Growth, Yield-Related Traits and Yield of Lowland Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties as Influenced by Inorganic NPS and N Fertilizer Rates at Babile, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Appropriate selection of varieties based on agroecologies and application of the right amount and type of fertilizers based on crop requirements are crucially indispensable to maximize maize production. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years under main cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of blended NPS and N fertilizer rates on growth, yield components, and yield of open-pollinated maize varieties at the moisture stress area, eastern Ethiopia. The experiment was comprised of two lowland maize varieties, three blended NPS (50, 100, and 150 kg), and three N levels (43.5, 87, and 130.5 kg) ha−1 using a factorial arrangement under a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the leaf area index, thousand kernel weight, and biomass and grain yields were significantly influenced by the interaction effect of variety × NPS and N in the first growing season. The number of ears per plant, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear, and biomass yield were significantly affected due to variety in the second growing season. The maximum growth parameters and yield components were recorded from Baate and 150 kg blended NPS. Grain yield and harvest index were statistically affected by interaction effects of variety × NPS and N in both years. Therefore, the highest grain yield (9.7 t·ha−1) was produced from Baate at a combined application of 150 kg NPS and 130.5 kg N·ha−1. The partial budget analysis also confirmed that the highest net benefit (2,033.4 USD) with the highest marginal rate of return (3106.9%) was obtained at Baate variety where plants were fertilized with 150 NPS and 130.5 kg N·ha−1. In conclusion, an integrated application of 150 NPS + 130.5 kg N·ha−1 to Baate variety is agronomically optimum and economically realistic fertilizer level to get a higher grain yield in the study area.

Determination of the Appropriate Blended Inorganic Fertilizer Rate Recommendation for the Optimal Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Grain Yield and Profitability in the Dawuro Zone, Ethiopia

“…A recently introduced blended NPSB fertilizer, with a recommended application rate of 100 kg•ha −1 , has been adopted by farmers in the study area. Tis fertilizer replaces the previously utilized NPS fertilizer, representing a shift toward a more comprehensive nutrient management approach [28,29]. By incorporating additional nutrients, such as sulfur and boron alongside nitrogen and phosphorus, this blended fertilizer aims to address specifc nutrient defciencies in the soil, thereby supporting improved crop growth and productivity for farmers in the region.…”

Effect of NPS and Vermicompost Addition on the Physico-Chemical Properties of the Soil under (Zea mays) at the Bako Agricultural Research Center in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

“…Nowadays the price of fertilizer has been escalating so much to the levels that farmers cannot afford the costs to supply the required amount of nutrients. Several researchers have demonstrated the bene cial effects of combined organic materials and inorganic fertilizers mitigating de ciency of several macro-and micronutrients (Belay, 2020). In addition, many research ndings have been obtained in many parts of the country.…”

Corrigendum to “Growth, Yield-Related Traits and Yield of Lowland Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties as Influenced by Inorganic NPS and N Fertilizer Rates at Babile, Eastern Ethiopia”

“…In the article titled "Growth, Yield-Related Traits and Yield of Lowland Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties as Influenced by Inorganic NPS and N Fertilizer Rates at Babile, Eastern Ethiopia" [1], there is an error in Table 2 as identified by the authors. BHQPY 545 and MHQ138 should be corrected to Baate and Melkasa 2 as discussed in the results and conclusions.…”