Effects of integrated nutrient application on phenological, vegetative growth and yield-related parameters of maize in Ethiopia

Declining soil fertility was the major factor for lower productivity of maize and to combat these problems, commercial fertilizers have been applied. However, rising costs of inorganic fertilizers may not encourage the smallholder farmers. Therefore, in sourcing for an alternative that reduces the cost of production while increasing the productivity, integrated soil fertility management has been recommended. Several research attempts have been made to optimize the integrated uses of organic and inorganic fertilizers at different locations. An experiment conducted in Bako concluded use of 12 t ha(-1) of FYM with 28/12 NP(2)O(5)kg ha(-1) saved up to 75% cost of commercial fertilizer. A trial at Wolaita recommended combined use of compost (5 t ha(-1)) with 50 kg urea and 100 kg DAP ha(-1). Another field experiment conducted in Western Oromiya, application of 150/50 kg ha(-1) of the Urea and DAP with 4 t FYM ha(-1) was recommended for sustainable production of maize. An experiment conducted at Wujiraba concluded better yield and quality obtained with the application of 120 kg N and 15 kg S ha(-1) with 10 t ha(-1) of compost. Another trial conducted on an acidic nitosol of Southwestern Ethiopia concluded application of 50% recommended NP and 50% compost gave the highest grain yield. A field experiment at Wolaita also indicated, using compost at 5 t ha(-1) fortified with urea is better. Another work done at Ebantu showed that combination of vermicompost at 2.5 t ha(-1) and mineral P fertilizer (20 kg ha(-1)) with lime (4 t ha(-1)) was optimum.