Evaluation of Different Blended Fertilizers Types and Rates for Better Production of Teff (Eragrostis tef) Yield and Yield Components in Tembaro District Kembata Tembaro Zone Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The current study was conducted for two consecutive years (218 and 2019) on clay particle dominated soils of Bohe and Bachira kebele in Temabro district kembata Tembaro Zone southern Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to evaluate different blended fertilizer types and rates for better production of Teff in the study area. The trial have nine treatments (0), (34.5- 37.7-0- 6.95-0.1-0), (46- 55.05-0-10.425-0.15-0), (69-75.4-0-13.9-0.2-0), (34.5-37.7-0-6.95-0.1-0.4), (46-55.05-0-10.425-0.15-0.4), (69-75.4-0-13.9-0.2-0.4), (34.5-37.7-30-6.95-0.1) and (34.5-37.7-30-6.95-0.1-0.4) from NPKSBCu fertilizer sources. The experimental design was randomized compete block design (RCBD) across farmers field and repeated three times per farmer. The highest teff grain yields were recorded with application of 100kg NPSB+ 15.6 kg Urea (T2), 100kg NPSB+30 kg potassium fertilizer (K) (T8), 150kg NPSB+ 38.4 kg Urea (T3) and 200kg NPSB + 67.83 kg Urea per hectare (T4) as compared to T1, T5, T6, T7 and T9. Based on this finding four treatments (T2, T3, T4 and T8) were showed better yield response and those could be suggested as alternative fertilizer sources and soil management options for teff production in the study area. Finally the application of 100kg NPSB+30 kg Potassium fertilizer (34.5-37.7-30-6.95-0.1) and 150 kg NPSB (46- 55.05-0-10.425-0.15) were recommended as first and second options. Economic analysis also reviled that the highest marginal rate return of 16.72 and 7.24 were recorded respectively. The soils of the study area were strongly acidic and poor in available soil nutrient content. Therefore it needs integrated soil fertility management practices for further production of crops in the study area.