Research Article
Effect of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Potato Varieties at Mulo District, Oromia, Ethiopia
Alemu Hailu Deme*
,
Biratu Abeshu Erandufa
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-11
Received:
12 July 2025
Accepted:
30 January 2026
Published:
24 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdplants.20260101.11
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Views:
Abstract: Potato production in Ethiopia is constrained by poor soil fertility and limited use of balanced fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of varying rates of blended NPS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur) fertilizer on the growth, yield, and tuber quality of five potato varieties-Belete, Gudanie, Milki, Gera, and CIP 396004.337 (Dagem)-in Mulo District, Oromia. A factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was used to test four NPS rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1). Increasing NPS rates significantly improved aboveground biomass, with Belete reaching 6.5 t ha-1 at 300 kg ha-1. Total and marketable tuber yields also increased, with Belete achieving the highest marketable yield of 30 t ha-1. Higher fertilizer rates enhanced average tuber weight, tubers per plant, and dry matter content, benefiting processing quality. Unmarketable tuber yield declined, while tuber firmness improved, particularly in Belete and Milki, enhancing storage potential. Reducing sugar content decreased with increasing NPS, producing lighter chips suitable for processing. Sprout length was reduced at higher NPS levels, indicating improved tuber dormancy. Among the varieties, Belete consistently outperformed the others, followed by Milki and Gera, while Gudanie and CIP (Dagem) showed moderate performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating improved potato varieties with optimal NPS fertilization to enhance yield, tuber quality, and farmer income, contributing to sustainable potato production and food security in the region.
Abstract: Potato production in Ethiopia is constrained by poor soil fertility and limited use of balanced fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of varying rates of blended NPS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur) fertilizer on the growth, yield, and tuber quality of five potato varieties-Belete, Gudanie, Milki, Gera, and CIP 396004.337 (Dagem)-in Mulo Dist...
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Research Article
Effect of Inter-row Spacing of Carrot Cultivars (Daucus carota L.) at Wolaita Soddo, South Ethiopia
Zekiya Fitret,
Haylu Gebru,
Abreham Shimbulo,
Abdirshikur Reshid*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
12-22
Received:
5 January 2026
Accepted:
30 January 2026
Published:
24 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdplants.20260101.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Systematic studies on effect of inter-row spacing on carrot cultivars are limited at Wolaita area. Therefore, this study was conducted at Wolaita Soddo University plant science and horticulture research cite in 2017 cropping season to evaluate effect of inter-row spacing on growth, yield and quality of carrot cultivars. The research was conducted in randomized complete block factorial design in 3 replications. Nantes and Haramaya I carrot cultivars were evaluated at 5 inter-row spacing of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm and 50 cm. Phenological data, growth data, yield data, quality related data and alternaria blight severity and incidence occurred during plant growth were collected during experimental period. Most of collected data shows significant difference in between cultivars, inter-row spacing as well as their interaction. According to the result, Haramaya I show vigorius growth than nantes. However, in total yield and marketable yield and quality parameters nantes is found better than Haramaya I. As far as inter row is concerned, even if narrow inter-row spacing shows longer in plant height and leaf length, wider inter-row spacing shows vigorous plant growth and lower disease incidence and severity. However, in yield and quality parameter best result was obtained in narrowest inter-row spacing. Generally, best result of 37.95 tons of total yield per hectar was obtained at nantes variety grown in 10 cm by 10 cm spacing. Similarly, better marketable yield was obtained in this variety and spacing. Notably, the highest marketable root yields of 8.7 t ha-1 for the Nantes variety and 15.2 t ha-1 for another option were achieved with 10 cm inter-row spacing. Consequently, the Nantes cultivar paired with a 10 cm x 10 cm spacing emerges as a promising combination for growers. However, since this research was conducted over just one season and limited to a single location, it is advisable to further explore this study across different locations and seasons for more comprehensive recommendations.
Abstract: Systematic studies on effect of inter-row spacing on carrot cultivars are limited at Wolaita area. Therefore, this study was conducted at Wolaita Soddo University plant science and horticulture research cite in 2017 cropping season to evaluate effect of inter-row spacing on growth, yield and quality of carrot cultivars. The research was conducted i...
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