Agronomy

EFFECTS OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION LEVELS AND POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) VARIETIES ON YIELD, YIELD COMPONENTS, AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY AT HARAMAYA, ETHIOPIA

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECTS OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION LEVELS AND POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) VARIETIES ON YIELD, YIELD COMPONENTS, AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY AT HARAMAYA, ETHIOPIA TARIKU LEGESSE; Dr.Yibekal Alemayehu (PhD.); Ashebir Haile (MSc. Senior Researcher) The right irrigation water management in agriculture is adopted to have a significant impact on water savings from deficit irrigation. DI is one of the talented irrigation plans to maintain an acceptable yield in the situation of a water shortage and uses efficient tools to optimize water use efficiency. Deficit irrigation improves water productivity through the consumption of less water while producing a comparable yield to that of an unstressed crop. However, this requires identification of a suitable crop type, crop variety, sensitivity of the crop to deficit irrigation, and local environment. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has a crucial role in ensuring food and nutrition security worldwide. In Ethiopia, potato holds a prominent position among root and tuber crops, being the most produced and consumed, followed by cassava, sweet potato, and yam, and significantly contributing to national food security, poverty alleviation, income generation, and job creation, particularly in regions like the central, eastern, northwestern, and southern parts of Ethiopia. This research was conducted to introduce the effects of deficiency irrigation levels and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties on yield, yield components, and water productivity. The field experiment was conducted at the Haramaya University experimental site during off-season 21 and aimed at investigating the effect of deficit irrigation levels on potato varieties yields, yield components, and water productivity. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with nine treatment combinations and three replications. The three treatments include potato varieties (Gudene, Tulema, and Bubu) as the main plot and three deficit irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of evapotranspiration of crop). Crop water requirement was estimated using actual daily climatic data. The results revealed that the main and interaction effects of levels and varieties exerted a significant effect on the plant growth, tuber yield, yield parameters, and water use efficiency of potatoes. The highest marketable tuber yield of 32 t/ha was obtained from Tulema with 100% crop water application, and the minimum tuber yield of 27.26 t/ha was recorded with 60% ETc with the Bubu variety, respectively. The highest water use efficiency (WUE) of 10.44 kg/s was obtained from Tulema with 60% ETc, while the lowest one was recorded (4.73 kg/s) from Gudene with 100% ETc. The maximum yield reduction (14.81%) was recorded with Bubu 60% ETc, followed by Bubu 80% ETc (13.56%), and the minimum yield reduction (0.22%) was from Tulema 80% ETc. Therefore, Tulema verity showed the best performance with minimum yield reduction, was the was the best water-saving variety, and gave a chance for an additional area of land to be irrigated with saved water. The financial analysis revealed that the 80% ETc application of water by using the Tulema variety gave the maximum net benefit (127853 ETB) with the highest MRR (132.18%) relative to water-saving additional hectares. Therefore, in an area where water resources are scarce, it could be concluded that the Tulema potato variety, by saving irrigation water with respect to the Gudene and Bubu potato varieties, can solve the problem of water shortage and would ensure the opportunity for further irrigation development in the study area and similar agro-ecology. 86

EFFECTS OF NP FERTILIZER RATES AND PLANT POPULATION ON MUNG BEAN (Vigna radiata L.) PRODUCTIVITY IN GOBU-SAYO DISTRICT, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECTS OF NP FERTILIZER RATES AND PLANT POPULATION ON MUNG BEAN (Vigna radiata L.) PRODUCTIVITY IN GOBU-SAYO DISTRICT, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA SAMUEL LEMMA DESISA; Dr Abdulaxif Ahmed (PhD); Dr Lemma Degebasa (PhD) Mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) is a pulse crop with multiple uses and it was introduced recently in the study area. The agronomic practices like optimum plant population and NPS fertilizer rate were not practiced for Mung bean production in the study area. Hence, the study was carried out to determine optimal plant population and NPS fertilizer rates for Mung bean (borda varaity) production in