Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Shallot (Allium cepa L ) at Gemechis and Daro Labu Districts, West Hararghe Zone

Abstract

Shallot(Allium cepa L) is one of important cash crop in Ethiopia, The study was conducted at Gemechis and Daro labu districts of West Hararghe zone of Oromia region in 2013 - 2014 cropping season. to determine the optimum level of N and P fertilizer for optimum yield of Shallot yerus variety on soil of Gemechis and Daro labu districts of West Hararghe zone. five level of  N , 0, 72, 92. 112 and 132 and six level of  P, 0, 160, 180, 200,  220 and 240kg  treatment combination were used, Shallot(Allium cepa) ythrus variety was used as test crop. At N value, analysis of variance showed that, none significance difference at plant height, average bulb weight, marketable yield and total yield, where as significance difference found among treatment, on unmarketable yield, but treatment 42 kg N ha-¹ of and 132 kg P ha-¹ was the highest mean with 41.35cm. treatment 132 kg N ha^-1 and 240 kg P ha^-1 was the highest mean of average bulb weight with 90.5gm at followed by 87.5gm on 92 kg N ha-¹ and 240kg P ha-¹. treatment 92 kg N ha-¹ and 160 kg P ha-¹ was the highest means of marketable yield 23.0 tone/ha^-1 followed 22.6 tone/ha^-1at treatment 92 kg N ha-¹ and 220 kg P ha-¹ of respectively. and the lowest means of marketable yield 21.95 tones ha^-1 recorded by treatment 112 kg N ha-¹ and 240 kg P ha-¹. treatment 92 N kg ha-¹ and 160 kg P ha-¹ was the highest mean of total yield of 23.45 tons ha^-1 was obtained. Therefore, 92 kg N ha-¹ N  and 160 kg  ha-¹ of P fertilizer combination was recommended to the study area and similar agro ecology.

Keywords: Allium cepa, average bulb weight, Dap, marketable yield, Shallot, Urea