The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (<i>Zea May L.</i>) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia

Tolera Emamu; Tesfaye Wakgari

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia

Tolera Emamu, Tesfaye Wakgari

Published in International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences (Volume 7, Issue 5)

Received: 25 August 2021 Accepted: 28 September 2021 Published: 30 October 2021

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Abstract

Low soil fertility and nutrient unavailability due to loss of soil organic matter content and low fertilizer input are among the major maize crop production constraints in Ethiopia, particularly, in Toke kutaye Woreda. An integrated use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers are indispensible to improve this condition of soil. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to assess the effect of combined use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize. In order to achieve this objective field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consist of different combinations of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates. The results of the study showed that all the treatments applied were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control or NPS fertilizer alone, while, bulk density was decreased below the control due to the different rates of organic amendments. The higher pH value of vermicompost caused relative increase in soil pH over the control. It was observed that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, exchangeable potassium over the control. Moreover, increasing doses of amendments applied to soil increased grain yield, than that of control treatment, sole use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer, and low rate application. It can be concluded that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers were improved organic matter and nutrient contents of the soils which in turn increased crop yields. Hence, in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain maize crop production, farmers of the study area and similar agro ecologies are advised to make integrated use of vermicompost at (5 t ha-1) and NPS inorganic fertilizer at (50 kg ha-1) tentatively. Nevertheless, to develop a concrete recommendation further research studies are needed over long seasons, soil types and crop varieties.

Published in	International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences (Volume 7, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
Page(s)	247-257
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Soil Fertility, NPS Fertilizer, Physicochemical Properties, Vermicompost

References

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Tolera Emamu, Tesfaye Wakgari. (2021). The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 7(5), 247-257. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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Tolera Emamu; Tesfaye Wakgari. The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. Int. J. Appl. Agric. Sci. 2021, 7(5), 247-257. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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Tolera Emamu, Tesfaye Wakgari. The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. Int J Appl Agric Sci. 2021;7(5):247-257. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16,
  author = {Tolera Emamu and Tesfaye Wakgari},
  title = {The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences},
  volume = {7},
  number = {5},
  pages = {247-257},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijaas.20210705.16},
  abstract = {Low soil fertility and nutrient unavailability due to loss of soil organic matter content and low fertilizer input are among the major maize crop production constraints in Ethiopia, particularly, in Toke kutaye Woreda. An integrated use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers are indispensible to improve this condition of soil. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to assess the effect of combined use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize. In order to achieve this objective field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consist of different combinations of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates. The results of the study showed that all the treatments applied were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control or NPS fertilizer alone, while, bulk density was decreased below the control due to the different rates of organic amendments. The higher pH value of vermicompost caused relative increase in soil pH over the control. It was observed that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, exchangeable potassium over the control. Moreover, increasing doses of amendments applied to soil increased grain yield, than that of control treatment, sole use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer, and low rate application. It can be concluded that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers were improved organic matter and nutrient contents of the soils which in turn increased crop yields. Hence, in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain maize crop production, farmers of the study area and similar agro ecologies are advised to make integrated use of vermicompost at (5 t ha-1) and NPS inorganic fertilizer at (50 kg ha-1) tentatively. Nevertheless, to develop a concrete recommendation further research studies are needed over long seasons, soil types and crop varieties.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia
AU  - Tolera Emamu
AU  - Tesfaye Wakgari
Y1  - 2021/10/30
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
T2  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
SP  - 247
EP  - 257
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-7885
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
AB  - Low soil fertility and nutrient unavailability due to loss of soil organic matter content and low fertilizer input are among the major maize crop production constraints in Ethiopia, particularly, in Toke kutaye Woreda. An integrated use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers are indispensible to improve this condition of soil. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to assess the effect of combined use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize. In order to achieve this objective field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consist of different combinations of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates. The results of the study showed that all the treatments applied were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control or NPS fertilizer alone, while, bulk density was decreased below the control due to the different rates of organic amendments. The higher pH value of vermicompost caused relative increase in soil pH over the control. It was observed that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, exchangeable potassium over the control. Moreover, increasing doses of amendments applied to soil increased grain yield, than that of control treatment, sole use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer, and low rate application. It can be concluded that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers were improved organic matter and nutrient contents of the soils which in turn increased crop yields. Hence, in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain maize crop production, farmers of the study area and similar agro ecologies are advised to make integrated use of vermicompost at (5 t ha-1) and NPS inorganic fertilizer at (50 kg ha-1) tentatively. Nevertheless, to develop a concrete recommendation further research studies are needed over long seasons, soil types and crop varieties.
VL  - 7
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Tolera Emamu

