Demonstration of Soil Test Based NPS Fertilizer Rate Based on Calibrated for Tef in Girar Jarso District of North Shewa Zone, Oromia

Abstract

The pre-extension demonstration of Soil Test based NPS fertilizer rate based on calibrated for Tef technology with its full packages practices was done to demonstrate and evaluate the newly adapted teff variety and thereby create awareness for farmers and agricultural extension agents. One improved teff variety (Dagim) was demonstrated Girar Jarso district in two kebeles (Wartu and Dire doyu) two peasant associations were selected purposely from the district based on teff production potential. The experiment was demonstrated on a simple plot with a size of 10 x 10 m. teff grain yield data, and farmer perceptions and preferences were collected and analyzed by simple descriptive statistics Soil test based NPS fertilizer rate based on p-calibrated for teff along blanket. The demonstration was under taken on different plot 10m x 10m area for each practice with row planting recommended Seed rate 15 kg/ha and Fertilizer rate NPS 92kg/ ha and UREA 92kg/ha. Mini -field day involving different stalk holders was organized at each respective site. Yield data per plot in different practice was recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, while farmers preference to demonstrated technology was identified using focal group discussion and summarized.  The demonstration result revealed that Dagim with Soil Test based NPS fertilizer rate based on calibrated technology was higher yielding and the most preferred technology by farmers. Dagim with Soil Test based NPS fertilizer rate based on calibrated technology had 26.5% yield advantage over the local check. Furthermore, Dagim with Soil Test based NPS fertilizer rate based on calibrated technology was selected by farmers. Thus, Dagim with Soil Test based NPS fertilizer rate based on calibrated technology Dagim with Soil Test based NPS fertilizer rate based on calibrated technology recommended for further scale-up.

Keywords: demonstration, soil-test, selection criteria, teff

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/14-1-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2024