Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of rates and time of nitrogen fertilizer application on yield and yield components of sorghum in northern Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen (23, 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1) and three time of N application (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative, 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting stage, 1/3 dose at sowing, 1/3 dose at mid vegetative and 1/3 dose at booting stage). The main effect of rate of N application showed significantly the highest days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length and biomass yield (10716 kg ha-1) at 92 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the highest days to flowering, leaf area index (2.86) and panicle weight were obtained from three split application and the maximum biomass yield (10142 kg ha-1) was recorded from two split application of N (1/2 dose each at mid-vegetative and at booting stage). The interaction of rates and time of application of nitrogen had significantly the highest 1000 kernels weight (44.67 g), grain yield (4635 kg ha-1) and harvest index from 69 kg N ha-1 in three split application. Economic analysis showed that maximum net benefit of 33053.23 ETB ha-1 from 69kg N ha-1 in three split application. Based on the results, it can be concluded that application of 69 kg N ha-1 in three splits to be appropriate to increase the productivity of sorghum in the study area.
The Contingency plans cover contingency strategies to be taken up by farmers in response to major weather related aberrations such as delay in onset and breaks in monsoon causing early, mid and late season droughts, floods, unusual rains, extreme weather events such as heat wave, cold wave, frost, hailstorm and cyclone.
Methods of varietal identification in crops .This ppt includes a summed up details of all the types of varietal identification methods used in identifying crop
Package practice of Moringa or Drumstick. This PPT includes Moringa Taxonomy, Origin, Distribution, Varieties, Land Preparation, Soil, Propagation, Irrigation, Manure and Fertilizer, Disease, Pests and management, Harvesting, Yield with Clear Image.
28. Breeding for resistance to abiotic stresses – drought resistance – mechanisms of drought resistance (drought escape, avoidance, tolerance, and resistance) – features associated with drought resistance – sources of drought resistance – breeding methods for drought resistance – limitations – achievements; breeding for resistance to water logging – effects of water logging mechanism of tolerance – ideotype for flooded areas – breeding methods.
The Contingency plans cover contingency strategies to be taken up by farmers in response to major weather related aberrations such as delay in onset and breaks in monsoon causing early, mid and late season droughts, floods, unusual rains, extreme weather events such as heat wave, cold wave, frost, hailstorm and cyclone.
Methods of varietal identification in crops .This ppt includes a summed up details of all the types of varietal identification methods used in identifying crop
Package practice of Moringa or Drumstick. This PPT includes Moringa Taxonomy, Origin, Distribution, Varieties, Land Preparation, Soil, Propagation, Irrigation, Manure and Fertilizer, Disease, Pests and management, Harvesting, Yield with Clear Image.
28. Breeding for resistance to abiotic stresses – drought resistance – mechanisms of drought resistance (drought escape, avoidance, tolerance, and resistance) – features associated with drought resistance – sources of drought resistance – breeding methods for drought resistance – limitations – achievements; breeding for resistance to water logging – effects of water logging mechanism of tolerance – ideotype for flooded areas – breeding methods.
This ppt prepared by santosh raut as doctorial seminar
( Ph.D/Agronomy)
This ppt useful for students, all those related agriculture and other peoples. This ppt provide useful information related to organic rice with including reference/ case studies .
This ppt prepared by santosh raut as doctorial seminar
( Ph.D/Agronomy)
This ppt useful for students, all those related agriculture and other peoples. This ppt provide useful information related to organic rice with including reference/ case studies .
Similar to Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing on yield and yield ...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted at Gode Polytechnic College demonstration farm in 2013 under irrigation to observe the effect of six N rates (0, 46, 69, 92, 115 and 138 kg ha-1) and four intra-row spacing levels (7.5, 10 12.5 and 15 cm) on yield and yield components of onion (Allium cepa L.). The experiment was laid out according to randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Results of the analysis revealed that the interaction effects of N rates and intra-row spacing showed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on harvest index, fresh biomass yield, dry biomass yield, total bulb yield and marketable bulb yield. Thus, according to the result of partial Budget analysis application of 138kg N ha-1 planted at 7.5cm plant to plant distance was found the best treatment than others in relation to yield and yield components of onion under Gode condition.
Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Under Different Supplementary Irri...CrimsonpublishersMCDA
Field experiment was conducted in Humera in 2015 main cropping season in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) to study the performance of sesame under different supplementary irrigation applications and nitrogen fertilizer rates. The study consists of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer rates (0kg N2/ha, 23kgN2/ha, 37.5kgN2/ha and 46kgN2/ha) and three levels of supplementary irrigation; rain-fed (I0), four irrigations (I4), and six irrigations (I6). Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in two splits, with the first half at sowing and the remaining half 30 days after emergence. Data on plant height, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight, harvest index, aboveground biomass and grain yield were recorded. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), in indicated that application of nitrogen fertilizer significantly (p<0.05) affected sesame grain yield. The highest grain yield 423.4kg/ ha, and 455kg/ha was obtained from application of 46kg nitrogen per hectare, and six supplementary irrigation. The results obtained in this experiment showed that, application of supplementary irrigation could be an important climate change adaptation strategy in areas where onset and cessation of rainfall occur.
A Comprehensive research study on effect on combine application of nitrogen and boron on yield and Growth of sunflower.
By Ravi Banjade
IAAS TU, Nepal
Email : rabibanjade3@gmail.com
Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application on Concentration and Uptake of ...Premier Publishers
Field study was conducted in 2015 cropping season in North Shoa, Central Highlands of Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were determining the N and P concentration in plant parts and their uptake by wheat. The treatment contained four level of N (0, 32, 64 and 96 kg/ha) and four level of P (0, 23, 46 and 69kg P2O5/ha) which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The source of N and P were urea and TSP, respectively. Wheat variety, Digelu, was used as a test crop. Interaction of N by P produced highly significant difference on the concentration of N and P in the grain, concentration of P in the straw, P uptake by grain and total P uptake by wheat. Similarly, highly significant differences were observed on the concentration of N and P in the grain, concentration of N and P in the straw, P uptake by the grain, and total P uptake by wheat due to main effect N and P. Nitrogen uptake by straw and grain as well as total uptake were also highly significant only due to main effect N. Phosphorus uptake was only significant due to main effect N.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important crops globally. There is little information on balanced use of chemical fertilizer on potato production in Benchi-Maji Zone. Thus, a field experiment was conducted with the objective to investigate the effect of NPS fertilizer rate on the growth parameters of potato. The treatment consisted of four levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) which were laid out in RCBD with three replications. Improved potato variety "Gudene" was used as a test crop. NPS fertilizer rate had significantly influenced almost all the tested parameters of potato. Day’s to 50% flowering was highly significantly affected by NPS rate. Early day to flower were obtained with the application of 100 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer and late flowering recorded at 150 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer application rate. Significantly highest plant height of potato was obtained from application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer and the smallest height is obtained from application of 50 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer.
A field experiments were conducted for two year (2011and 2012) at Areka Agricultural Research Center, in the South Region of Ethiopia to evaluate the response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to N and P fertilizers. Four levels of N (18, 27, 36 and 45 kg N/ ha) and three levels of P (46, 69 and 92 kg P2O5 /ha) with control were arranged in RCBD with three replications. Application of nitrogen increased significantly grain yield of common bean up to 116% than the control. And phosphorus application at a rate of 69 kg P2O5/ha increased significantly grain yield by 113% than control. The highest grain yield was obtained by the application of 45 kg N /ha and 69 kgP2O5/ha, though 45 kg N /ha rate had not cause statistically significant different grain yield than the preceding lower rates (36 and 27 kg N/ha). The economic analysis also supported that the highest net benefit of 23,110 Ethiopian Birr ETB/ha with marginal rate of return of 1270% was obtained by the application of 27 kg N/ha. Net benefit of 21,070 ETB/ha with marginal rate of return of 80% were obtained by the application of 69 kgP2O5/ha. As a result, a combined application of 27 kg N/ha and 69 kgP2O5/ha are optimum and economical for better common bean production at Areka and similar areas.
Effect of Farmyard Manure and Mineral NP Fertilizers on Yield Related Traits ...Premier Publishers
Declining soil fertility is one of the major problems causing yield reduction in Ethiopia. Farmers at Areka apply both organic and inorganic fertilizers to overcome the problem and increase yield of potato. However, information on the application of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer is inadequate to the area to increase the yield of potato crop. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Areka, Southern Ethiopia during the 2016 cropping season with the objective of assessing the effect of farmyard manure and mineral NP fertilizers on yield related traits and yield of potato. There were twenty treatments comprising of four levels of FYM (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 t ha-1) with five levels of combined mineral NP fertilizers [0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of blanket recommended rates of NP (110 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1)] in randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. The results showed that the main effect of FYM and mineral NP fertilizers were significant (P<0.01) on tuber number per hill, tuber size category and tuber yield in tha-1. There was significant interaction effect of FYM and mineral NP fertilizers on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height. The maximum total and marketable tuber yields of 35.11t ha-1, and 33.97 t ha-1recorded at the rate of 7.5 t ha-1 FYM respectively while the maximum total and marketable tuber yield of 37.97 t ha-1and 36.78 t ha-1respectively were obtained in response to the application of 100% blanket recommended mineral NP fertilizer rate.
Response of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Different Rates of Nitrogen and P...Premier Publishers
In Ethiopia, wheat is being cultivated on about 1.51 million hectares, delivering 3.3 million tons of grain yields. However, productivity of this crop is low compared to its potential due to many factors among which N and P play a vital role. Field study was conducted in 2014 crop season at Fiche-Salale with the objective of determining the optimum rates of N and P fertilizer for wheat production. The treatments consist factorial combination of four level of N (0, 32, 64 and 96 kg/ha) and four level of P (0, 23, 46 and 69kg P2O5/ha) which were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Wheat variety, Digelu, was used as a test crop. The result of the study indicated that grain and biological yields were significantly affected only due to main effect N. The highest (3284 kg/ha) and lowest (2383 kg/ha) grain yield was obtained from application of 96 kg N/ha and 0 kg N/ha, respectively. Similarly, the highest (6611.00 kg/ha) and lowest (5145.00 kg/ha) biological yield was obtained from 96 kg N/ha and 64 kg N/ha, respectively. The highest MRR was also attained at 96 kg N/ha (6998.80%). Hence, 96 kg N/ha is profitable for the area.
Wheat is a temperate crop requiring low temperatures for growth and yield. Production of wheat in the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria is restricted to periods of low temperatures that prevailed from early November to late February. Based on the above, field experiments were conducted in two locations at the University Teaching and Research Farm during 2016/2017 dry season to determine the most appropriate planting date and planting method in the study area. The two locations were: Fadama Teaching and Research farm at Jega (Lat. 12°12.99' N; long. 4° 21.90'; 197m above sea level) and the University orchard at Aliero (lat. 12°18.64'N; long. 4°29.85'; 262 above sea level). Both Jega and Aliero are located within Sudan Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four Planting dates (1st November, 15th November 1st December and 15th December 2016) and three Planting Methods (Drilling, Dibbling and Broadcasting). The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that grain number per spike; grain weight per spike, 1000-grain weight, straw yield, and grain yield were higher when planted on 15th November and 1st December. On the other hand, drilling and dibbling methods resulted to higher stand count, plant height, leave number, leaf area index, days to 50% heading, grain number per spike, grain weight per spike, 1000-grain weight straw and grain yields than broadcasting method. Based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that planting of wheat from 15th November to 1st December coupled with either dibbling or drilling methods of planting gives the best wheat yield in the study area.