Agriculture and Natural Resource Office, Guliso, Ethiopia
Tesfaye Wakgari

Department of Natural Resource Management, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia

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Tolera Emamu, Tesfaye Wakgari. (2021). The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 7(5), 247-257. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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Tolera Emamu; Tesfaye Wakgari. The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. Int. J. Appl. Agric. Sci. 2021, 7(5), 247-257. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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Tolera Emamu, Tesfaye Wakgari. The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia. Int J Appl Agric Sci. 2021;7(5):247-257. doi: 10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16,
  author = {Tolera Emamu and Tesfaye Wakgari},
  title = {The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences},
  volume = {7},
  number = {5},
  pages = {247-257},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijaas.20210705.16},
  abstract = {Low soil fertility and nutrient unavailability due to loss of soil organic matter content and low fertilizer input are among the major maize crop production constraints in Ethiopia, particularly, in Toke kutaye Woreda. An integrated use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers are indispensible to improve this condition of soil. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to assess the effect of combined use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize. In order to achieve this objective field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consist of different combinations of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates. The results of the study showed that all the treatments applied were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control or NPS fertilizer alone, while, bulk density was decreased below the control due to the different rates of organic amendments. The higher pH value of vermicompost caused relative increase in soil pH over the control. It was observed that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, exchangeable potassium over the control. Moreover, increasing doses of amendments applied to soil increased grain yield, than that of control treatment, sole use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer, and low rate application. It can be concluded that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers were improved organic matter and nutrient contents of the soils which in turn increased crop yields. Hence, in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain maize crop production, farmers of the study area and similar agro ecologies are advised to make integrated use of vermicompost at (5 t ha-1) and NPS inorganic fertilizer at (50 kg ha-1) tentatively. Nevertheless, to develop a concrete recommendation further research studies are needed over long seasons, soil types and crop varieties.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Effect of Application of Vermicompost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea May L.) at Toke Kutaye, Ethiopia
AU  - Tolera Emamu
AU  - Tesfaye Wakgari
Y1  - 2021/10/30
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
T2  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences
SP  - 247
EP  - 257
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-7885
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16
AB  - Low soil fertility and nutrient unavailability due to loss of soil organic matter content and low fertilizer input are among the major maize crop production constraints in Ethiopia, particularly, in Toke kutaye Woreda. An integrated use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers are indispensible to improve this condition of soil. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to assess the effect of combined use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize. In order to achieve this objective field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consist of different combinations of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates. The results of the study showed that all the treatments applied were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control or NPS fertilizer alone, while, bulk density was decreased below the control due to the different rates of organic amendments. The higher pH value of vermicompost caused relative increase in soil pH over the control. It was observed that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, exchangeable potassium over the control. Moreover, increasing doses of amendments applied to soil increased grain yield, than that of control treatment, sole use of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer, and low rate application. It can be concluded that the application of vermicompost along with NPS fertilizers were improved organic matter and nutrient contents of the soils which in turn increased crop yields. Hence, in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain maize crop production, farmers of the study area and similar agro ecologies are advised to make integrated use of vermicompost at (5 t ha-1) and NPS inorganic fertilizer at (50 kg ha-1) tentatively. Nevertheless, to develop a concrete recommendation further research studies are needed over long seasons, soil types and crop varieties.
VL  - 7
IS  - 5
ER  -

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