Malting barley response to integrated organic and mineral nutrient sources in Nitisol

Abstract

Purpose Depletion of soil fertility accounts for the low yield and quality of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Ethiopia. Mineral fertilizers can counteract nutrient depletion but are unaffordable by low-input farmers. Organic amendments can contribute to correct soil degradation but are often unavailable in the required amounts. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of combined use of organic and mineral amendments on the yield and quality of malting barley, and on selected soil chemical properties at Lemu-Bilbilo district in the southeastern highlands of Ethiopia. Methods Eight treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications to compare sole and integrated applications of organic and mineral nutrient sources on crop performance attributes and selected soil characteristics. Results Application of 2.82 t ha −1 compost or 1.07 t ha −1 farmyard manure (FYM) along with 18-10 kg ha −1 N-P gave 4234-4443 kg ha −1 grain yield with 15-17 and 32-39% increase over sole organic amendments and control, respectively, and 757% economic benefit. Combining organic and mineral fertilizers also gave 7-17 and 1-6% increase in available soil P and total N content of the soil. Conclusion Combined application of 50% recommended compost (RC) or 50% recommended FYM (RFYM) + 50% recommended NP (RNP) or 33% RC + 33% RFYM + 33% RNP enhanced yield, grain quality, soil attributes and economic benefits. Therefore, integration of organic and mineral amendments is recommended as best agronomic and economic optimum soil fertility management options for sustainable malting barley production in the southeastern highlands of Ethiopia.

Barley Yield and Nitrogen Derived by Plants from Mineral and Organic Fertilizers with Application of 15N Stable Isotope.

“…Similar results were also reported on barley (Agegnehu et al 2016;Assefa 2015), wheat (Demelash et al 2014;Getachew et al 2014), tef (Getachew et al 2014), maize (Mahmood et al 2017;Wakene et al 2005), Okra (Afe and Oluleye 2017) and tomato (Rajaie and Tavakoly 2016). This phenomenon may be attributed to positive changes of soil characteristics and nutrients availability (Tadesse et al, 2018).…”

“…In addition, Tadesse et al, (2018) stated that integrated management of organic and mineral fertilizers achieved high yield of barley and enhanced grain quality and soil fertility. This is recommended for sustainable malting barley production.…”

Response of Cotton to Application of Organic and Inorganic Source of Nutrients in Semi-Arid Climate

“…In addition to that it improves water holding capacity of soil which is of immense importance under declining water sources. Therefore, improvement in plant height, yield and yield parameters of cotton plant might be the result of availability of ideal rhizospehre conditions owing to incorporation of FYM that affect rhizospehre microbial activity and improve mobilization of soil adhered nutrients (Muneshwer et al, 2001;Nevens and Reheul, 2003;Getachew et al, 2016;Kassu et al, 2018). Performance of plants is improved by the presence/activity of microbes including mycorrhizal fungi or nitrogen fixing symbiotic bacteria ( Jacoby et al, 2017).…”

Effect of Combined Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Food Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)

“…Getachew Agegnehu et al (2016); Assefa Workineh (2015) revealed that integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers resulted in yield benefits greater than using them alone. The improved yields of barley due to combined application of organic and mineral amendments resulted from positive changes to the soil, including increased soil pH, available P and total N, and possibly other macro-and micronutrients (Kassu Tadesse et al, 2018).…”