NPS) and NPS effect on barley with respect to RNP still needs to be widely investigated.

Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity as affected by different ratios of fertilizer (blended NPS) and inter row spacing at West Omo, South-West Ethiopia

One of the principal food crops in almost all of Ethiopia is maize (Zea mays L.).However, It has very low production when compared to that of Africa and the rest of the world. Because of poor agronomic practices, such as inappropriate row spacing and fertilizer management practice. Therefore, the experiment was conducted during the 2020 main cropping season at Maenit goldia district in South-West Ethiopia to decide the response of maize yield by inter-row spacing and blended NPS fertilizer rats. A factorial combination of 4 levels of blended NPS fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg) and 3 levels of between row spacing (70, 75 and 80 cm) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data on crop phenology, growth yield components and yield parameter were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., 2015). The result of this experiment show that combined use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing significantly influence growth and yield and yield components parameters of maize. As the Use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing increased the days to tasseling, plant height, ear length, ear diameter and leaf area increased whereas, decreased days to maturity and days to silking. And also use of 150 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer and row spacing (80 cm) increased number of grain yield, 100 grain weight , above ground biomass and harvesting index by 39.85, 35.20, 32.93 and 35.02%, respectively. Accordingly, it should be noted that, based on an analysis of the partial budget, combinations of the widest row spacing (80 cm) and 150 kg ha-1 of blended NPS fertilizer were promising for maize production in the main cropping season of the Chat Kebele Mea’nit Goldia district and other similar agro-ecologies.

Effect of Compound (NPS) Fertilizer Type on Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Beko Village in Yeki District, Southwest of Ethiopia

Farmer in different part of Ethiopia use similar type of fertilizer and amount that below the crop requirements, even the low soil fertility which limit the crop production as a general. To solve the over-blanket fertilizer application over different agro-ecology Ethiopian Soil Information System (EthioSIS) mapping the soil fertility and recommended types of fertilizer for specific location. The NPS type of fertilizer where recommended for Beko village, but the rate of this fertilizer type was not studied so far. So, this field experiment was conducted to determine the rate of NPS fertilizer type and nutrient use efficiency of maize during the 2018 cropping season at Beko village. A total of eight treatments with four replications were laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design. Treatments were control (zero fertilizer), previously recommended nitrogen and phosphorus (92 kg N/ha + 30 kg P/ha), 150NPS +100 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 200NPS +100 urea + 100 K2O kg/ha, 250NPS +100 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 150NPS +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 200NPS +150 urea +100 K2O kg/ha, 250NPS +150urea +100 K2O kg/ha. Data was statistical analyzed by SAS and mean treatment difference were compared by list significant difference (LSD). As analysis of variance indicated that application of NPS fertilizer were not influenced plant height, ear height, ear length, cob length, number of ears per plant, thousand seed weight, harvest index, and shelling percentage as compared to the previously recommended NP fertilizer but grain and biomass yield were influenced except application of 150NPS +100 urea. Among the treatment application of 250 NPS + 100 urea gave the highest maize grain yield (8390.1 kg/ha). The Application of NPS fertilizer improved nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency of maize as compared to the previously recommended NP. The highest N use efficiency (57.98 kg/ha) was obtained from the application of 250 NPS +100 urea, while the lowest N use efficiency (23.89 kg/ha) was from the previously recommended NP fertilizer. As economic analysis indicated the study conclude that application of 150 NPS +150 urea recommended for the study area.

NPS Fertilizer and Spacing Effects on Yield and Quality of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

NPS Fertilizer and Spacing Effects on Yield and Quality of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Growth and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties as influenced by NPS fertilizer in Western Ethiopia

Onion is main crops in Ethiopian regular nutrition, cultivated year round under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. The low productivity of onion crops in Ethiopia as compared to other onion producing countries was due to disease, insect pest, lack of improved varieties, lower use of improved varieties and improper agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted at Dambi Dollo University, Ethiopia for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) under rain-fed to evaluate effect of NPS fertilizer rates on performance of onion varieties. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in factorial mixture of four levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and three varieties (Adam Red, Monarch and Nafis). Variance Analysis indicated that NPS fertilizer and varieties were expressively affected days to 90% physiological maturity, marketable and unmarketable yield and total bulb yield of onion crop but not significantly influenced by their interaction. The number of leaves per plant and plant height were significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, NPS fertilizer rates and their interaction. The highest values for number of leaves per plant (16.08) recorded at 150 kg ha-1 for Monarch variety. Moreover, days to 90% physiological maturity (134.8 days) and total bulb yield (29.35 t ha-1) were recorded from the highestNPS application rate of 200 kg ha-1. Similarly, the maximum plant height (16.08 cm) and marketable onion bulb yield (26.41 t ha-1) were obtained from 150 kg ha-1 NPS rate. Hence, based the highest marketable onion bulb yield gained, Nafis variety of onion and 150 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer should be advised for production in the western part of Oromia, Ethiopia and other areas with similar agro-ecological conditions.