Response of Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) to Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates in Ezha and Goro District of Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is the principal Ethiopian small grain cereal. Poor soil fertility management limits the production and productivity of tef. This study was designed to determine the optimum level of phosphorous (P) for better tef performance. The field experiment was conducted Ezha in Guraghe and Goro in South West Shewa in 2020/21.  Seven levels of phosphorus (0, 23, 34.5, 46, 57.5, 69 and 80.5kg/ha) were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Quncho, a commonly cultivated tef variety was used in the experiment. Analysis of the data revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher grain yield (2074.5 and 2149.3 kg ha^-1) from the treatments of 69 and 80.5 P, respectively_; while, significantly (p < 0.05) lower  grain yield (629.5 kg ha^-1) was obtained from nil. To evaluate the feasibility of treatments with view of farmers’ practices, a partial budget analysis was conducted on grain yield of tef and consequently the highest marginal rate of return  were obtained from fertilization of 69 and 80.5 P.. Therefore, based on the data obtained from the experiment, application of 69 P was recommended as management options for the production of high tef potential area of Ezha in Gurage and Goro in South West Shewa, Central Ethiopia.

Keywords:Tef, Phosphorus, Response and Fertilizer

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-10-01

Publication date:May 31^st 2022