Evaluating the Effect of NPSB Fertilizers on Barely (Hordeum vulgare L.) Production and Productivity at Tocha Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia.

Abstract

A number of blended fertilizers (BFs) were formulated and introduced but site and crop specific rate was not identified. A research was conducted in Tocha woreda to evaluate the rate of NPSB fertilizer to improve barely yield during main cropping season of 2019 and 2020. The experiment consists of seven treatment such as  control(0) , recommended NP (69kg N and 20kg P), NPSB: 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1 (100kg NPSB),  NPSB: 41.9-37.7-6.95-0.1(100kg NPSB + 50kg Urea), NPSB: 62.85-56.55-10.425 -0.15 (150kg NPSB + 75kg Urea), NPSB: 83.8-75.4-13.9-0.2(200kg NPSB + 100kg Urea) and NPSB: 104.75-94.25-17.375-0.25 (250kg NPSB + 125kg Urea). Soil physiochemical properties of the experimental site was slightly acidic, moderate level of OC and total N, high level of exchangeable K and CEC, low level of available P, sulfur  and boron  and clay loam textural class. The significant effect of NPSB fertilizer was observed on barley yield and yield components at T6 which was  200kg NPSB + 100kg Urea and  gave significantly higher yield with the highest net benefit (124752 ETB/ha) and acceptable MRR (3262.07%). Similarly, treatment 3 and 5 gave considerable net benefit with acceptable MRR of 1062 and 149% respectively but statistically non-significant and lower MRR when compared with T6 which gave optimally yielded. Based on economic analysis and statistical information T6 which   200kg NPSB and 100kg urea treatment was recommended as the best option for barley production for farmers at Tocha woreda southwest Ethiopia  and areas with the same agro-ecology.

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