Key-words: Ecological Zone, Planting Date, Planting Methods, Savanna, Triticum aestivum
In the Guinea savannah zone of northern Ghana, the soils are reported to be declining for agricultural productivity. In these farming communities that depend on soybean production for their livelihoods, resource-poor farmers are not able to afford purchases of high cost inorganic phosphatic fertilizers to enhance the crop’s production. The need arises to identify efficient practices and strategies and research into alternative means of enhancing soybean production to improve food security. This Randomized Complete Block Design as an experimental tool was employed to carry out a research in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana (Tolon District) to assess the agronomic and economic productivity of rhizobia inoculation use in soybean production. Treatments used for the experiment were sole soybean production, soybean + recommended phosphorus (P) fertilize rate, soybean + inoculums, and soybean + P + inoculum. A planting distance of 60*10cm was used during planting. Each treatment was replicated three times. Growth and yield data were collected on plant height, nodule number and dry weight, shoot dry weight, pods number and dry weight, grain yield, 100 seed weight and nodule effectiveness. The results revealed the existence of significant difference in grain yield between treatments (p = 0.011). Soybean + inoculation + P gave the highest yield of 3.6 t/ha followed by soybean + inoculation (3.17 t/ha), soybean + P (2.97 t/ha) and soybean only (2.6 t/ha) respectively. Significant difference was also observed for number of pods between treatments (p= 0.01), with soybean + inoculation + phosphorus recording the highest followed by soybean + inoculation, soybean + phosphorus and soybean-only treatment respectively. However, use of sole inoculation in soybean production was associated with the least production cost, high revenue generation and high benefit/cost ratio. As rhizobia inoculation of soybean produced higher yields and is comparatively cheaper than phosphorus application, inoculation is suggested for the resource poor farmer in Northern Ghana.
Integrated Use of NPS Fertilizer and Compost on Yield and Yield Component of ...Premier Publishers
The field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combined application of NPS fertilizer and compost on yield and yield components of maize at Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia during 2017/18 main cropping season. The experiment involved factorial combinations of five rates of NPS fertilizer (0/0/0, 23/17.25/3.2, 46/34.5/6.4, 69/51.75/9.6, 92/69/12.8 kg ha-1 N/P2O5/S) and five rates of compost based on N-equivalence of recommended fertilizer rate (0, 2.3, 4.6, 6.9 and 9.2 ton ha-1) laid out in 5×5 factorial arrangements in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Combined application of NPS fertilizer and compost significantly (P<0.05) affected number of grains per row, grain yield and above ground biomass. However, number of ears per plant, ear length, number of grains per ear, ear diameter, thousand grain weight and harvest index were not affected by combined application of NPS fertilizer and compost. The highest grain yield (8453.2 kg ha-1) was obtained from combined application of 92/69/12.8 kg ha-1 N/P2O5/Sand 9.2ton ha-1 compost. The yield was increased by 223.54% over control and 24.1% over recommended NPS fertilizer. In conclusion, combined application of 69/51.75/9.6 kg ha-1 N/P205/S (75%) and 4.6ton ha-1 (50%) compost can sustain the maize production in the study area and similar agro ecology.
Growth, Yield and Economic Advantage of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in R...AI Publications
Haphazard and low soil fertility, low yielding verities and poor agronomic practices are among the major factors constraining onion production in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in East Showa Zone of Adami Tulu Jido Combolcha district in central rift valley areas at ziway from October 2021 to April 2022 to identify appropriate rate of NPSB fertilizer and planting pattern of onion varieties. The experiment was laid out in split plot design of factorial arrangement in three replications. The main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates and varieties (red coach and red king) significantly (p<0.01) influenced plant height, leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf number and fresh leaf weight, shoot dry matter per plant, and harvest index. Total dry biomass, bulb diameter, neck diameter, average fresh bulb weight, bulb dry matter, marketable bulb yield, and total bulb yield were significantly (p<0.01) influenced only by the main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates. In addition, unmarketable bulb yield was statistically significantly affected (p≥0.05) by the blended fertilizer rates and planting pattern. Moreover, days to 90% maturity of onion was affected by the main factor of NPSB fertilizer rate, variety and planting pattern. The non-fertilized plants in the control treatment were inferior in all parameters except unmarketable bulb yield and harvest index. Significantly higher marketable bulb yield (41 t ha-1) and total bulb yield (41.33 t ha-1) was recorded from 300 kg ha-1 NPSB blended fertilizer rate applied. Double row planting method and hybrid red coach onion variety had also gave higher growth and yields. The study revealed that the highest net benefit of Birr, 878,894 with lest cost of Birr 148,006 by the combinations of 150 kg blended NPSB ha-1 with double row planting method (40cm*20cm*7cm) and red coach variety which can be recommendable for higher marketable bulb yield and economic return of hybrid onion for small scale farmers in the study area. Also, for resource full producers (investors), highest net benefit of Birr 1,205,372 with higher cost (159,628 Birr) by application of 300 kg NPSB ha-1 is recommended as a second option. However, the research should be replicated both in season and areas to more verify the recommendations.
Evaluating Plantmate organic manure and prime EC foliar on plant performance ...Innspub Net
Trials for the effectiveness of Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food for increased yields for selected crops were done in five different Agro-ecological zones and soil types, in Kenya. The approach was executed through controlled greenhouse experiment and in the field. The trials data obtained indicated Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food in combination with half the rate of recommended inorganic fertilizer performed significantly (p<0.05) better than all other treatments. Thus, plots treated with Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food gave higher yields in common beans, French beans, maize, onions, cabbages, capsicum with percentages exceeding 100 compared to the control in most cases. In many soils fertilizers are fixed and rendered insoluble under certain soil conditions such as soil pH. The Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food ameliorated the soil conditions as it interacted with inorganic fertilizer thus increasing its use efficiency by crops. Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food not only increased soil chemical fertility but also improves water use efficiency at low matric potential and generally improves plant vigor and soil health.
Production of food in resource-constrained environments that have poor inherent soil nutrition depends on tillage and cropping systems that provide high yields, preserve soil, water and biodiversity. This research was conducted in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana, during the 2015-2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of tillage and cropping systems on sustainable production of maize and soybean by resource-poor farmers. The experiment was a split-split plot design with four replications. The factors consisted of tillage system at three levels (plough, ripping and direct-seeding) laid out as main plots, fertilizer rate at three levels (0 kg/ha, half the recommended rate of 30-15-15 kg/ha and the recommended optimum rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha NPK) laid as sub-plots and cropping system at two levels (sole maize, maize-soybean intercrop) laid on the sub-sub plot. Apart from leaf area that had significant three-way interaction of tillage, cropping system and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05), all other growth parameters were affected by either two factor interaction or a sole factor. Grain yield of maize was significantly influenced by sole maize and fertilizer rate with highest yield occurring under the full rate (3.4 t/ha) compared with the half rate (2.7 t/ha), amounting to yield difference of about 700 kg/ha. Yield of soybean under the integrated production was affected by interaction of tillage system and fertilizer rate. Highest soybean yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded under the ploughed condition at the full rate of fertilizer application. Though sole maize, ploughed and with full rate of fertilizer application, gave similar benefit/cost ratio as that of the integrated production with half rate of fertilizer application, the intercropped system with half fertilizer rate resulted in 45% more increases in profit compared to the sole production with full fertilizer rate. Integrated production of maize and soybean, with half the recommended rate of NPK (30-15-15 kg/ha) is therefore recommended to resource-poor farmers in northern Ghana.
Similar to Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia (20)
Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pe...Premier Publishers
In Benin, chilli pepper is a widely consumed as vegetable whose production requires the use of performant varieties. This work assessed, at Parakou and Malanville, the performance of six F1 hybrids of chilli including five imported (Laali, Laser, Nandi, Kranti, Nandita) and one local (De cayenne), in completely randomized block design at four replications and 15 plants per elementary plot. Agro-morphological data were collected and submitted to analysis of variance and factor analysis of mixed data. The results showed the effects of variety, location and their interactions were highly significant for most of the growth, earliness and yield traits. Imported hybrid varieties showed the best performances compared to the local one. Multivariate analysis revealed that 'De cayenne' was earlier, short in size, thin-stemmed, red fruits and less yielding (≈ 1 t.ha-1). The imported hybrids LaaliF1 and KrantiF1 were of strong vegetative vigor, more yielding (> 6 t.ha-1) by developing larger, long and hard fruits. Other hybrids showed intermediate performances. This study highlighted the importance of imported hybrids in improving yield and preservation of chili fruits. However, stability and adaptation analyses to local conditions are necessary for their adoption.
An Empirical Approach for the Variation in Capital Market Price Changes Premier Publishers
The chances of an investor in the stock market depends mainly on some certain decisions in respect to equilibrium prices, which is the condition of a system competing favorably and effectively. This paper considered a stochastic model which was latter transformed to non-linear ordinary differential equation where stock volatility was used as a key parameter. The analytical solution was obtained which determined the equilibrium prices. A theorem was developed and proved to show that the proposed mathematical model follows a normal distribution since it has a symmetric property. Finally, graphical results were presented and the effects of the relevant parameters were discussed.
Influence of Nitrogen and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispani...Premier Publishers
Chia is an emerging cash crop in Kenya and its production is inhibited by lack of agronomic management information. A field experiment was conducted in February-June and May-August 2021, to determine the influence of nitrogen and spacing on growth and yield of Chia. A randomized complete block design with a split plot arrangement was used with four nitrogen rates as the main plots (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) and three spacing (30 cm x 15 cm (s1), 30 cm x 30 cm (s2), 50 cm x 50 cm (s3)). Application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased (p≤0.05) vegetative growth and seed yield of Chia. Stem height, branches, stem diameter and leaves increased by 23-28%, 11-13%, 43-55% and 59-88% respectively. Spacing s3 significantly increased (p≤0.05) vegetative growth. An increase of 27-74%, 36-45% and 73-107% was recorded in number of leaves, stem diameter and dry weight, respectively. Chia yield per plant was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in s3. However, when expressed per unit area, s1 significantly produced higher yields. The study recommends 120 kg N ha-1 or higher nitrogen rates and a closer spacing of 15 cm x 30 cm as the best option for Chia production in Kenya.
Enhancing Social Capital During the Pandemic: A Case of the Rural Women in Bu...Premier Publishers
Social capital plays an essential role in empowering people for social and economic change even during the pandemic. A livelihood project of the government was implemented among the members of a women’s association of a disadvantaged upland community in Bukidnon province, Southern Philippines for inclusive development. This study was conducted to determine the influence of some socio-economic attributes and the change in the knowledge level on the social capital of the rural women amidst the pandemic. The activities of the project were implemented considering the health protocols imposed by the government during the health crisis. The findings revealed that the trainings conducted resulted to a positive change in the knowledge level among the rural women. This facilitated the production of vegetables for their households and generated additional income very necessary during the pandemic especially that other economic activities were hindered. Similarly, there was a significant increase in the social capital of the rural women during the last two years. The main occupation, sources of income and their ethnicity significantly influenced the social capital of the rural women. The rural development workers and policymakers must consider the social capital of the group in the implementation of poverty alleviation programs.