Bako, western Ethiopia. The experiment comprised factorial combinations of three Plant population (571429, 666667, and 800000 plants ha-1) and five NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and it was laid out using RCBD with three replications. The results indicated that main effect of Plant population and NPS fertilizer rates had significant effect on phenology, growth, yield, and yield components of Mung bean, except stand count, above-ground biomass, straw and seed yield were affected by the main factors interaction. The highest nodule dry weight per plant (0.144 g), number of pods per plant (5.13), seed per pod (11.03 g), 100-seed weight (3.80 g), and harvest index (47.14%) were observed under minimum plant population (571,429 plants ha-1). Moreover, the highest days for 50% flowering (49.08 days) and 90% physiological maturity (64.5 days), effective nodules per plant (2.28),nodule fresh weight (0.31 gm), nodule dry weight (0.15g plant-1),plant height (26.88cm), number of leaves per plant (11.68), number of branches per plant (4.74), tap root length (8.99cm), number of pods per plant (5.13), seed per pod (11.03 g), 100-seed weight (3.87 g), and harvest index (50.91%) were observed under 200 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer. The highest stand count per hectare (787,333 plants ha−1), above-ground biomass (3,273 kg ha-1), straw yield per hectare (1,657 kg ha-1) and grain yield ha-1 (1,691kg ha-1) were recorded at higher plant population (800,000 plants ha-1) with 200 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate (kg ha-1). However, higher plant population (800,000 plants ha-1) at the rate of 100 kg NPS ha-1fertilizer gave 1,591 kgha 1seed yield which was the highest net benefit (116299 ETB) and marginal, rate of returns (6302%). Therefore, application of 100 kg NPS ha-1fertilizer with higher plant population (800,000 plants ha-1) can be recommended for mung bean production in the study area and similar agro-ecology. However, the current study was carried out only in one location for one cropping season, hence further studies over seasons and across locations are needed to have a conclusive recommendation for wide range of agro ecology for Mung bean production. 72

PRODUCTIVITY AND GRAIN QUALITY OF BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM l.) GENOTYPES AS INFLUENCED BY LLME, MINERAL FERTILIZERS, AND VERMICOMPOST ON ACID SOILS OF GUTO-GIDA AND WELMERA DISTRCICTS, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

PRODUCTIVITY AND GRAIN QUALITY OF BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM l.) GENOTYPES AS INFLUENCED BY LLME, MINERAL FERTILIZERS, AND VERMICOMPOST ON ACID SOILS OF GUTO-GIDA AND WELMERA DISTRCICTS, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA Refissa Leta Feyissa; Prof. Nigussie Dechassa; Dr. Hirpa Legessie; Dr. Steffen Schulz; Dr. Samuel Gameda Bread wheat is one of the major crops cultivated in the western regions of Ethiopia. However soil acidity with a pH < 5.5 is affecting production of bread wheat. Thus, the use of acid tolerant wheat genotypes is cost effective and environmentally friend practice of producing crops. Therefore, soil-lime incubation was conducted in 2020 at Nekemete Soil Research Center for a period of 42 days to determine actual lime rate required for optimizing the soil pH (6.0 – 6.5) using 15 rates of lime (CaCO3), namely 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 t ha–1. The experiment was arranged in CRD and each treatment was replicated four times. Soil-based screening of P-efficient wheat genotypes was conducted at Nekemte Soil Research Center during the last three months of 2020 to screen and identify P-efficient bread wheat genotypes on strongly acidic soil using 49 bread wheat genotypes. The experiment was arranged in RCD and replicated two times. Field evaluation of P-efficient wheat genotypes for their acid soil tolerance was conducted in Guto-Gida district in 2021 to evaluate P efficient bread wheat genotypes under natural condition using six bread wheat genotypes (4 P-efficient and 2 P-inefficient). The experiemt was arranged in RCBD and replicated two times per treatment.Assessing yield and grain quality of P-efficient wheat genotypes on acidic soil was conducted in Wolmera district in 2022 to assess yield and grain quality advantages of P efficient genotype using two wheat genotypes (one P-efficient and one P-inefficient) under integrated application of three P rates (0, 30 and 60 ha–1), two lime rate (0 and 2.1 t ha–1) and two VC rate (0 and 2 t ha–1). The experiment was arranged in RCBD and each treatment was replicated two times; and soil chemical propertie, on yield components and yield and grain quality responses of wheat was assessed under three P rates (0, 20 and 40 kg P ha–1), three sulfur rate (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha–1) and three VC rate (0, 2 and 4 t ha–1) at Guto-Gida district in 2019 and 2020. The experiment was arranged in RCBD and each treatment was replicated three times. The result of soil-lime incubation study revealed that the actual amount of lime xix required to raise soil pH to optimum range (6.0 – 6.5) for wheat production while dropping %Al saturation below critical value (10%) was 8 t ha–1. At this lime rate the target soil pH and Al concentration values were 6.23 and 9.97%, respectively. At this target pH value, compared to the control, soil exch. acidity (cmol(+) kg–1) and Al concentration (%) were decreased by 1.36 and 17.66 units, respectively. On the other hand, soil available P (mg kg–1), exchangeable basic cations, namely, Ca, Mg and K (cmol (+) kg–)1 increased by 9.75, 3.8, 1.07 and 0.08 units, respectively. The results of screening P-efficient bread wheat genotypes revealed that the highest shoot height (43.36 cm) and shoot dry weight (523.68 mg) were recorded for genotypes 17(P-efficient) when treated at 60 kg P ha–1 while the lowest shoot height (18.72 cm) and the lowest shoot dry weigth (145.28 mg) was recorded for genotype 32 (P-inefficient) under control. The superior value of root dry weight (62.73 mg) was recorded for genotypes 28 (P-efficient) while the lowest (19.07 mg) was recorded for genotype 32. Based on values of grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) 10 genotypes (20.42%) were grouped as P efficient (GYEI ≥ 1.0) and considered as acid tolerant, 13 (26.53%) of them were medium (GYEI 0.5–1.0) while the rest 26 (53.06%) were grouped as P inefficient (GYEI < 0.5) and sensitive to acidic soil. The results of field evaluation study of P-efficient wheat genotypes revealed that genotype 17 gave superior values in grain yield (4.323 t ha–1) and in number of grains per spike (47.34) at 40 kg P ha–1supply (which were at par with no lime and limed) while the lowest values in grain yield (0.613 t ha–1) and in number of grains per spike (11.72) were recorded for genotype 32 under control plot (which were at par with genotype 48 under control). The results of grain yield and quality assssement of P-efficient wheat genotypes revealed that the highest grain yield (5.145 t ha–1) was recorded for P-efficient genotype 17 at 60 kg P ha–1 supply which was at par with 30 kg P while the lowest (1.3763 t ha–1) was recorded for P-inefficient genotype 32 under control plot. The results of yield and grain quality variabes of P-efficient wheat genotypes revealed that the highest values in grain N (2.18%), protein (13.31%) and wet gluten (36.77%) were obtained at 2 t VC*2.1 t L*60 kg P ha–1 while the lowest values in grain N (1.49%), protein (9.31%) and wet gluten (21.67%) were recorded under the control plot. The highest value of grain N and protein contents were recorded for genotype 32 treated at 60 kg P while the lowest values were recorded for the same variety under its control plot. The economic analysis revealed that the maximum net benefit of 264683.30 ETB ha–1 with MRR 811.17% was obtained at 60P*2.1 t lime ha–1 for P-efficient genotype 17. The results of xx phosphorus, sulfur and VC application study on post-harvest soil chemical properties revealed that application of 4 t VC increased soil pH from 5.33 to 5.82 (9.23%) which shifted from strongly acidic to moderately acidic while reducing soil exchangeable acidity from 1.35 to 0.95 (42.11%) compared to control. Application of 40 kg P*4 t VC*0 kg S markedly increased soil available P by 67.22% that shifted from very low to medium category. Combined application of 0 kg P*30 kg S*4 t VC increased soil S by 314.29% that shifted from very low to medium category. Applications of 0 kg P*S 30 kg S* 4 t VC changed soil CEC and exch. Ca from medium to high category. Similarly, combined application of 40P*30 S*4 t VC resulted in 657.49%, 857.09% and 223.99% increments for number of grains per spike, grain yield and straw yield, respectively over control plot. The highest values of grain N (1.83%), crude protein (11.39%) and wet gluten (33.32%) were recorded at 40P*30S*4tVC combination while the lowest values in of grain N (1.28%), crude protein (7.93%) and wet gluten (17.01%) under control plot. Combined application of 40 kg P*30kg S*0 t VC resulted in straw N, grain and straw P, grain and straw S increments by 105.88%, 79.17 and 183.33%, 222.22 and 65.63%, respectively. The economic analysis showed that maximum net benefit 103,283.2 ETB ha-1 with MRR of 732.78% was obtained from 40P*15S kg ha–1. In general, P-efficient wheat genotypes perform superion in yield components and yield and grain quality, and provide maximum net farm benefit under integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Thus, use of acid tolerant P- efficient bread wheat genotypes is an alternative method for sustainable and economically viable wheat production on acidic soils of the study area. 234p.

