On-Farm Evaluation of the Potentials of Orga-Fertilizer on the Yields of Sorghum in Habru District of Eastern Amhara Region in Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted on farmers’ fields in Habru District of the Amhara Region in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to evaluate the competence of Orga-fertilizer with inorganic NP fertilizers in improving sorghum yields. The treatments evaluated were 1. Control (zero fertilizer), 2. 100% of the recommended inorganic N/P fertilizers (46/46 kg N/P₂O₅ ha^-1), 3. 100% of the recommended Orga-fertilizer (200 kg ha^-1) + 100% of the recommended inorganic N-fertilizer (46 kg ha^-1) and 4. 100% recommended Orga-fertilizer (200 kg ha^-1) in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Laboratory analysis results showed that 100 kg Orga-fertilizer used in the study was comprised of 1 kg total N, 23 kg P₂O₅, 21 kg Ca and 21 kg organic matter. Statistical analysis of the agronomic data collected in two consecutive experimental years revealed that there was a significant grain yield difference (P<0.05) among the treatments. Combined application of 100% the recommended Orga-fertilizer with 100% of the recommended inorganic N-fertilizer gave the highest grain yield of 2.4 t ha^-1 as compared to 2.0, 1.9 and 1.7 t ha^-1 grain yields obtained from sole application of 100% of the recommended inorganic N/P fertilizers, sole application of 100% of the recommended Orga-fertilizer and the control treatments, respectively. Hence, combined application of 100% of the recommended Orga-fertilizer with 100% of the recommended inorganic N-fertilizer, is recommended for better sorghum yield returns at Habru District and similar agro-ecologies.

Keywords: Orga-fertilizer, inorganic fertilizers, integrated use of Orga-fertilizer and inorganic NP fertilizers.