Evaluation of blended fertilizer rate for better production of maize at Siltie Zone Sankura Woreda

Abstract

For sustainable crop production, the use of right fertilizer type at right amount based on crop need has a substantial significance. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) to identify the best fertilizers formulae and rate for production of maize at Silte Zone Sankura Woreda. Nine different fertilizer types and rates were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Treatments were fixed based on limiting nutrients (NPSB) of the area identified by Ethiosis. The treatments are; Control (no fertilizer), 150 kg NPSB+41 kg urea-top dress/ha, 2 00 kg NPSB+72 kg urea-top dress/ha, 250 kg NPSB+102 kg urea-top dress/ha ,100 kg NPSB + 260 kg urea top dressing, 150 kg NPSB+41 kg urea-top dress/ha+ Cu foliar application, 200 kg NPSB+72 kg urea-top dress/ha + Cu (FA) ,250 kg NPSB+102 kg ureatop dress/ha) + Cu (FA) ,100 kg NPSB + 260 kg urea top dressing + Cu (FA). Statistically significant effects (P<0.05) were observed on yield parameters studied due to applied fertilizers while growth parameters were not significantly affected. The highest grain yield (6689 kg/ha) was obtained from treatment application of 100 kg NPSB + 260 kg urea top dressing + Cu. The economic analysis also revealed that application of 100kg NPSB+260kg urea top dressed + Cu resulted with the highest net return of 43344.5 Eth-birr ha-1 with MRR having lowest total cost compared to others. Therefore, based on yield response and economic analysis application of 100kg NPSB+260kg urea top dressed + Cu is recommended for Sankura Woreda.