Leaf and seed yield response of vegetable amaranths to nitrogen fertilizers applications and harvesting frequency at Jimma, South West, Ethiopia

Abstract Amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus) is an alternative food crop that requires fewer agronomic practices relative to other food crops. However, the yield of Amaranthus varies due to factors such as season, soil fertility, variety, and management practices. There is limited information available on certain agronomic practices for Amaranthus, such as harvesting frequency and N fertilizer application rates. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen levels and harvesting frequencies on the growth, leaf and seed yield, and yield components of the Amaranth Madiira-2 cultivar at Jimma, under irrigation. The study used a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of five N levels (0, 34.5, 69, 103.5, and 138) and three harvesting frequencies (weekly, every 2 weeks, and every 3 weeks), replicated three times. Data on phenological growth, yield, and yield components were collected and analysed using SAS software (version 9.3). The results revealed that the combined effect of nitrogen and harvesting frequency significantly influenced (p