EFFECTS OF SEED RATES AND HERBICIDES ON PRODUCTIVITY OF DURUM WHEAT (TRITICUM TURGIDUM L.VAR DURUM) AT BISHOFTU, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECTS OF SEED RATES AND HERBICIDES ON PRODUCTIVITY OF DURUM WHEAT (TRITICUM TURGIDUM L.VAR DURUM) AT BISHOFTU, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA ESHETU REGASSA KEFENE; Lemma Degebasa (PhD); Kiya Adare (Assistant Professor ) Wheat is one of the most important food security crops which is cultivated from small to large scale farms in Ethiopia. However, its productivity has been limited due to various abiotic and biotic factors including weeds. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed rates and herbicides application on weed, growth, quality, yield component, and yield of durum wheat and to asses the economic feasibility of seed rates and herbicide application at debre zeit Agricultural research center, central highlands of Ethiopia, during the 2023 main cropping season. Treatments consisted factorial arrangements of four levels of seed rates (100,125, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 ) and two types of herbicides (2,4D L ha-1 , Pallas 45 OD 0.5L ha-1 ), and their combination, 2,4D 0.5L ha-1 + Pallas 45 OD 0.0.25L ha-1 laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that, the total of identified 13 weed species were recorded (76.03% broad and 26.93% grass weeds). The results also revealed that significant effects of seed rate by herbicide combination for most traits studied. The minimum weed densities (10.67 m -2 ) after application , was recorded from the combination of 150 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD while the maximum weed densities (31.33 m -2 ) after application was recorded at 100 kg ha-1 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD. The highest spike length (4.97cm),spikelet per spike (24.94), kernel per spike (55.69), biological yield (8.76t ha-1 ), thousand grain weight (44.53 g), and grain yield (4.37 t ha-1 ) were recorded from the combination of 150 kg ha-1 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD while, the lowest values were obtained from the control plot. However, the highest number of productive tillers (336.67 m -2 ),and harvest index (52.71%) were recorded from the combination of 150 kg ha 1 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD + 2,4D while the lowest values (110.00 m -2 and 39.20%),were observed from the control plot respectively.. Similarly, the highest hectoliter weight (66.96 Kg hl 1 ) and protein content (11.68%) were recorded from the combination of 100 kg ha-1 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD, while the lowest values (63.59 Kg hl-1 and 10.27%), were observed from the control plot respectively. Grain yield had strong positive correlations with each of the yield components, however it was negatively correlated with weed density. The partial budget analysis revealed that the highest net benefit of (221,990 ETB ha 1) with acceptable MRR of (954%) was achieved from the treatment combination of 150 kg ha-1 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD. Therefore, it can be concluded that treatment combination of 150 kg ha-1 seed rate with Pallas 45 OD proved to be superior in grain yield as well as economically profitable and recommended for use. However, this study was done for one season at a single location, the experiment has to be repeated over a year and location to reconfirm in different agro ecology and seasons to reach a conclusive recommendation. 80