Impact of Provision of Litigation Supports through Forensic Investigations on...Premier Publishers
This paper presents an argument through the fraud triangle theory that the provision of litigation supports through forensic audits and investigations in relation to corporate fraud cases is adequate for effective prosecution of perpetrators as well as corporate fraud prevention. To support this argument, this study operationalized provision of litigation supports through forensic audit and investigations, data mining for trends and patterns, and fraud data collection and preparation. A sample of 500 respondents was drawn from the population of professional accountants and legal practitioners in Nigeria. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and this was mailed to the respective respondents. Resulting responses were analyzed using the OLS multiple regression techniques via the SPSS statistical software. The results reveal that the provision of litigation supports through forensic audits and investigations, fraud data mining for trends and patterns and fraud data collection and preparation for court proceedings have a positive and significant impact on corporate fraud prevention in Nigeria. This study therefore recommends that regulators should promote the provision of litigation supports through forensic audits and investigations in relation to corporate fraud cases in publicly listed firms in Nigeria, as this will help provide reports that are acceptable in court proceedings.
Improving the Efficiency of Ratio Estimators by Calibration WeightingsPremier Publishers
It is observed that the performances of most improved ratio estimators depend on some optimality conditions that need to be satisfied to guarantee better estimator. This paper develops a new approach to ratio estimation that produces a more efficient class of ratio estimators that do not depend on any optimality conditions for optimum performance using calibration weightings. The relative performances of the proposed calibration ratio estimators are compared with a corresponding global [Generalized Regression (GREG)] estimator. Results of analysis showed that the proposed calibration ratio estimators are substantially superior to the traditional GREG-estimator with relatively small bias, mean square error, average length of confidence interval and coverage probability. In general, the proposed calibration ratio estimators are more efficient than all existing estimators considered in the study.
Urban Liveability in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Perspective fr...Premier Publishers
Urbanization and quality of urban life are mutually related and however it varies geographically and regionally. With unprecedented growth of urban centres, challenge against urban development is more in terms of how to enhance quality of urban life and liveability. Making sense of and measuring urban liveability of urban places has become a crucial step in the context of sustainable development paradigm. Geographical regions depict variations in nature of urban development and consequently level of urban liveability. The coastal regain of West Bengal faces unusual challenges caused by increasing urbanization, uncontrolled growth, and expansion of economic activities like tourism and changing environmental quality. The present study offers a perspective on urban liveability of urban places located in coastal region comprising of Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts. The study uses the liveability standards covering four major pillars- institutional, social, economic and physical and their indicators. This leads to develop a City Liveability Index to rank urban places of the region, higher the index values better the urban liveability. The data for the purpose is collected from various secondary sources. Study finds that the eastern coastal region of the country covering state of West Bengal depicts variations in index of liveability determined by physical, economic, social and institutional indicators.
Transcript Level of Genes Involved in “Rebaudioside A” Biosynthesis Pathway u...Premier Publishers
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a plant which has recently been used widely as a sweetener. This medicinal plant has some components such as diterpenoid glycosides called steviol glycosides [SGs]. Rebaudioside A is a diterpenoid steviol glycoside which is 300 times sweeter than table sugar. This study was done to investigate the effect of GA3 (50 mg/L) on the expression of 14 genes involved in Rebaudioside A biosynthesis pathway in Stevia rebaudiana under in vitro conditions. The expression of DXS remarkably decreased by day 3. Also, probably because of the negative feedback of GA3 on MEP-drived isoprenes, GGDS transcript level reached its lowest amount after GA3 treatment. The abundance of DXR, CMS, CMK, MCS, and CDPS transcripts showed a significant increase at various days after this treatment. A significant drop in the expression levels of KS and UGT85C2 is detected during the first day. However, expression changes of HDR and KD were not remarkable. Results revealed that the level of transcript of UGT74G1 and UGT76G1 up regulated significantly 4 and 2 times higher than control, respectively. However, more research needs to shed more light on the mechanism of GA3 on gene expression of MEP pathway.
Multivariate Analysis of Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) Clones on Mor...Premier Publishers
Information on genetic variability for biochemical characters is a prerequisite for improvement of tea quality. Thirteen introduced tea clones characterized with objective; assessing tea clones based on morphological characters at Melko and Gera research stations. The study was conducted during 2017/18 cropping season on experimental plots in RCBD with three replications. Data recorded on morphological traits like days from pruning to harvest, height to first branch, stem diameter, leaf serration density, leaf length, leaf width, leaf size, petiole length, leaf ratio, internode length, shoot length, number of shoot, canopy diameter, hundred shoot weight, fresh leaf yield per tree. Cluster analysis of morphological trait grouped into four clusters indicated, the existence of divergence among the tested clones. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between clusters I and IV (35.27) while the minimum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters I and II (7.8).Principal components analysis showed that the first five principal components with eigenvalues greater than one accounted 86.45% for 15 morphological traits. Generally, the study indicated presence of variability for several morphological traits. However, high morphological variation between clones is not a guarantee for a high genetic variation; therefore, molecular studies need to be considered as complementary to biochemical studies.
Causes, Consequences and Remedies of Juvenile Delinquency in the Context of S...Premier Publishers
This research work was designed to examine nature of juvenile offences committed by juveniles, causes of juvenile delinquency, consequences of juvenile delinquency and remedies for juvenile delinquency in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa with specific reference to Eritrea. Left unchecked, juvenile delinquents on the streets engage in petty theft, take alcohol or drugs, rape women, rob people at night involve themselves in criminal gangs and threaten the public at night. To shed light on the problem of juvenile delinquency in the Sub-Saharan region data was collected through primary and secondary sources. A sample size of 70 juvenile delinquents was selected from among 112 juvenile delinquents in remand at the Asmara Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in the Eritrean capital. The study was carried out through coded self-administered questionnaires administered to a sample of 70 juvenile delinquents. The survey evidence indicates that the majority of the juvenile respondents come either from families constructed by unmarried couples or separated or divorced parents where largely the father is missing in the home or dead. The findings also indicate that children born out of wedlock, families led by single mothers, lack of fatherly role models, poor parental-child relationships and negative peer group influence as dominant causes of juvenile infractions. The implication is that broken and stressed families are highly likely to be the breeding grounds for juvenile delinquency. The survey evidence indicates that stealing, truancy or absenteeism from school, rowdy or unruly behavior at school, free-riding in public transportation, damaging the book of fellow students and beating other young persons are the most common forms of juvenile offenses. It is therefore, recommended that parents and guardians should exercise proper parental supervision and give adequate care to transmit positive societal values to children. In addition, the government, the police, prosecution and courts, non-government organizations, parents, teachers, religious leaders, education administrators and other stakeholders should develop a child justice system that strives to prevent children from entering deeper into the criminal justice process.
The Knowledge of and Attitude to and Beliefs about Causes and Treatments of M...Premier Publishers
Stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness are a common occurrence in the Sub-Saharan region including Eritrea. Numerous studies from Sub-Saharan Africa suggest that stigma and discrimination are major problems in the community, with negative attitudes and behavior towards people with mental illness being widespread. In order to assess the whether such negative attitudes persist in the context of Eritrea this study explored the knowledge and perceptions of 90 Eritrean university students at the College of Business and Economics, the University of Asmara regarding the causes and remedies of mental illness A qualitative method involving coded self-administered questionnaires administered to a sample of 90 university students to collecting data at the end of 2019. The survey evidence points that almost 50% of the respondents had contact with a mentally ill person suggesting that the significant number of the respondents experienced a first-hand encounter and knowledge of mental illness in their family and community. The findings show an overall greater science-based understanding of the causes of mental illness to be followed by recommended psychiatric treatments. The survey evidence indicates that the top three leading causes of mental illness in the context of Eritrea according to the respondents are brain disease (76%), bad events in the life of the mentally ill person (66%) and substance abuse or alcohol taking, smoking, taking drugs like hashish. (54%). The majority of the respondents have a very sympathetic and positive outlook towards mentally ill persons suggesting that mentally illness does not simply affect a chosen individual rather it can happen to anybody regardless of economic class, social status, ethnicity race and religion. Medical interventions cited by the majority of the respondents as being effective treatments for mental illness centered on the idea that hospitals and clinics for treatment and even cures for psychiatric disease. Changing perceptions of mental illnesses in Eritrea that paralleled the very caring and sympathetic attitudes of the sample university students would require raising public awareness regarding mental illness through education, using the mass media to raise public awareness, integrating mental health into the primary health care system, decentralizing mental health care services to increase access to treatment and providing affordable service to maintain positive treatment outcomes.
Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc on the Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Soybean ...Premier Publishers
An investigation was carried out at Kogi State University Student Research and Demonstration farm Anyigba during the 2019 wet season to observe the effect of phosphorus and zinc on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The treatments comprised three levels: phosphorus and zinc (0, 30 and 60 kg P2O5/ha; 0, 5 and 10kg Zn/ha) and two varieties TGX 536 – 02D and Samsoy 2. The investigation revealed that application of phosphorus affected growth, nodulation, yield and some yield components of soybean while zinc application, apart from the plant height, which is reduced significantly, had no significant effect on other growth characters, nodulation, yield and yield components. However, it was generally found to decrease most of the characters. Application of 60 kg P2O5/ha gave the highest growth and yield, while 30 kg P2O5/ha gave the highest nodulation. Application of 60 kg P2O5/ha significantly increased yield to 1.9t/ha, which was significantly higher over the control plots, which gave 1.7t/ha. Crude protein and oil contents of the seeds were not significantly affected by phosphorus application but were significantly affected by zinc application, which significantly decreased protein content as its amount an increase from 0 to 10 kg/ha, and significantly increased oil content from 0 to 5kg/ha and decreased it below 5kg/ha. It was also revealed that the two varieties responded similarly to phosphorus and zinc in terms of growth, grain yield and crude protein content of the seeds.
Influence of Harvest Stage on Yield and Yield Components of Orange Fleshed Sw...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted at Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center in 2018 under rainfed condition with supplementary irrigation to determine the influence of harvest stage on vine yield and tuberous root yield of orange fleshed sweet potato varieties. The experiment consisted of four harvest stages (105, 120, 135 and 150 days after planting) and Kulfo, Tulla and Guntute varieties. A 4 X 3 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Interaction of harvest stage and variety significantly influenced above ground fresh biomass, vine length, marketable tuberous root weight per hectare, commercial harvest index and harvest index. The highest mean values of above ground fresh biomass (66.12 t/ha) and marketable tuberous root weight (56.39 t/ha) were produced by Guntute variety harvested at 135 days after planting. Based on the results, it can be recommended that, farmers of the study area can grow Guntute variety by harvesting at 135 days after planting to obtain optimum vine and tuberous root yields.
