A field experiment was carried out on nitisols of Hidebu Abote district, North Shewa Zone, Oromia where wheat production is severely constrained by lack of an appropriate rate and types of fertilizer recommendation to evaluate wheat crop response to NPK fertilizer application. Fifteen NPK nutrients levels were considered and applied as treatments along with control (no fertilizer) at yaya Deka Bora peasant association were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at two farmers field. The ANOVA result indicated that plant height (PH), above ground biomass yield (AGBMY), straw yield (SY), Thousand grain weight (TGW), grain yield (GY) and harvest index (HI) of bread wheat showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) response to the NPK fertilizer application at both sites. The highest AGBMY (13.61 and 12.46 tons ha-1), SY (8.13 and 7.33 tons ha-1) and GY (5475.00 and 5414.33 kg ha-1) were recorded with the application of 69:30:20 NPK fertilizer combination at (site 1 and site 2) respectively and the lowest were recorded on control treatments. However the highest PH (103.8 and 97.27 cm) at site 1 and site 2 was recorded respectively with the application of 92:10:20 NPK nutrients combinations. Both the statically and economical analysis showed that 69:30:20 NPK kg ha-1 of fertilizer application results in higher yield and economically profitable for bread wheat production in the study area. However further research experiment with multi locations, cropping seasons and different bread wheat cultivar have to be required in order to give best conclusive recommendation for the farmers.

No abstract

Farmers are using NPS fertilizer rates in the area without any recommendation of crop response to the respective fertilizers This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of NPS fertilizer rate for higher yield of bread wheat in Wachale district. The experiment consisted six rates of NPS fertilizer rate supplemented with 92 kg N ha -1 laid out in RCBD with three replications. Improved variety of bread wheat Danda'a was used. The analyzed result indicated that, plant height and wheat grain yield were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by NPS fertilizer rate. The highest (94.56 cm) plant height was recorded from the application of 100% P-critical in NPS fertilizer rate and the lowest (63.62 cm) plant height was recorded from unfertilized plot. The highest (2833 kg ha -1 ) grain yield was obtained from the application of 100% P-critical in NPS fertilizer rate and the lowest (888 kg ha -1 ) grain yield was obtained from unfertilized plot. Partial budget analysis showed that the highest net benefit (53401.51 ETB ha -1 ) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (1093.80%) were obtained from the fertilizer application of 100% P critical in NPS fertilizer). Therefore, 100% equivalent rate of NPS fertilizer rate in relative to determined critical phosphorus supplemented with 92 kg N ha -1 for bread wheat could be recommended and thus soil test based crop response phosphorus fertilizer recommendation with 92 kg ha -1 of Nitrogen could be demonstrated and further scaled up for Bread wheat in Wachale district.

Composting is one of the most effective mulches and soil additives available in nature. The usefulness of this rich, dark, earthy material in enhancing the soil and producing a healthy environment for plants is well known among gardeners. The public's interest in learning how to manufacture and use compost is growing as the waste disposal situation worsens. In the years 2012-2013, the nutrient content and quality of currently used composts for agricultural purposes were assessed in various districts of North Shewa (Kuyu and G/Jarso), South West Shewa (Woliso and Becho), and Special zone of Oromia around Finfine (Akaki and Welmera) Zones, Oromia region to assess the nutrient contents of currently used composts prepared from diversified material sources for agricultural purposes, composting practices, and composting The majority of farmers see collected FYM or home garbage as compost. The compost samples were taken without regard for the material used to make them. Compost was made by some farmers from cow manure and household garbage. Even if some farmers make compost from ash, cow dung, and green leaf, they do not adequately combine and wet it. The information on the compost samples was gathered via questionnaires. Following consultation with the agricultural development office, Fitche Soil Research Center collected 116 compost samples from eight districts and analyzed them for EC, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter, C:N ratio, micronutrients, and CEC using the laboratory protocol described for each parameter. Compost generated from varied materials has a different nutritious value. 6. and k 2.8 to 70.97 are the pH of compost collected from various districts. Accordingly, based on all parameters required for quality and nutrient content analysis, the nutrient content and quality of farmers' used composts for crop production did not meet the standard. This could be due to the raw materials used and their proportions, the standard composting process, and storage conditions that did not adhere to the guidelines provided. To determine the appropriate compost maturity time, a scientific method of compost application should be followed, and it is better to train farmers on how to prepare compost so as to improve land productivity and crop yield.