Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Response for Blended (Micro-nutrient Containing) Fertilizer Application in Debub Ari Woreda of South Omo, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The soils of the study area are deficient with sulphur and boron in addition to nitrogen and phosphorous. So, the experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of sole and combined application of blended fertilizer, and recommended nitrogen and phosphorous rate on wheat yield and yield components. The experiment conducted into two consecutive years (2014 1nd 2015) of main season in Debub-Ari woreda, South Ethiopia. Nine treatments (two blended fertilizers, and recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorous) were used and treatments were replicated three times and arranged in randomized complete block design. The significant effect of fertilizers were observed on wheat yield and yield components. The application of 200 kg (14_N-21 P₂O₅-6.5S-1.2Zn-0.5B) per ha and the remaining  nitrogen (41 kg urea /ha^-1 ) top dressed, resulted 36.8 and 57% grain yield and harvest index improvement. Farmers in the area will be benefited, if applied blended fertilizer depending on soil test result.

Keywords: Blended fertilizer; Micro-nutrient; Bread wheat; Grain yield; Harvest index