Performance evaluation of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) and variability study...Premier Publishers
This study aimed at assessing genetic variability and to evaluate the performance of 13 improved upland rice varieties for yield and its components based on morphological traits. The field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design at Guraferda and Gimbo districts in the 2019 main cropping season. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) over the two locations revealed significant differences (p≤ 0.05) among varieties for days to 50% heading, days to 85% maturity, panicle length, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield. Similarly, the ANOVA for variety by location interactions depicted significant differences among the tested varieties for days to 50% heading, days to 85% maturity, and thousand-grain weight. High heritability was obtained from days to heading (88.5%), panicle length (85.0%), and grain yield (85.2%), which indicates these traits can be easily improved through selection. High to medium broad sense heritability and genetic advance as percentage of the mean for days to heading, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield indicates a good opportunity for improvement through selection using their phenotypic performance. This is mainly due to the high role of additive gene action in the expression of such traits. This study confirmed the presence of variability among varieties for most of the studied traits, which will create an opportunity for breeders to improve rice yield and other attributes.
Response of Hot Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) to Deficit Irrigation in Bennatse...Premier Publishers
This study was conducted at Enchete kebele in Benna-Tsemay Woreda, South Omo Zone to evaluate the response of hot pepper to deficit irrigation on yield and water productivity under furrow irrigation system. The experiment comprised four treatments (100 % of ETc, 85% of ETc, 70 % of ETc and 50% of ETc), respectively. The experiment was laid out in RCBD and replicated four times. The two years combined yield results indicated that, the maximum total yield (20.38 t/ha) was obtained from 100% ETc while minimum yield (12.92 t/ha) was obtained from 50% of ETc deficit irrigation level. The highest WUE 5.22 kg/ha mm-1 was obtained from 50% of ETc. Treatment of 100% ETc irrigation application had highest benefit cost ratio (4.5) than all others treatments. Applying 50% of ETc reduce the yield by 37% when compared to 100 % ETc. Accordingly, to achieve maximum hot pepper yield in areas where water is not scarce, applying 100% ETc irrigation water application level throughout whole growing season under furrow irrigation system is recommended. But, in the study area water scarcity is the major limiting factor for crop production. So, it is possible to get better yield and water productivity of hot pepper when we apply 85% ETc irrigation water throughout growing season under furrow irrigation system.
Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Waste: A Study of Sabo Market, Ikorodu, ...Premier Publishers
Nigeria is still burdened with huge responsibilities of waste disposal because the potential for benefits of proper waste management is yet to be harnessed. The paper evaluates the capacity of the Sabo Cattle market in producing the required quantities of waste from animal dung alongside decomposed fruits with a view to generating renewable energy possibilities for lighting, security and other business activities of the market. It is estimated that about 998 million tons of agricultural waste is produced yearly in the country with organic wastes amounting to 80 percent of the total solid wastes. This can be categorized into biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. The paper evaluates the capacity of the Sabo Cattle market in producing the required quantities of waste from animal dung alongside decomposed fruits with a view to generating renewable energy possibilities for lighting, security and other business activities of the market. The Sabo market was treated as a study case with the adoption of in-depth examinations of the facility, animals and products for sale and waste generated. A combination of experimental, interviews (qualitative) and design simulation (for final phase) was adopted to extract, verify and analyse the data generated from the study. Animal waste samples were subjected to compositional and fibre analysis with results showing that the sample has high potency for biogas production. Biodegradable Wastes are human and animal excreta, agricultural and all degradable wastes. Availability of high quantity of waste generated being organic in Sabo market allows the use of anaerobic digestion to be proposed as a waste to energy technology due to its feasibility for conversion of moist biodegradable wastes into biogas. The study found that at peak supply period during the Islamic festivities, a conservative 300tonnes of animal waste is generated during the week which translates to over 800kilowatts of electricity.
Influence of Conferences and Job Rotation on Job Productivity of Library Staf...Premier Publishers
The general purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of conferences and job rotation on job productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The survey research design was used for this study using questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. This study covered the entire population of 661. Out of these, 501 copies of the questionnaire representing 75.8% were duly completed and returned for analysis. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the research questions. The finding showed that conferences had no significant influence on the job productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria (F cal= 7.86; t-vale =6.177; p >0.005). Finding also showed that job rotation significantly influences job productivity of library staff in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria (F-cal value= 18.65; t-value = 16.225; P<0.05). This study recommended that, government should ensure that library staff participate in conferences with themes and topics that are relevant to the job they perform and also ensure that there should be proper evaluation and feedback mechanism which aimed to ensuring control and minimize abuse of their development opportunities. Again, there should be written statement of objectives in order to sustain job rotation programmes. Also, that training and development needs of library staff must be identified and analyzed before embarking on job rotation processes as this would help to build skills, competences, specialization and high job productivity.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Structure and Composition of Urinary Calculi of...Premier Publishers
Microscopic examination of urine samples collected from geriatric dogs revealed increased numbers of erythrocytes, leucocytes, epithelial cells and pus cells along with casts, bacteria, spermatozoa and crystals of various shapes. Among the different crystals, triple phosphate or struvite were predominant, followed by calcium oxalate dihydrate, calcium oxalate monohydrate and ammonium urate or biurate. The struvite crystals were, coffin-lid shape and while calcium oxalate dihydrate were octahedron or envelope and monohydrate crystals demonstrated “picket fence” and “dumbbell” and “hemp seed” appearance. Brown or yellow-brown spherical bodies with irregular borders with thorn-apple appearance were shown by ammonium urate or biurate crystals. SEM aspects of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals revealed perpendicular columnar strata, few with scattered hexa or octa-hedral coffin-lid shaped crystals and calcium phosphate crystals were like cracked eggshells. Presence of wavy phases with sundry areas (uric acid), picket fence (calcium oxalate monohydrate) and typical envelope (calcium oxalate dehydrate) were electron microscopic appearance of various crystals.
Gentrification and its Effects on Minority Communities – A Comparative Case S...Premier Publishers
This paper does a comparative analysis of four global cities and their minority districts which have been experiencing the same structural pressure of gentrification. The main contribution of this paper is providing a detailed comparison of four micro geographies worldwide and the impacts of gentrification on them: Barrio Logan in San Diego, Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, the Mission District in San Francisco, and the Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus District in Vienna. All four cities have been experiencing the displacement of minority communities due to increases in property values. These cities were chosen because their governments enacted different policies to temper the gentrification process. It was found that cities which implemented social housing and cultural inclusionary policies were more successful in maintaining the cultural and demographic make-up of the districts.
Oil and Fatty Acid Composition Analysis of Ethiopian Mustard (Brasicacarinata...Premier Publishers
The experiments was conducted at Holetta Agricultural Research Center, to analyze forty nine Ethiopian Mustard land races for oil and fatty acid composition traits The experiment was carried out in a simple lattice design. The analysis of variance showed that there were highly significant differences among genotypes for all oil and fatty acid traits compared. The significant difference indicates the existence of genetic variability among the land races which is important for improvement
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
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It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
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The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
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Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
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Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
2. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Abera et al. 599
In Ethiopia, during 2016/17 cropping season
(1,881,970.73 hectares) of land area was covered by
sorghum with the average yield productivity of 2.5 ton ha-1
(CSA, 2017). It is known for its versatility and diversity, and
is produced over a wide range of agro-ecological zones.
Main sorghum producing regions are Oromia, Amhara,
Southern Nations and Nationalities and Peoples
(S.N.N.P.) and Tigray. The leading sorghum producing
zones are East and West Hararge Zone in Oromia, North
Gondar and North Shoa Zone in Amhara (Demeke and Di
Marcantonio, 2013). In Tigray region, sorghum was
produced on 253757.11 hectares of land with average
yield productivity of 2.8 tons ha-1and in Southern Zone of
Tigray sorghum was produced on 48947.55 hectares of
land in the year 2016/17 cropping season with with
average yield of 2.1 ton ha-1 (CSA, 2017).
In the study zone, the average yield of sorghum is even
below the national yield average. The low productivity of
sorghum in developing countries including Ethiopia can be
attributed to many biotic and abiotic factors, like erratic rain
full, disease and pest and low soil fertility (CSA, 2017). Low
soil moisture or drought can reduce nutrient uptake by
roots and induce nutrient deficiency by decreasing the
diffusion rate of nutrients from soil to root, creating
restricted transpiration rates and impairing active transport
and membrane permeability (Yared et al., 2010). This
indicates that considering soil moisture or rainfall
distribution of an area is very important to limit the amount
of fertilizer to be applied.
Low soil fertility, particularly N and P deficiencies are
among the major biophysical constraints affecting
agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to Sanchez
et al., (1997), soil fertility depletion in smallholder farmers'
holdings is the fundamental biophysical root cause of
declining per capita food production. Nitrogen (N) is
commonly the most limiting nutrient factor for crop
production in the majority of the world's agricultural areas
and therefore adoption of good N management strategies
often results in large economic benefits to farmers.
Fertilizer N has contributed more than any other fertilizer
towards increasing yield of grain crops, including sorghum.
Consequently, N has become the foremost input in relation
to cost and energy requirement in advanced agricultural
production systems (Yousf, 1993).
Nitrogen is a major input in sorghum production, affecting
both yield and quality through influencing those
components which have great contribution in increasing
grain yield of sorghum (Wondimu, 2004). But in Ethiopia,
throughout the country, farmers use this fertilizer
(nitrogen/urea) as a blanket recommendation 46 kg N ha-1
which is the same rate of fertilizer application without
considering the soil moisture condition and the fertility
status of the soil of an area even though soil moisture
content and soil fertility status vary from place to place.
This problem is also common in the Southern Tigray area
which is one of the most sorghum producing areas of the
country.
Proper timing of application is the most important factor for
N fertilizer management. Plant use efficiency of N depends
on several factors including application time, rate of N
applied, cultivar and climatic conditions (Kidist, 2013). The
management of N application time is essential to ensure
sustained nutrition at the end of vegetative growth.
Therefore, the total amount of N should be divided into
suitable fractions to be applied to best satisfy the
requirement of the growing sorghum crop. The aim is to
avoid increasing early vegetative growth and to encourage
the development of the upper most green parts directly
involved in grain formation. Too late application, may lead
to N starvation where as too early supply may also
increase tillering and vegetative growth.
