1. Evaluation of Blended Fertilizer (NPSZnB) Rates on grain yield, nutrient uptake and economic feasibility of maize (Zea mays L.) in Kolla-Temben, Central zone of Tigrai, Ethiopia
- Author
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Hintsa Meresa Berhe and Fantaye Belay Marie
- Subjects
Nutrient ,Agronomy ,engineering ,Environmental science ,Economic feasibility ,Grain yield ,Fertilizer ,engineering.material ,Zea mays - Abstract
Background: Maize is an important cereal crop grown and consumed in Ethiopia. However, its yield is constrained by low soil fertility and improper utilization of fertilizer. Therefore the objective of this finds was to study the effect of NPSZNb fertilizer rates on grain yield, nutrient uptake and economic feasibility of maize. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Bega-Sheka in 2018/19 & 2019/2020 cropping season. The treatments were consisted of six blended fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg NPSZnB ha -1 ) and recommended p (40 kg ha -1 ). Treatments were arranged in RCBD design with three replications. Result: Analysis of variance indicated that blended fertilizer rate had statistically significant (p < 0.005) effect on plant height, ear length, number of seeds per row, grain and biomass yield. However, it did not have a significant effect on phonological traits, number of grain rows and 1000-grains weight. Application of NPSZnB fertilizer ranging from 150 to 250 kg ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1 of DAP gives the highest grain and biomass yields. Hence the higher nutrient uptake of N and P was recorded from the maximum rate of NPSZnB and P fertilizer, respectively. The MRR value showed that the highest MRR of 529% was obtains from 150 kg NPSZnB ha -1 . Conclusions: From the result of the study, application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha -1 increases yield and yield component of maize and give maximum return from unit investment which can be recommended for the study area.
- Published
- 2020
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