Combination of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Improves Tef (Eragrostis tef) Yield and Yield Components and Soil Properties on Nitisols in the, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was made to evaluate combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and yield components of tef and soil properties. The study was conducted for three consecutive cropping seasons (2015-2017) on farmers’ fields in Welmera district of Oromiya Regional State. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of organic and inorganic nutrient source on growth and yield of tef under balanced fertilizers. The treatments included eleven selected combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (Farm yard manure, Compost, Nitrogen and Phosphorus). The design was randomized complete block with three replications. Results revealed that tef yield and yield components were significantly affected by the application of organic and inorganic fertilizer sources. The highest tef grain yield (2042.6 kgha^-1) was obtained from the applications of 25% compost with 75% recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. While, highest biomass yield (8535.4 kgha^-1) was obtained from the applications of full doses of recommended N and phosphorus fertilizers. Application of the different organic fertilizers improves the organic matter, Total N, available P and pH of the soil in the study area. The result also showed that the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from application of 50% FYM (farm yard manure) + 50% recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer, which is economically the most feasible alternative for tef production on nitisols of central Ethiopian highlands. Therefore, based on the MMR application of 50% FYM (farm yard manure) + 50% recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer can be recommended for tef production for the study areas.