However, farmers in Ethiopian low land area apply N
fertilizer in the form of urea at sub-optimal blanket rate of
46 kg ha-1 of N in the form of urea mostly only once or
twice at the time of sowing, and this limits the potential
productivity of cereal crops (Bekele et al., 2000). Farmers
in Raya Valley district also apply low amounts of N in the
form of urea only one time at sowing or at a vegetative
growth stage for sorghum production (Personal
observation). Thus, there is lack of information on the
response of sorghum to rate and time of N fertilizer
application in South Tigray Zone of Northern Ethiopia. In
general, blanket recommendations, regardless of
considering the physical and chemical properties of the
soil, the soil moisture status; varieties grown etc as well as
application of maximum dose of fertilizer at one time do not
lead to increased yield of the crop. This may lead to low N
uptake efficiency of crops due to erratic rain fall
distribution. Therefore, the objectives of the study were:
➢ to assess the effects of rates and time of N fertilizer
application on yield components and yield of
sorghum;
➢ to estimate the most economic rate and time of N
fertilizer application for increased yield of sorghum in
the study area.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Description of the Study Area
The experiment was conducted at Mehoni Agricultural
Research Center (Fachagama) located in Northern
Ethiopia, Tigray regional state, Southern zone under Raya
Valley in main season from July to October 2017 under
supplementary irrigation. The geographical location of the
site is at 12º 41' N latitude and 39º 42' E longitudes and at
an altitude of 1578 metere above sea level (m.a.s.l) and
about 678 km north from Addis Ababa and 120 km south
of Tigray regional capital, Mekele. The area has minimum
and maximum average annual temperatures of 13.19ºC
and 23.95ºC, respectively. The average annual rainfall is
539 mm (MhARC, 2017).
3. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 600
Experimental Materials
The sorghum variety used in this experiment was Meko
which was released by Melkassa Agricultural Research
Center. The variety is adapted to lowland altitudes < 1600
masl, early maturing type, its productivity under research
field ranged from 2.2-3.3 tons ha-1 and in farmer field
condition 1.7 tons ha-1. Urea (46% N) and triple super
phosphate (TSP) with 46% P2O5 were used as source of
nitrogen and phosphorus respectively (MARC, 1997).
Soil Sampling and Analysis
Soil samples at a depth of 0-30 cm were taken from five
random spots diagonally across the experimental field
using auger before planting. The collected soil samples
were composited to one sample. The bulked soil samples
were air dried in shade house to reduce contamination,
thoroughly mixed and ground to pass 2 mm sieve size
before laboratory analysis. Then the samples were
properly labeled, packed and transported to Mekele soil
laboratory. After that, soil organic carbon, total N, soil pH,
available P, cation exchangeable capacity (CEC),
electrical conductivity (EC) and texture were analyzed at
Mekelle Soil Laboratory Research Center.
The soil pH was measured in the supernatant suspension
of a 1: 2.5 soil to water ratio using a standard glass
electrode pH meter (Rhoades, 1982). The Walkley and
Black (1934) method was used to determine the organic
carbon (%). Total N was determined using Kjeldhal
method as described by Bremner and Mulvaney (1982).
Available P (mg kg-1) was determined by employing the
Olsen et al. (1954) method using ascorbic acid as the
reducing agent. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) in
cmol (+) kg-1 was measured using 1M-neutral ammonium
acetate method (Jackson, 1973). Electrical conductivity
(EC) was determined in the soil to water suspension of 1:5
(Jackson, 1973). The soil particle size distribution was
determined using the Bouyoucos hydrometer method
(Bouyoucos, 1962).
Treatments and Experimental Design
The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block
design (RCBD) with three replications. Improved, early
matured sorghum variety (Meko-I) was used for the trial.
Factorial combination of four rate of nitrogen (23, 46, 69
and 92 kg ha-1) and three time of N application were
adjusted according to Zadoks et al., (1974) decimal growth
stage for sorghum. Timings of N application were adjusted
as follows: T1 (1/2 dose at sowing + 1/2 dose at mid-
vegetative); T2 (1/2 dose at mid-vegetative + 1/2 dose at
booting stage) and T3 (1/3 dose at sowing + 1/3 dose at
mid-vegetative + 1/3 dose at booting stage) were applied
as treatments.
The gross size of experimental plot was 3.75 m ×3.6 m
(13.5 m2) accommodating five rows of sorghum planted at
a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 20 cm between
plants. The net sampling plot size was 2.25 m × 3.2 m (7.2
m2) in all the cases, in which the two outer most rows and
one plant at both ends of the row considered as borders
leaving three middle rows for sorghum with the length of
3.2 m for data collection and measurement.
Experimental Procedure and Field Management
Land preparation was done at the beginning of June with
tractor, harrowed and leveled before planting. The seeds
were planted at row spacing of 75 cm and plant spacing of
20 cm recommended for sorghum and done by hand in the
rows as uniformly as possible and covered with soil
manually at rate of two seeds per hill then, after
emergence it was thinned to one seedling per hill.
Sorghum was planted on half of July, 2017. Nitrogen
fertilizer in the form of urea (46% N) was applied as per
treatment 5 cm away from the sorghum. The in-situ soil
moisture conservation practice (tied ridging) was made to
harvest water. The full dose of P (46 kg P2O5 ha-1) was
applied uniformly in band application in the form of triple
super phosphate (TSP) at planting time of sorghum for all
experimental units.
All other necessary agronomic management practices like
weeding and crop protection measures were carried out
uniformly are recommende for sorghum. Supplementary
irrigation was used when there was shortage of rainfall
during the execution of the experiment. When rain was
stop at critical time sorghum was irrigate three times in one
week interval up to maturity. The supplementary irrigation
was made using ground water resource through furrows.
Data Collection and Measurement
Crop phenology
Days to 50% flowering: was recorded as the number of
days from planting to the date at which 50% of the plants
in a plot produced flower.
Days to 90% maturity: It was also recorded on the date
at which 90% of the panicles per plot reached physiological
maturity. The development of black layer on the kernels,
which appears immediately above the point of kernel
attachment base, is an indication of maturity.
Growth parameters
Leaf area (LA): Five plants per net plot were randomly
taken to measure leaf area per plant (cm2) at 50% heading
using the method described by Sticker et al., (1961) as:
leaf area = length of the leaves × maximum width of leaf
×0.75 where, 0.75 is the correction factor for sorghum and
leaf area index (LAI): the leaf area index was calculated as
the ratio of unit leaf area per plant to the ground area
covered by the plant (Radford, 1967). .
4. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Abera et al. 601
Plant height: was measured at physiological maturity
from the ground level to the tip of panicle from five
randomly taken plants and was averaged on per plant
basis.
Panicle length: It is the length of the panicle from the node
where the first panicle branches emerge to the tip of the
panicle which was determined from an average of five
randomly taken panicles per net plot.
Yield components and yield
Initial stand count: It was recorded by counting the
number of plant after thinning from the net plot area.
Stand count at harvest: It was determined by counting
the number of plants from the net plot area at the time of
harvesting.
Number of productive tillers: It was recorded by
counting those tillers which bear panicle with grains from
the net plot area.
Panicles numbers: It was determined counting the total
number of sorghum panicles found in the net plot area
including panicles from the tillers.
Panicle weight (g): Samples of five panicles were
weighed after harvesting and sun drying to determine
weight per panicle.
Thousand kernels weight (g): was determined by
counting 250 grains in duplicates and weighting them on
an electronic balance. The weights obtained were
multiplied by two to get the 1000 kernels weight. The
weight was adjusted to 12.5% moisture level.
Above ground dry biomass (kg): It was measured after
the plants from the net plot area were harvested and sun
dried till constant weight.
Grain yield (kg): It was obtained from all plants of net plot
area. It was determined using sensitive balance after the
panicles were threshed, cleaned and sun dried and the
yield was adjusted to 12.5% moisture level. Then, it was
converted to kg ha-1 basis.
Harvest index (HI): It was computed as ratio of grain yield
to the bio mass yield per plot as:
HI = Grain yield per plot (kg) x100
Aboveground dry biomass per plot (kg)
Agronomic efficiency (AE)
Agronomic efficiency is defined as the economic
production obtained per unit of nitrogen applied and was
calculated as: AE (kg kg-1) =
𝐺𝑓 (𝑘𝑔)−𝐺𝑢(𝑘𝑔)
𝑁(𝑘𝑔)
where, AE
stands for agronomic efficiency, Gf and Gu for grain yield
in fertilized and unfertilized plots, respectively, and N for
quantity of fertilizer applied.
Data Analysis
Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance
(ANOVA) using the Genstat 15 edition, (GenStat, 2012)
and interpretations were made following the procedure
described by Gomez and Gomez (1984). When ever the
effects of the treatments were found significant, the means
were compared using least significance difference (LSD)
test at 5% level of significance.
Partial Budget Analysis
The economic analysis was carried out by using the
methodology described in CIMMYT (1988) in which
prevailing market prices for inputs at planting and for
outputs at harvesting were used. All costs and benefits
were calculated on ha basis in Birr. The concepts used in
the partial budget analysis were the mean grain yield and
stalk yield of each treatment, the gross benefit (GB) ha-1
(the mean yield for each treatment) and the field price of
fertilizers (Urea and the time of application costs). The
benefit of biomass yield was included in the calculation of
the benefit since the farmers in the area use it.
Marginal rate of return, which refers to net income obtained
by incurring a unit cost of fertilizer and its application, was
calculated by dividing the net increase in yield of sorghum
due to the application of each fertilizers rate.
Unadjusted grain yield (UGY) (kg ha-1): is an average yield
of each treatment.
Adjusted grain yield (AGY) (kg ha-1): is the average yield
adjusted down ward by a 10% to reflect the difference
between the experimental yield and yield of farmers.
Unadjusted stalk yield (USY) kg ha-1): is an average stalk
yield of each treatment.
Adjusted stalk yield (ASY) kg ha-1): is the average stalk
yield adjusted down ward by a 10% to reflect the difference
between the experimental yield and yield of farmers.
Gross field benefit (GFB) (ETB ha-1): was computed by
multiplying field/farm gate price that farmers receive for the
crop when they sell it as adjusted yield. GFB = AGY ×
field/farm gate price for the crop.
Total variable cost (TVC) (ETB ha-1): was calculated by
summing up the costs that vary, including the cost of urea
fertilizer (988.55 Birr ha-1 ) and for each time of application
cost (5 person 50 birr / day) and the average open price of
sorghum price at Mehoni market was Birr 8 kg-1 in January
2017 during harvesting time.
The net benefit (NB) was calculated as the difference
between the gross benefit and the total cost that vary
(TCV) using the formula, NB= (GY × P) – TCV
Where GY x P = Gross Field Benefit (GFB), GY = Adjusted
Grain yield per hectare and P = Field price per unit of the
crop.
5. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 602
Actual grain and stalk were adjusted downward by 10% to
reflect the difference between the experimental yield and
the yield farmers could expect from the same treatment.
The dominance analysis procedure as described in
CIMMYT (1988) was used to select potentially profitable
treatments from the range that was tested. The discarded
and selected treatments using this technique were referred
to as dominated and undominated treatments,
respectively. For each pair of ranked treatments, %
marginal rate of return (MRR) was calculated using the
formula MRR (%) =
Change in NB (NBb−NBa)
Change in TCV (TCVb−TCVa)
× 100
Where, NBa = the immediate lower NB, NBb = the next
higher NB, TCVa = the immediate lower TCV and TCVb =
the next highest TCV. The treatment with highest net benfit
and MRR > 100 was considered for recommendation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of the Experimental
Site
Selected physico-chemical properties were analyzed for
composite soil (0-30 cm depth) from the samples collected
diagonally from five spots in every replication before
planting. The results indicated that texture of the soil in the
experimental site was dominated by the clay fraction. On
the basis of particle size distribution, the soil contained
sand (30%), silt (26%) and clay (44%) Table 1. According
to the soil textural class determination triangle, soil of the
experimental site was clay. The texture indicates the
degree of weathering, nutrient, and water holding capacity
of the soil. High clay content might indicate better water
and nutrient holding capacity of the soil in the experimental
site. The composite soil sample had 2.51% soil organic
matter which is rated as low according to EthioSIS (2014)
when soils having organic matter value in the range of 2-
3% are considered low.The organic matter content of the
soil is taken as a basic measure of fertility status, improve
water-holding capacity, nutrient release and soil structure.
