Validation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers Application Rates for Maize (Zea mays L.) in Yeki District, Southwest of Ethiopia
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.,) is an important smallholder crop grown in Ethiopia. Its yields are low because of a decline in soil fertility, insufficient use of fertilizers, and blanket use of fertilizer. However, there is no Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer recommendation for Maize in Yeki District. A three-year field experiment was conducted to verify the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates for maize. The experiment consisted of three treatments; 92 kg N ha-1 + 69 kg P2O5 ha-1, 64 Kg N ha-1 + 46 kg P2O5 ha-1and no fertilizer (control) laid out using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The replication represents the four locations selected for the test. The results of the study showed that the application of 92 kg N ha-1+ 69 kg P2O5 ha-1significantly increased the growth parameters and yield of maize when compared to the other treatments. The highest maize grain yield (10052.9 kg ha-1) was obtained from the application of 92 kg N ha-1 with 69 kg P2O5 ha-1. This study further confirms the significant role of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers for maize production. From the result of the study, the application rate of 92 kg N ha-1 + 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 is recommended for increasing maize yield, particularly in the study area, and also it is economically feasible.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3137475776