Research Article
Investigation of Response of Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Blended NPSB Fertilizer in Fogera and Libo Kemkem Districts of Amhara Region
Demsew Bekele*
,
Abebe Getu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
23-34
Received:
18 November 2023
Accepted:
27 March 2024
Published:
17 April 2024
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted for three years to evaluate and determine economic optimum rate of NPSB blended + urea fertilizers for upland rice production in Fogera and Libokemkem districts of Amhara Region. Blended NPSB fertilizer rates of 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 were factorially combined with 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg urea ha-1. Zero fertilizer as control treatment and recommended NP as a reference treatment were included in the study. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results show that, in Libokemikem district, the maximum grain yield of 4.9 t ha-1 was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha-1, while the maximum dry biomass yield of 10.2 t ha-1 was recorded from 250 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha-1. In Fogera district, the maximum grain and biomass yields of 6.1 and 15 t ha-1, respectively were obtained from 250 kg NPSB + 200 kg Urea ha-1. The partial budget analysis of the pooled data indicate that at Libokemikem district, the maximum net economic return (NER) of Ethiopian birr (Birr) 48,529.70 with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1284.9% was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha-1. At Fogera district, the maximum NER of Birr 62,323.60 with MRR of 959.7% was obtained from 100 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha-1. However, it is not possible to draw conclusions that the significant yield increment recorded was due to the contribution of S and B blends in the NPSB blended fertilizer. Because, there were confounding effects of N and P nutrients in the NPSB blended fertilizer. As it is revealed in the results, the significant yield response recorded, however, was due to the increasing levels of N. Therefore, we recommend further investigation of the response of NERICA-4 (upland rice) to each nutrient (P, S and B) through nutrient omission studies.
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted for three years to evaluate and determine economic optimum rate of NPSB blended + urea fertilizers for upland rice production in Fogera and Libokemkem districts of Amhara Region. Blended NPSB fertilizer rates of 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 were factorially combined with 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg urea ha-1. Zero fer...
Show More
Review Article
Witch Weeds (Striga spp.) Dissemination and Infestation in Ethiopian: Review Article
Temesgen Teressa*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
35-42
Received:
9 February 2024
Accepted:
1 March 2024
Published:
8 July 2024
Abstract: The endemic parasitic witch weeds (Striga spp.), which are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, are progressively expanding their geographic range and degree of infection, which is significantly decreasing crop productivity. They are currently regarded as a widespread blight. The fight for economic expansion and food security is weakened by the Striga issue. Countries where Striga was only beginning to spread 25 years ago are now seeing significant annual losses in agricultural productivity. The projected yearly loss of sorghum in SSA due to Striga is 22–27%, and in Ethiopia, it is 25%. In SSA, Striga causes an annual loss of $7 billion in grains, of which $75 million is Ethiopia's portion. A significant biotic limitation and substantial danger to the production of food for subsistence in Ethiopia is Striga. The predominant species is Striga hermonthica, which is most severe in severely degraded regions of the country's north, northwest, and east, including Tigray, Wollo, Gonder, Gojjem, North Shewa, and Eastern Hararghe. Because of its wide geographic distribution and devastating effects on millions of people's livelihoods, Striga is quickly growing into a pandemic of significant proportions in the nation. Diverse sorghum germplasm may be found in Ethiopia, where there is also a chance to create Striga-resistant cultivars.
Abstract: The endemic parasitic witch weeds (Striga spp.), which are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, are progressively expanding their geographic range and degree of infection, which is significantly decreasing crop productivity. They are currently regarded as a widespread blight. The fight for economic expansion and food security is...
Show More
