Research Article
Combination of Blended Fertilizer Rates and Row Spacing Variations Improving Common Bean Yield and Yield Components at Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Deresa Shumi*,
Tekalign Afeta
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
118-129
Received:
27 April 2026
Accepted:
3 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20261504.11
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Abstract: In Ethiopia, the productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is primarily limited by insufficient soil fertility and sub optimal plant spacing. Consequently, a field experiment was undertaken in southern Ethiopia to identify the most effective plant population and multi-nutrient fertilizer (NPS) application rate for achieving economically viable common bean yields. The experimental setup involved three intra-row spacing options (8cm, 10cm, and 12cm) combined with five levels of NPS application (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha). This was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The application of NPS fertilizer resulted in a decrease in soil pH. Concurrently, it led to an increase in soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and the availability of sulfur and phosphorus. However, the cation exchange capacity of the soil remained unaffected. The application of 150 kg NPS ha−1 and an intra-row spacing of 8 cm resulted in an optimal grain yield of 2505.56 kg ha−1, with a net return of 19558.99 ETB ha−1 and a marginal return rate of 93.35 percent. The best grain yield for both agronomic and economic growth and productivity for common beans was found when 150 kg of NPS was applied at an 8 cm plant spacing.
Abstract: In Ethiopia, the productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is primarily limited by insufficient soil fertility and sub optimal plant spacing. Consequently, a field experiment was undertaken in southern Ethiopia to identify the most effective plant population and multi-nutrient fertilizer (NPS) application rate for achieving economically v...
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