[It is estimated indirectly from the organic carbon
determination by OM% = 1.72 x % OC (Walkley and Black,
1934]. The low amount of organic matter in the soil might
be due to low addition of crop residues to the soil.
Therefore, regular application of organic manure such as
crop residue, compost etc is important.
The soil reaction (pH) of the experimental site was 7.3
which rated as neutral according to Tekalign (1991) who
rated in the range of 6.73 to 7.3 as neutral soils. FAO
(2000) reported that the preferable pH ranges for most
crops and productive soils to be from 4 to 8. Thus, the pH
of the experimental soil was with in the range for
productive soils. Tekalign (1991) has classified soil total N
content of <0.05% as very low, 0.05-0.12% as poor, 0.12-
0.25% as moderate and >0.25% as high. According to this
classification, the soil samples were found to have poor
level of total N (0.12%) (Table 1), indicating that the
nutrient is a limiting factor for optimum crop growth. As
sorghum is highly exhaustive crop for nitrogen, the
production potential of it is highly affected by N deficiency
(Onwueme and Sinha, 1991). Therefore, there is a need to
apply nitrogen to the crop.
The analysis revealed that the available P of the soil was
16.42 mg kg-1 (Table 1). Indicative ranges of available
phosphorus have been established by Cottenie (1980), as
<5 mg kg-1 (very low), 5-9 mg kg-1 (low), 10-17 mg kg-1
(medium), 18-25 mg kg-1 (high) and >25 mg kg-1 of soil
(very high). Thus, the soils of the experimental site were
considered as medium in available P content which is
satisfactory for optimum sorghum growth and yield.
Table 1. Selected physico-chemical properties of the experimental soil before planting
Physical properties Chemical Properties
Particle size Distribution (%) OM % pH TN % Av.P (mg kg-1) CEC cmol (+) kg-1 EC (ms m-1)
Sand Silt Clay Textural Class
30 26 44 Clay 2.51 7.3 0.12 16.42 40.0 0.34
Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is an important
parameter of soil as it indicates the type of clay mineral
present in the soil and its capacity to retain nutrients
against leaching. According to Hazelton and Murphy
(2007), top soils having CEC greater than 40 cmol (+) kg-1
are rated as very high and 25-40 cmol (+) kg-1 as high.
Thus, according to this classification, the soil of the
experimental site had high CEC (40 cmol (+) kg-1 soil)
(Table 1). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) describes the
potential fertility of soils and indicates the soil texture,
organic matter content and the dominant types of clay
minerals present. In general, soils high in CEC contents
are considered as agriculturally fertile. The EC of the
experimental site was 0.34 (ms m-1) and this is rated as
non-saline according to Hazelton and Murphy (2007) who
rated soils having the EC values less than 4 ms m-1 is
considered as non-saline and suitable for cereal
production.
Phenological and Growth Parameters of Sorghum
Days to flowering (DF)
Analysis of variance showed that the main effect of the N
rate and timing of N application significantly (P≤0.01)
influenced days to flowering. However, the interaction
effect was not significant (Table 2).
The days to flowering of the plants was hastened under
lower rates compared to the higher N rates. Thus,
6. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Abera et al. 603
increasing the rate of nitrogen from 23 to 46, 69, and 92 kg
N ha-1 prolonged the days to flowering by about 5.66%,
11.32%, 14.47% and 17.83% respectively. This showed
that the most prolonged duration to flowering was recorded
under plant grown at the rate of 92 kg N ha-1 (68.78 days)
whereas the shortest duration to flowering (62.33 days)
was recorded for plants grown at at the rate of 23 kg N ha-
1 (Table 2). Moreover, delay in days to 50% flowering with
application of higher level of N might be due to that
nitrogen increased vegetative period and it delays
reproductive period. This could be related to the vigorous
growth that resulted in higher number of days for flowering
compared with days to flowering obtained for the rate of 23
kg N ha-1. Generally, the number of days to flowering
recorded over all the fertilized plots significantly higher
than the rate of 23 kg N ha-1 (Table 2). This result was
complimentary with Moges (2015) who reported that
nitrogen fertilizer increasing N from 23 kg N ha-1 to 128 kg
N ha-1 that increased duration of tasseling time of maize.
Similarly, Abdulatif (2002) in chat/ maize intercropping also
reported delayance of days to tasselling and silking of
maize with increased rate of applied N up to 92 kg N ha-1.
Sorghum accumulates more thermal time up to booting,
heading and flowering with increasing N rates (Amanullah
et al., 2009). In contrast with this result, Buah and
Mwinkaara (2009) reported that maximum N fertilized
plants flowered earlier than those that were minimum
amount fertilized plants. This result was in line with that of
Imran et al., (2015) who stated that delay in days to
tasseling was observed with increase in N rate (210 kg ha-
1) by 5 days. The results also agreed with Kawsar et al.,
(2012); and Akmal et al., (2010) who observed that maize
took higher number of days to tasseling with the
application of high amount of nitrogen fertilizer.
Timing of nitrogen application showed significant effect on
days to flowering (Table 2). The maximum days to
flowering (66.33 days) was for three split application,
i.e.1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd
dose at booting compared to the other time of application
(Table 2). The prolonged duration to flowering with three
split application of nitrogen might be that the fertilizer is
used efficiently to promote active vegetative growth and
plants use nutrients efficiently. This result is in line with the
finding of Ma and Dwyer (2000) who reported that
application of N before heading and silk development
prolonged the flowering of sorghum and maize crops,
respectively.
Days to physiological maturity (DPM)
Days to 90% physiological maturity was significantly
(P≤0.01) affected due to nitrogen rate and time of N
application, but not due to interaction (Table 2).
The rates of 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1 significantly delayed
maturity as compared to 23 kg N ha-1. The maximum days
to 90% maturity (113.00 days) was recorded from 92 kg N
ha-1 and the minimum (103.4 days) was recorded at rate of
23 kg N ha-1 (Table 2). Delay in days to maturity could be
due to application of higher level of nitrogen increased
vegetative growth and delayed reproductive period as
nitrogen boosts vegetative growth of the plants and make
them stay green for long period of time. This result was
complimentary with Kidist (2013) who report that maturity
was more prolonged at the rate of 174 kg N ha-1. Similarly,
Dawadi and Sah (2012) reported that nitrogen rate
significantly delayed days to maturity of maize with the
application of maximum nitrogen dose of 200 kg N ha-1
with average of 151.3 days as compared to other
treatments.
The time of N application had significant (P≤0.01) effect on
days to 90% maturity of sorghum (Table 2). Even though
it was statically significant, the days to maturity ranged
from 108.4 days to 109.9 days which was only 1.5 days
difference (Table 2). The delay in maturity of sorghum
plants in response to the split applications of N, 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting stage might be because of
the fact that two-time applications in critical time promoted
vigorous vegetative growth and development of the plants
possibly due to synchrony of the time of need of the plant
for uptake of the nutrient and availability of the nutrient in
the soil. In agreement with this result, Ma and Dwyer
(2000) reported that application of N before silk
development prolonged the maturity of maize crop when
nitrogen application was in two split (at mid-vegetative and
booting stage).
Table 2. Days to flowering,days to physiological maturity
and leaf area of sorghum as affected by N rate and time
of N applications
Treatments Days to 50%
flowering
Days to 90%
physiological
maturity
Leaf area
(cm2)
Nitrogen rate (kg
N ha-1)
23 62.33d 103.4d 3401d
46 65.33c 108.8c 3944c
69 67.00b 111.1b 4481a
92 68.78a 113.0a 4230b
LSD (0.05) 0.84 1.05 250.0
N application
time (NT)
T1 65.17b 108.4b 3848b
T2 66.08a 109.9a 3894b
T3 66.33a 108.9b 4300a
LSD (0.05) 0.72 0.91 216.5
CV (%) 1.3 1.0 6.4
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different according to LSD Test.
7. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 604
Leaf area (LA)
Leaf area influences interception and utilization of solar
radiation of sorghum crop canopies and, consequently,
sorghum dry matter accumulation and grain yield (Boote et
al., 1996). As indicated in the table 2, the main effect of N
rate and time of N application had highly significant
(P≤0.01) effect on the leaf area; however, no significant
interaction effect between rate and time of N application.
The highest leaf area (4481 cm2) was obtained from 69 kg
N ha-1; while the lowest leaf area (3401 cm2) was obtained
from rate of 23 kg N ha-1 the fertilizer application (Table
2). The increase in the leaf area with application of N
increase is attributed to the more vegetative growth due to
nitrogen application, as it is a general truth that N
enhances vegetative growth in sorghum. The result was
also supported by Debebe (2010) who reported that
maximum application of 105 kg N ha-1 resulted in higher
leaf area. In conformity with this result, Uhart and Andrade
(1995) reported that N deprivation reduced leaf area index,
leaf area duration and radiation interception of sorghum.
Imran et al., (2015) also stated that increasing N
application from 0 - 210 kg ha-1 increased leaf area from
1973 cm2 to 2757 cm2 in maize linearly and significantly.
These results indicated that sorghum with higher leaf area
can produce more food through photosynthesis as leaf is
responsible part for preparation of food and may have
higher biomass or grain yield. Similarly, Berhane et al.,
(2015) reported that application of high N fertilizer at 61.5
kg N ha-1 increased leaf area of sorghum.
Time of N application also had high significant effect on the
leaf area. Application of N in three split, i.e. 1/3rd dose of N
at sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd dose at
booting stage had the maximum leaf area (4300 cm2) than
other application time. However, there was no significant
difference among the other application time (Table 2). The
highest leaf area with three split application of N may lead
to efficient recovery of the nutrient by roots and there by
enhanced leaf area of the plant. This result is in line with
the finding of; Ma and Dwyer (2000) who reported that
application of N before heading and silk lead to plants use
nutrients efficiently this increases leaf area of sorghum and
maize crops, respectively.
Leaf area index (LAI)
Leaf area index is major factor determining photosynthesis
and dry matter accumulation (Moosavi et al., 2012). The
main effect of rate and time of nitrogen fertilizer application
had highly significant (P≤0.01) influence on leaf area
index. However, the interaction effect of rate and time of N
application had no significant effect on leaf area index.
