Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Maize (Zea mays L.) Yield in in Meki and Adamitulu, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Abstract

Application of different rates and sources of N fertilizers significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced the entire crop parameters tested except stand count and ear length at both testing sites. The significantly different and maximum grain number per ear (410), 1000 grain weight (276 gm), and grain yield (4033 kg ha^-1) were obtained from the application of the lowest N rate (46 kg N ha^-1). Maximum grain number per ear (376), 1000 grain weight (216 gm) and grain yield of maize (3653kg ha^-1) were received from the application of the lowest rate of N from urea stable (urea treated with urease inhibitor).The agronomic efficiency of N responded positively to the applications of the low rates of N fertilizer from urea stable (46 kg N) applied at planting where the maximum agronomic efficiency (34.63) at Adamitulu and (17.52) at Meki were recorded from plots treated with 46 kg N ha^-1 of urea treated with urease inhibitor (urea stable). The maximum apparent recovery (AR), partial factor productivity (PFP) and agronomic efficiency (AE) of N was obtained from the lowest rate of N from urea stable (urea coated with urease inhibitor) applied at periods of planting at both study sites. On the other hand, the highest physiological efficiency (PE) of N was observed at 92 kg of N from urea stable applied at time of planting at both study sites. The study shows that the highest economic benefits were recorded from the lowest rate of N (46 kg N ha^-1) from urea stable. Hence the maximum net benefits (30368.9 birr) with MRR of (461%) were recorded from the lowest rate of N (46 kg N ha ^-1) from Urea stable at Adamitulu. Similarly, at Meki, the maximum economic response was received from the application of the low rate of N from urea stable where maximum net benefits (27286.9) and MRR (369.34%) were obtained from the application of 46 kg N ha^-1 at planting time. Therefore, 46 kg N ha^-1 of urea treated with urease inhibitor is recommended for farmers to maximize their production of maize at Adamitulu and Meki areas.

Keywords: urea stable, Nitrogen use efficiency, maize

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/14-2-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2023