Grain Yield, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Economic Benefits of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Production as Influenced by Nitrogen Split Application Timing in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is among the major cereals of Ethiopia and occupies the largest cultivated land more than any other cereals. This experiment was initiated to evaluate the appropriate nitrogen fertilizer split application timing for Quncho tef variety. The experiment was done at Holeta Agricultural Research center, West Shoa, Ethiopia. The split nitrogen application times involved in the study were  1/2 at sowing + 1/2 at mid tillering, 1/2 at sowing +1/2 at anthesis, nil at sowing + 1/2 mid tillering + 1/2 at anthesis, nil at sowing + full at mid tillering, nil at sowing + full at anthesis, 1/3 at sowing + 2/3 at mid tillering, 1/3 at sowing + 1/3 mid tillering + 1/3 at anthesis, nil at sowing + 1/3 mid tillering + 2/3 at anthesis, 2/3 at sowing + 1/3 mid tillering, 2/3 at sowing + 1/3 at anthesis, full at sowing and negative control. The experimental design used was completely randomized block design with three replications. Yield and yield components of tef crop studied includes Grain and biomass yields, plant height, panicle length and Harvest index. Timing of nitrogen fertilizer application has significant effect on yield and yield components of tef. Timing of nitrogen fertilizer 1/3 at sowing + 2/3 at mid tillering gave the highest tef plant height, panicle length, biomass yield, grain yield and harvest index compared with other nitrogen timing. It also gives the height Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency and highest economic return.

Keywords: Split application timing, Nitrogen fertilizer, Grain yield, Nitisols, Tef