Effects of Organic Nutrient Sources and NPS Fertilizer on the Agronomic and Economic Performance of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Despite the fact that mineral fertilizers are widely considered as a major option for addressing the crisis of nutrient depletion, their use among smallholder farmers is not adequate due to an escalating cost. Alternatively, nutrient-rich organic sources that are easily available to farmers are not widely promoted. Thus, this study was carried out in the research field of Wolaita Sodo University, Southern Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of locally available organic nutrient sources and nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) sulfur (S) fertilizer (19N-46P2O5-7S) on the productivity and economic performance of common bean. The organic materials used were Croton (Croton macrostachyus) and Erythrina (Erythrina brucei) at 2 : 1 ratio, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments for organic fertilizer (OF) were 0, 2.5, and 5 t·ha−1 and for NPS fertilizer were 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1. Chemical composition analysis of organic materials showed high nutrient content where the amount varied from 4.7%–5.2% N, 11.07–18.6 mg/kg P, and 2.12%–3.07% K. Results on agronomic parameters revealed that the leaf area index, grain weight, number of pods per plant, dry matter per plant, and grain yield of haricot bean were significantly affected by both main and combined effects of NPS and OF fertilizers. The grain yield under integrated application of 150 kg NPS/ha and 2.5 t·OF/ha (4.16 t/ha) was significantly higher than that obtained from unfertilized crop (1.01 t/ha) by 312%. Additionally, it resulted in 34%, 31%, and 79% yield increment over the blanket dose (100 kg·NPS·ha−1), 2.5 t/ha and 5 t/ha, respectively. It was also noted that resource-poor farmers, compared to unfertilized crop, can get grain yield superior by 130% and 214% using sole OF at 2.5 and 5 t·ha−1, respectively. Furthermore, the highest economic benefit (27, 179.5EtB) was recorded from 150 kg NPS/ha + 2.5 t·OF/ha. The finding suggested that locally available organic materials of plant origin alone/integrated with NPS fertilizer are helpful for increased yield of haricot bean.

Short-Term Integrated Application of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Boron Fertilizer and the Farmyard Manure Effect on the Yield and Yield Components of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Alle Special Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

“…Mineral fertilizers are still underutilized in terms of application rates, timing, and fertilizer selection due to their high cost to small-scale farmers, as well as lack of information and training. Aside from that, using mineral fertilizers alone has negative consequences for soil microbes and the environment [11].…”

“…Furthermore, the use of integrated nutrient management has reduced the cost of mineral fertilizer by more than half [13]. In view of this, diferent scholars have reported remarkable results from the integrated application of organic and mineral fertilizers, including common bean [11,14,15]. For example, Fouda et al [14] recorded the highest grain yield values of 1681.12 (g) per plot for common bean following an integrated application of NPK 100% + compost.…”

Soil type and fertilizer rate affect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency in Ayiba, northern Ethiopia

“…Our result is also in accord with other findings ( Desta & Almayehu, 2020 ; Hřivna, Kotková & Burešová, 2015 ; Muhammad et al, 2009 ; Tola et al, 2020 ), who stated that the application of fertilizers blended with micronutrients enhanced the vegetative growth of bread wheat and ultimately increased biomass production due to sufficient assimilation process as a result of synergistically balanced nutrient supply. In southern Ethiopia, Elka & Laekemariam (2020) reported increased BY of haricot beans with an increase in the rate of NPS and organic fertilizers. The result is also in agreement with the research findings of others ( Astatke et al, 2004 ; Singh & Wanjari, 2014 ; Tesfaye, Laekemariam & Habte, 2021 ) reported in different soil types.…”

Land use/land cover dynamics, trade-offs and implications on tropical inland shallow lakes’ ecosystems’ management: Case of Lake Malombe, Malawi

“…Nkwanda et al (2021) also noted the strong relationship between water quality degradation and aerial coverage of the water bodies in the Lilongwe River catchment. The scenario depicted in Lake Malombe also applies to other African tropical inland freshwater shallow lakes (Elka & Laekemariam, 2020). For example, in Malawi, reported that Lake Chilwa in Southern Malawi experienced severe water recession due to prolonged dry spells and frequent drought leading to the disruption of ESs.…”