The highest leaf area index (2.98) was recorded from 69
kg N ha-1; while the lowest (2.26) was recorded from rate
of 23 kg N ha-1 (Table 3). Thus, 69 kg N ha-1 application
resulted in 23.02% more leaf area index than lower rate of
fertilizerd plot. Generally, an increasing trend in LAI was
observed with increased N application rates which might
be due to improved leaf expansion in plants due to
optimum nitrogenous fertilizers. In line with the result
Moges (2015) reported that increase in leaf area with the
increase of nitrogen level from 0-128 kg N ha-1 and
attributed to the more vegetative growth due to nitrogen
application, as it is a general truth that N enhances
vegetative growth in maize. Nitrogen deficiency
accelerates senescence as revealed by strong decrease
in chlorophyll concentration under low N as compared to
non-stressed conditions. In line with this result, Kidist
(2013) reported as that increasing the rate of N from 0 to
130.5 kg N ha-1 linearly increased leaf area index of maize.
In line with this result, Gebrelibanos and Dereje (2015)
reported that application of high fertilizer dose increased
the leaf area index of sorghum. Similarly, Haghighi et al.
(2010) and Asim et al., (2012) reported an increasing trend
in LAI on maize due to an increase in N fertilizer application
rates. Jasemi et al., (2013) also reported higher LAI of
maize associated with nitrogen treated plants have been
probably due to increased leaf production and leaf area
duration.
Time of N application also high significant (P≤0.01) effect
on the leaf area index wherethe application of nitrogen in
three splits, i.e. application of 1/3rd dose at sowing, 1/3rd
dose at mid-vegetative; and 1/3rd dose at booting stage of
growth led to the highest leaf area index (2.86) than the
other time of application. However, there was no
significant difference among the other time of application
(Table 3).
Plant height (PH)
The main effect of nitrogen application rate had high
significant (P≤0.01) effect on plant height. However, main
effect of time of N application and interaction effect of rate
and time of N application did not significantly affect this
parameter.
When the rate of nitrogen application increased plant
heights was also increased (Table 3). The result showed
that with increase in rate of nitrogen from 23 to 92 kg N ha-
1, plant height increased by 6.49%. The tallest plant (167.7
cm) was recorded from 92 kg N ha-1 and the shortest plant
(155.10 cm) was recorded from rate of 23 kg N ha-1 (Table
3). The increase in plant height with respect to increased
N application rate indicates maximum vegetative growth of
the plants under higher N availability due to the increase
in cell elongation as nitrogen is essential for plant growth
process including chlorophyll which is responsible for dark
green color of stem and leaves which enhance vigorous
vegetative growth. In agreement with this result, Maral et
al., (2012) obtained significant increase in plant height of
sorghum when supplied with higher rates of N. Similarly,
Adeniyan (2014) reported significant increase in various
growth parameters of maize when supplied with higher
rates of N fertilizer. Likewise, Kidist (2013) reported that
increasing the rate of N from 0 to 174 kg N ha-1 linearly
increases plant height from 250.1 cm to 265 cm of maize.
8. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Abera et al. 605
Table 3. Leaf area index, plant height and panicle length
of sorghum as influenced by N rate and time of N
applications
Treatments Leaf area
index
Plant
height (cm)
Panicle
length (cm)
Nitrogen rate
(kg N ha-1)
23 2.26c 155.10d 23.06d
46 2.62b 160.20c 24.16c
69 2.98a 163.60b 25.03b
92 2.82ab 167.70a 25.95a
LSD (0.05) 0.1678 1.895 0.706
Time of N application
(NT)
T1 2.56b 162.02 24.38
T2 2.59b 161.77 24.54
T3 2.86a 161.12 24.72
LSD (0.05) 0.14 NS NS
CV(%) 6.4 1.2 2.9
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different according to LSD Test.
Panicle length (PL)
Panicle length of sorghum was significantly affected
(P≤0.01) by the main effect of rate of N application. But
main effect of time of N application and interaction of two
factors were not significant.
The highest panicle length (25.95 cm) was recorded for 92
kg N ha-1 and the minimum panicle length (23.06 cm) was
recorded from rate of 23 kg N ha-1 (Table 3). An increasing
the rate of nitrogen from 23 to 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1
markedly increased the panicle length by about 1.38%,
2.03%, 2.54% and 3.09%, respectively. The increase in
panicle length with respect to increased N application rate
indicates maximum vegetative growth of the plants under
higher N availability due to the increase in cell elongation
as nitrogen is essential for plant growth process. In
conformity with this result, Haftom et al., (2009) reported
that panicle length increased significantly in response to
increasing rate of nitrogen application with the maximum
panicle length being obtained at the highest rate of 200 kg
N ha-1. Similarly, Kidist (2013) reported that the length of
ears per plant was significantly affected by N application
rate in which the maximum length of ear 21.43 cm was
produced in response to applying 130.5 kg N ha-1.
Generally, the trend showed that decrease in ear length
occurred with decrease in nitrogen rate (Kidist, 2013).
Yield Components and Yield of Sorghum
Panicle number
The analysis of variation showed that panicle number per
net plot was not significantly affected either the main effect
of rate and time of N application nor interaction of the two
effects (Table 4).
However, the maximum panicle number (52.5) was
recored from 46 kg N ha-1 and the minimum value 50.56
was obtained from rate of 23 kg N ha-1, though most study
showed that the rate of N application and panicle number
showed a positive relationship, the result of this study
showed that this parameter was no affected by any of the
factors (Table 4).
Table 4. Panicle number per net plot and panicle weight
of sorghum as influenced by N rate and time of N
applications
Treatments Panicle
number
Panicle weight
panicle-1 (g)
Nitrogen rate (kg N ha-1)
23 50.56 72.08d
46 52.50 77.09c
69 50.67 94.84a
92 50.89 84.71b
LSD (0.05) NS 2.17
N application time (NT)
T1 50.25 82.3ab
T2 50.83 80.79b
T3 51.67 83.44a
LSD (0.05) NS 1.881
CV (%) 2.9 2.70
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different according to LSD Test
Panicle weight (PW)
The analysis of variance showed that the main effect of
rate of N application had highly significant (P≤0.01) and
time of N application had significant (P≤0.05) effect on
panicle weight, while the two interaction effect was not
significant.
The maximum panicle weight per panicle (94.84 g) was
obtained from application of 69 kg N ha-1, where as the
minimum panicle weight (72.08 g) was recorded from the
rate of 23 kg N ha-1. When nitrogen increases from 23 up
to 69 kg N ha-1, the panicle weight also increased but no
further increase with rate of 69 kg N ha-1 (Table 4). This is
9. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 606
due to optimum nutrient providing crop to grow to full
maturity, rather than taking long maturity time. This could
be due to the role of the essential nutrients in enhancing
the seed holding capacity of the panicle. This result is in
line with the finding of Berhane et al., (2015) who reported
that panicle weight of sorghum was significantly increased
with the application of high amount of nitrogen.
The time of N application had significant effect on panicle
weight (Table 4). The maximum panicle weight (84.44 g)
was obtained from three split application of 1/3rd dose at
sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd dose at
booting and it was statistically at par with combination of
69 two split application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2 at mid
vegetative growth stage (82.3 g) while the minimum
panicle weight (80.79 g) was recorded in two split
application at 1/2 at mid-vegetative and 1/2 at booting.
Maximum panicle weight was recorded from three split
application due to efficient use of nutrients in each stage
of sorghum. In line with this result, Limaux et al., (1999)
reported that supplying N in two or three applications are
a good recommendation to increase N use efficiency in
sorghum.
Thousand kernels weight (TKW)
The result indicated that thousand kernel weight was
significantly (P≤0.01) affected by the main effect of N
fertilizer rate and time of N application and the interaction
effect of the two factors (Table 5).
The highest thousand kernels weight of (44.67 g) was
recorded from 69 kg N ha-1 applied at three times of split
application (1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and
1/3rd at booting stage) and it was statistically at par with the
combination of 69 kg N ha-1 at two time of split application
(1/2 at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting growth
stage (44.33 g). In contrast, the lowest thousand kernels
weight of (26.33 g) was recorded from 23 kg N ha-1 at two
time of split application ((1/2 dose at sowing + 1/2 dose at
mid-vegetative) (Table 5). Increased kernel weight with
increasing nitrogen up to optimum levels might be due to
efficient use of nutrients and this led to the formation of
more leaf area which might have intercepted more light
and produced more carbohydrates in the source which
was probably translocated into the sink (the grain) and
resulted in more increased kernel weight.
Increasing N rates increased the enzyme activity in
sorghum which may result in maximum thousand kernels
weight. In line with this result, Limaux et al., (1999)
reported that supplying N in two or three applications are
a good recommendation to increase N use efficiency in
sorghum. Similarly, Cassman et al., (2002) described that
greater synchrony between crop demand and nutrient
supply is necessary to improve nutrient use efficiency, and
split applications of N during the growing season, rather
than a single, more application, are known to be effective
in increasing N use efficiency. Iqtidar et al., (2006) also
reported that the application of the highest rate of N
fertilizer gave highest thousand kernels weight. Likewise,
Miao et al., (2006) and Raja (2003) indicated that higher
rate of N level increased kernel weight in maize.
Table 5. Thousand kernels weight (g) as influenced by the
interaction of N rate and time of N application
Time of N application (NT)
Nitrogen rate (kg
ha-1)
T1 T2 T3
23 26.33g 29.00g 32.67f
46 34.67ef 37.33cde 39.67bc
69 41.00b 44.33a 44.67a
92 36.67cd 37.67cd 37.67cd
LSD (0.05) 2.748
CV (%) 4.4
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different accordingto LSD Test
Grain yield (GY)
The analysis of variance showed that the main effect of
rate of N application and time of N application and their
interaction was significant (P≤0.01) on grain yield of
sorghum.
The highest grain yield (4635 kg ha-1) was recorded for
application of 69 kg N ha-1 in three split of 1/3rd dose at
sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd dose at
booting stage followed by the combination of 69 kg N ha-1
at two split application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2 at mid-
vegetative growth stage (4363 kg ha-1). On the other hand,
the lowest grain yield (2638 kg ha-1) was obtained from 23
kg N ha-1 at two time of split application (1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting growth stage (Table 6).
Grain yield increased with the increase in the rate of
nitrogen across the increased number of split application
(Table 6). The highest grain yield at the higher N rates
might have resulted from improved root growth and
increased uptake of nutrients and better growth that
enhanced yield components and yield.
Sorghum yield increase with increase in the rate of
nitrogen application, but no further increase when the rate
of N application was beyond optimum which could be
excess supply of nitrogen favoured more growth of the
plant parts which increased the biomass yield rather than
grain yield.
Likewise increasing the number of split application from
two to three equal doses at sowing, mid vegetative and
booting stage significantly increased grain yield at 46 and
69 kg N ha-1 (Table 6). This may be because the plants
may have been able to take up balanced amounts of
10. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Abera et al. 607
nitrogen throughout the major growth stages due to better
synchrony of the demand of the nutrient for uptake by the
plant and its availability in the root zone in sufficient
amounts. In line with this result, Limaux et al., (1999)
reported that supplying N in two or three applications is a
good recommendation to increase N use efficiency in
sorghum. Cassman et al., (2002) also reported that greater
synchrony between crop demand and nutrient supply is
necessary to improve nutrient use efficiency, and split
applications of N during the growing season, rather than a
single, more application, are known to be effective in
increasing N use efficiency. Kidist (2013) reported that
increasing the rate of nitrogen from 130.5 to 174 kg N ha-1
decreased the grain yield by 5.4%. Thus, the optimum
grain yield was obtained at 130.5 kg N ha-1.
