Optimization of plant density and fertilizer application to improve biofortified common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield on Nitisols of South-Kivu, Eastern D.R. Congo

Soil depletion constitutes a major challenge for agriculture and food security in highlands of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the split-application of nitrogen fertilizer on grain yield and profitability of maize on Nitisols in eastern DRC. The urea fertilizer (100 kg ha−1) was applied in single, two, and three split-applications on three maize varieties for two cropping seasons. Results showed that maize growth and yield parameters varied significantly with N splitting strategy, varieties, and cropping season (p < 0.01). The single N application at the 45th day after sowing presented the highest grain yield (5.5 t ha−1) compared to split-applications for both cropping seasons. The variety 'ZM 627' had the highest grain yield in both seasons (5.4 and 5.8 t ha−1 for 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons, respectively). The benefit–cost ratio analysis showed that single application was more profitable, i.e. 1.63 USD kg−1 of fertilizer compared to two (0.6 USD kg−1) and three splits (0.22 USD kg−1 of fertilizer), though dependent on used varieties. The trend was the same for agronomic efficiency (AE); the single application yielded 11 kg kg−1 of maize grains. In addition, the split applications resulted in additional labor costs. Results from this study do not, therefore, recommend the N splitting strategy for maize on South-Kivu Nitisols.

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Enhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity through establishing the area-specific fertilizer rate recommendation in southwest Ethiopia

Daemo

2024

Open Life Sciences

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The aim of this study is to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 37.7% P2O5, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield of faba bean. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rates. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center procedure. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, hundred seeds weight, biomass yield, grain yield (GY), and harvest index. The combined location mean result showed that applying a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB rate produced the highest GY (4857.2 kg ha−1). The result of economic analysis demonstrated that applying a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB rate earned the highest net benefits (212824.0 ETB ha−1) and marginal rate of return (3653.43%). Therefore, a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate is recommended for high yield and profitability of faba bean production in the study area and other similar soil types.

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Optimization of plant density and fertilizer application to improve biofortified common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield on Nitisols of South-Kivu, Eastern D.R. Congo

Cited by 5 publications

References 39 publications

Small-scale market gardeners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of chemical pesticides in the Kabare territory (South-Kivu) in Eastern D.R. Congo

Small-scale market gardeners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of chemical pesticides in the Kabare territory (South-Kivu) in Eastern D.R. Congo

Assessment of the nitrogen fertilizer split-application on maize grain yield and profitability on Nitisols of South-Kivu, Eastern D.R. Congo

Enhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity through establishing the area-specific fertilizer rate recommendation in southwest Ethiopia

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