Validation of Fertilizer Requirement Map for Teff (<i>Eragrostis teff </i>(<i>Zucc.</i>)) at Lume District, East Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia's teff production, a key cereal crop, has long suffered from blanket fertilizer recommendations that fail to account for the diverse soil conditions across the country. This often leads to suboptimal yields, falling short of the crop's true potential. To address this challenge, Batu Soil Research Center embarked on a ground breaking initiative: developing a phosphorus fertilizer requirement map specifically tailored to the Lume district. To validate the effectiveness of this map, field experiments were conducted across nine peasant associations within the district. Four different fertilizer treatments were compared: unfertilized control plots, plots receiving the conventional blanket recommendation of a uniform 100/100 NPS/Urea application, plots applying phosphorus based on the newly created map (P-map), and plots receiving phosphorus calculated based on individual soil analysis (P-required). The results were striking. P-map emerged as the clear winner, driving the highest yields of both grain (2178 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and biomass (6639 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) compared to all other treatments. This impressive performance translated to a significant improvement in harvest index as well, reaching 34.11%. Notably, P-map surpassed not only the control group but also the blanket recommendation, highlighting the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach. Economic analysis further solidified the case for P-map. For farmers in Lume district, adopting this map-based approach promises a 100% marginal rate of return, making it a highly profitable investment. This economic benefit, coupled with the substantial yield improvements, paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for teff cultivation in the region. In conclusion, the fertilizer requirement map developed by Batu Soil Research Center holds immense potential for revolutionizing teff production in Ethiopia. By moving away from blanket recommendations and embracing a precision-driven approach, farmers in Lume district and beyond can unlock the full potential of this valuable crop, boosting their yields, income, and food security.