Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Yield Attributes of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] in Gondar Zuriya District, North Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in 2014 and 2015 growing seasons in Gondar Zuria district to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and yield related parameters of tef. The experiment consisted of 14 treatments. These treatments were formed by combining of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and compost. The levels of inorganic fertilizer ranged from 0% to 100% of recommended nitrogen and phosphorous (RNP) rate. In the study area, the recommended application of nitrogen and phosphorous was 64 kg ha^-1 urea and 46 kg ha^-1 DAP, respectively. The compost was applied at 4 different levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 t ha^-1). The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) and means were separated by least significance difference test at 5% probability level for statically significant parameter.   The two years pooled result showed that integrated nutrient management significantly affected plant height, panicle length, and grain and biomass yield of tef. Application of 75% RNP combined with 12 t ha^-1 compost, and 75% RNP combined with 4 t ha^-1 compost increased grain yield by 338 and 324%, respectively compared to unfertilized plots. The maximum economic profit was recorded from application of 75% RNP combined with 4 t ha^-1 compost. Therefore, it can be recommended to apply 75% RNP combined with 4 t ha^-1 compost for high yield and economically profitable tef production in the study area.

Keywords: compost; inorganic fertilizer; nutrient management; tef; yield; economic profit

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-16-03

Publication date:September 30^th 2022