Field experiments were conducted at three locations with Zn deficient soils in southern Ethiopia during 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons to evaluate the effects of Zn fertilization strategies and varietal differences on Zn content and plant performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Factorial combinations of three Zn fertilization strategies and five varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in each location and year. A combined analysis of variance was made using a mixed effects model. Zinc foliar application increased grain Zn content by 21 and 22% over Zn soil application and seed priming, respectively. The improvements were around four folds for straw Zn content for the same comparisons. Effects of Zn application strategies on gain and straw Zn contents were consistent across locations. The grain Zn concentration varied among the varieties ranging from 34 mg kg -1 for Mastewal to 42 mg kg -1 for the Landrace and variety Arerti. Zn application strategies did not affect the growth and yield parameters, except for pod bearing branches. FoliarZn application and appropriate variety selection are potential approaches for Zn biofortification in chickpea.Further study aimed at identifying most effective spray timing for maximum grain quality response would be worthwhile to cut fertilizer and application costs.

The paper describes research results of obtained in the process of generation of appropriate cultural practices, cropping systems and other agronomic studies of cassava in Ethiopia. Based on plant population studies carried out for three consecutive years on major cassava growing areas of SNNPR, plant spacing of 100 cm x 80, 120 cm x 80 and 80 cm x 80 was recommended for Awassa, Amaro kele and Amaro Jijola areas, respectively. The moisture content of cassava roots were invariably higher in varieties Qule, Kele and local in 12th and 15th MAP; But, decreases there after markedly in a linear way. Conversely, viscosity and root yield of the cassava increases significantly (P < 0.05) starting the 12th MAP. Results of intercropping maize and cassava showed that alternate rows (1C:1M) had LER advantage of 71%. Similarly, growing cassava intercropped with haricot bean, cow pea, soy bean and mung bean resulted in LER of 1.82, 1.49. 1.48 and 1.62 compared to sole beans in Amaro area. In one study that investigated planting positions and planting parts, slant and vertical plantings are suitable in Awassa sandy soils compared to horizontal planting. Similarly, this study revealed that planting materials shall be taken from middle and top part of the main stem of cassava compared to its branches. In another study that investigated land preparation methods, it was found that furrow and ridge planting produced comparable results of 48t/ha and 43t/ha compared to 38t/ha produced by flat plantings. Planting date trial carried out for three consecutive seasons elaborated that rainfed cassava planting could be carried out from mid April to early May based on optimum marketable and total tuber yield obtained. Thus, the crop responded very well to crop management practices like plant density, land preparation methods, planting positions, intercropping, etc.and farmers or investors could optimize production by using these recommendations.

A field experiment was conducted at three locations in the southern region of Ethiopia during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons to evaluate chickpea cultivars for their response to soil zinc application, including agronomic performance, grain yield, grain zinc concentration, zinc and agronomic efficiency. Fifteen chickpea cultivars were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at each location and year. The highest number of pods (237) plant −1 was obtained from Butajira local landrace. The cultivar Naatolii produced the highest grain yield (2895 kg·ha −1 ), while the breeding line FLIP03-53C had the lowest yield (1700 kg·ha −1 ). The highest zinc concentrations of 47.5, 47.4, and 46.4 mg·kg −1 grain were obtained from the cultivar Arerti, and the two breeding lines FLIP07-27C and FLIP08-60C, respectively. The highest zinc efficiency (88%) was obtained from the Wolayita local landrace, whereas the highest agronomic efficiency of 68.4 kg yield increase kg −1 zinc application was obtained from the cultivar Naatolii. The current research identified chickpea cultivars with high grain zinc concentration, zinc efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and grain yield. The identification of cultivars with high grain zinc concentration allows the use of chickpea as a potential alternative to help to correct zinc deficiency, which is highly prevalent in the population of the region.

Background: Soil fertility decline in agricultural land is due to intensive cropping system, shortening of the fallow period, reduced manure application, extensive use of crop residues as fuel or fodder and removal of ground cover. This study investigated the effect of biochar (BC), lime and farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and grain nutrient of wheat on croplands at two sites in the southern Ethiopia.Result: Site significantly (P<0.05) influenced most growth parameters, yield and yield components, and grain nutrient concentration of wheat. The effects of BC, lime, and FYM were significant (p ≤ 0.001) on straw yield, grain yield, and total biomass. However, BC (5 t ha -1 ) produced the highest straw yield, grain yield and total biomass. The effects of BC, FYM and lime were significant (P < 0.001) on spike length and seed per spike. Similarly, BC and lime significantly (P < 0.001) affected plant height, number of total and productive tillers. BC (5 t ha -1 ) gave the highest plant height, total tillers and productive tillers, maximum number of seeds per spike,while FYM (10 t ha -1 ) produced the highest spike length. Biochar, FYM and lime significantly (p ≤0.001) affected thousand seed weight, but only BC had significant(p ≤0.001) effect on harvest index. Biochar (5 t ha -1 )and FYM (10 t ha -1 )produced the highest heaver thousand seed weight and the highest harvest index. Biochar significantly (P < 0.05) increased the concentrations of P and K of wheat grain. On the other hand, the highest effect on grain Ca concentration was from the application of lime while the highest effect on grain N concentration was from the application FYM (10 t ha -1 ).Conclusion: The superior effect from BC was attributed to improvements in soil pH, CEC, nutrient availability and water retention. In general, the use of BC could be better option to soil amendment for wheat production on croplands of smallholder farmers.

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