Effect of NPS and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum L.</i>) at Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at Chaliya district Chobi Tulu Chori kebele and Horo District Gitilo Dole Kebele during 2018 and 2019 main cropping season to identify optimum agronomic and economic threshold of NPS and Nitrogen fertilizers. The experiment consisted of two factors (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha -1 NPS rates) and (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg ha -1 Nitrogen rates). A total of 20 treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in 5x4 factorial arrangement. The results indicated that primary branch, capsule per plant, above ground dry biomass and yield were significantly affected by the main effect of NPS and nitrogen fertilizers. The highest grain yield (1400kg and 1382 kg ha -1 ) were obtained from the application of 25 kg NPS + 69 N kg ha -1 and 25 kg NPS + 46 kg ha -1 N fertilizers respectively. The lowest grain yield (520 kg ha -1 ) was recorded from the control treatment (0 kg NPS + 0 kg ha -1 N fertilizers). This indicates that 62.86% yield reduction was recorded as compared to the application of 25 kg NPS ha -1 + 69 kg N ha -1 fertilizer. The highest net benefit (35389ETB) and acceptable marginal rate of return (2038%) were obtained from the application of 25 kg NPS ha -1 + 46 kg N ha -1 . Therefore application of 25 kg NPS + 46 kg N ha -1 fertilizer rates was recommended for production of linseed in the study areas and similar agroecology.