Table 6. Grain yield of sorghum (kg ha-1) as influenced by
the interaction of N rate and time of N application
Time of N application (NT)
Nitrogen rate (kg ha-1) T1 T2 T3
23 2792h 2638h 3143g
46 3517f 3848d 4109c
69 4363b 4301bc 4635a
92 3775de 3585ef 3572ef
LSD (0.05) 241.9
CV (%) 3.9
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different according to LSD Test
Above ground dry biomass yield (AGBY)
The above ground dry biomass yield of sorghum was
highly significant (P≤0.01) for the main effects of N fertilizer
rate and time of N application. But there was no significant
interaction effect of nitrogen rate and time of N application
on this parameter.
The highest above ground biomass yield (10716 kg ha-1)
was obtained from 92 kg N ha-1 while the lowest biomass
yield (8361 kg ha-1) was recorded from 23 kg N ha-1. In
general, as the nitrogen rate increased, the biomass yield
was increased (Table 7).
The increase in biomass yield with increased N rate might
be attributed to the enhanced availability of N for
vegetative growth of the plants and LAI and accumulation
of photo assimilate due to maximum days to maturity by
the crop, this higher photosynthetic rate also results in
higher accumulation of dry matter. In conformity with this
result, Ali et al., (2005) and Iqtidar et al., (2006) reported
the highest biomass yield was recorded in the highest rate
of nitrogen application. Biomass in larger amounts of
nitrogen, investment of assimilates to leaves and stems
increased and finally increased dry matter yield.
Complimentary with Zerihun (2015) application of 92 kg
ha-1 gave the highest biomass yield. Similarly, Buah and
Mwinkara (2009) and Hugar et al., (2010) reported positive
effect of nitrogen on grain yield and yield attributes of
sweet sorghum. In line with this result Amanullah et al.,
(2009) reported the highest biological yields of 14.70 t ha-
1 were attained in maize in response to the N application
at the rate of 180 kg ha-1. In consistent with this result,
Habtamu (2015) reported the highest biomass yield of
maize at 90 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Yohanes (2014) reported
that increasing the rate of nitrogen from 0 to 138 kg N ha-1
significantly increased above ground dry biomass of
wheat.
Biomass yield was significantly influenced by the main
effect of time of N application. Significantly the highest
biomass yield (10142 kg ha-1) was obtained from two split
application of 1/2 mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting
stage (Table 7). From this result, it is evident that N
availability must be adequate at the vegetative stage of
growth to ensure the maximum biomass yield. This resultis
in agreement with Settimi et al., (1998) who reported that
maize starts to take up N rapidly at the middle vegetative
growth period and maximum rate of N uptake occurs near
silking stage. Hence, application of N at mid-vegetative
and silking stage should be one of the best ways of
supplying the nutrient N to meet this high demand and the
crop never experienced with N stress in the later growth
stage to maintain prolific dry matter production.
Table 7. Biomass yieldof sorghum as influenced by N rate
and time of N application
Treatments Biomass yield (kg ha-1)
Nitrogen rate (kg N ha-1)
23 8361c
46 10124b
69 10070b
92 10716a
LSD (0.05) 373.7
N application time (NT)
T1 9540b
T2 10142a
T3 9771b
LSD (0.05) 323.7
CV (%) 3.90
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application 1/2 at mid-vegetative
and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of 1/3rd at
sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at booting.
Variable means followed by the same letters are not
significantly different according to LSD Test.
Harvest index (HI)
The physiological efficiency and ability of a crop for
converting the total dry matter into economic yield is known
as harvest index. Here, the analysis of variance showed
that harvest index was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) affected
11. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 608
by the main effect of rate and time of N application and
significantly (P≤ 0.05) influenced by the interaction effect
of two factors (Table 8).
The highest harvest index (0.45) was recorded from 69 kg
N ha-1 at the three split application of 1/3rd N each at
sowing, mid-vegetative and booting stage and it was
statistically at par with the combination of 69 kg N ha-1 at
two split applications. In contrast, the lowest harvest index
(0.29) was obtained from 23 kg N ha-1 in combination with
two split application of 1/2 N (at mid-vegetative and at
booting stage) (Table 8).
The highest harvest index at 69 kg N ha-1 might be that
greater improvement in grain yield compared to the
corresponding increase in biomass yield, while the highest
N rate (92 kg N ha-1) gave more biomass than the grain
yield. In consistent with this result, Cassman et al., (2002)
reported that greater synchrony between crop demand
and nutrient supply is necessary to improve nutrient use
efficiency, and three split applications of N during the
growing season, rather than single, more application are
known to be effective in increasing N use efficiency and
plants uses nutrients effectively. In line with this result,
Lawrence (2008) reported that harvest index in maize
increased when nitrogen rates increased. Similalry,
Merkebu and Ketema (2013) reported that harvest index
of maize was significantly increased when the application
of N increased from 0 to 60 kg ha-1. Similarly, Orkaido
(2004) reported that increasing N level from 0 to 120 kg N
ha-1 increased harvest index of maize. In contrast, Abdo
(2009) reported highest harvest index from treatments with
the lowest rate of nitrogen application in wheat.
Table 8. Harvest index of sorghum as influenced by the
interaction of N rate and time of N application
Time of N application (NT)
Nitrogen rate (kg ha-1) T1 T2 T3
23 0.34def 0.29g 0.38bc
46 0.36bcd 0.36cde 0.39b
69 0.43a 0.42a 0.45a
92 0.35cde 0.31g 0.33ef
LSD (0.05) 0.0319
CV (%) 5.10
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different according to LSD Test.
Agronomic use efficiency (AUE)
The analysis of variance showed that agronomic efficiency
was highly significantly (P ≤0.01) affected by the main
effect of rate and time of N application or thier interaction
effect of the two factors (Table 9).
The highest agronomic efficiency (40.68 kg grain yield kg-
1 N) was obtained from 46 kg N ha-1 in combination with
three split application of 1/3rd N each at sowing, mid
vegetative and booting stage and it was statistically at par
with the combination of 23 kg N ha-1 with three split
application (39.34 kg grain yield kg-1 N applied). On the
other hand, the lowest agronomic efficiency (14.49 kg
grain yield kg-1 N) was recorded at 92 kg N ha-1 in three
split application of nitrogen (Table 9).
Decline in agronomic efficiency at higher level of N may be
attributed to nutrient imbalance and decline in indigenous
soil N supply. In agreement with this result, Craswell and
Godwin (1984) asserted that high agronomic efficiency is
obtained if the yield increment per unit N applied is high
because of reduced losses and increased uptake of N.
Similarly, Karim and Ramasamy (2000) obtained higher
fertilizer use efficiency which is always associated with low
fertilizer rate, cultural practices meant for promoting
integrated nutrient management will help to save the
amount of fertilizer applied to the crops and to improve
fertilizer use efficiency.
Thus, the goal of N-fertilizer research has to maintain high
levels of crop productivity with minimum nitrogen input, i.e.
to improve the agronomic efficiency of N. Agronomic
efficiency of N can be increased by increasing plant uptake
and use of N and by decreasing N losses from the soil-
plant system. Agronomic approaches, such as fertilizer
placement, proper level of fertilizer application in optimum
plant density, time of fertilizer application and use of
nitrogen efficient varieties are some of the practices that
can be used to improve nitrogen use efficiency. The result
of the study is in conform with Settimi et al., (1998) who
reported that maize starts to take up N rapidly at the middle
vegetative growth period and maximum rate of N uptake
occurs near silking stage. Fageria and Baligar (2005) also
asserted that high agronomic efficiency is obtained if the
yield increment per unit N applied is high because of
reduced losses and plants enhanced use of nutrients
effectively.
Table 9. Agronomic efficiency (kg grain kg-1 N) as
influenced by the interaction of N rate and time of N
application
Time of N application (NT)
Nitrogen rate (kg ha-1) T1 T2 T3
23 24.07cd 17.40de 39.34a
46 27.79c 34.99ab 40.68a
69 30.80bc 29.89bc 27.41c
92 16.70e 14.63e 14.49e
LSD (0.05) 7.18
CV (%) 16.00
Where, LSD= Least significant difference; CV= coefficient
of variation and T1= N application of 1/2 at sowing and 1/2
at mid-vegetative; T2= N application of 1/2 at mid-
vegetative and 1/2 at booting and T3= N application of
1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at mid-vegetative and 1/3rd at
booting. Variable means followed by the same letters are
not significantly different according to LSD Test.
12. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Abera et al. 609
Partial Budget Analysis of N Fertilizer Rate and Time
of Application
The interest of producers in applying fertilizer is not limited
to increasing yield alone, but also to make profit out of it.
Towards maximizing profit, the amount and time of
fertilizer application as well as costs of fertilizer are
determining factors. In the study area the demand and
market price of sorghum is important. Due to this fact
increasing both grain yield and biomass yield can increase
farmers’ income.
As indicated in the Table 10, the partial budget analysis
showed that the highest net benefit of 33053.23 Birr ha-1
was obtained in the treatment that received 69 kg N ha-1 in
to three split application of 1/3rd at sowing +1/3rd at mid
vegetative and 1/3rd at booting stage. However, the lowest
net benefit 21122.90Birr ha-1 was obtained from rate of 23
kg Nha-1. The highest marginal rate of return (2144.74%)
was obtained from the plot treated with 46 kg N ha-1 in two
split application (1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose
and booting stage). However, the dominated treatment
was rejected from further economic analysis to distinguish
treatments with optimum return to farmer’s practice;
marginal analysis was performed on non-dominated
treatment. For treatment to be considered as advisable to
farmers, between 50% and 100% marginal rate of return
(MRR) was the minimum acceptable rate of return
(CIMMYT, 1988). Therefore, 843.36% was recorded from
application of 69 kg N ha-1 in three split (1/3rd dose at
sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid- vegetative and 1/3rd dose at
booting stage) with highest net benefit and MRR is
profitable and recommended for farmers in Mehoni district
area and others similar agro-ecological condition.
Table 10. Partial budget analysis of sorghum yield as influenced by N fertilizer rates and time of application at Mehoni
Treatment AGY
(kg ha-1)
ASY
(kg ha-1)
GFB
(ETB ha-1)
TVC
(ETB ha-1)
NB
(ETB ha-1)
MRR
(%)
NR NT
23 T1 2512.8 4698.9 22216.9 1094 21122.90 260.09
23 T2 2374.2 5679.0 21549.15 1120 20429.15 D
23 T3 2828.7 4482.9 24646.90 1258 23388.90 2144.74
46 T1 3165.3 5394.6 27749.97 1762 25987.97 515.68
46 T2 3463.2 6031.8 30419.91 1782 28637.91 D
46 T3 3698.1 5581.8 32096.61 1998 30098.61 676.25
69 T1 3926.7 5134.5 33724.12 2261 31463.12 518.82
69 T2 3870.9 5146.2 33282.99 2296 30986.99 D
69 T3 4171.5 4938.3 35594.23 2541 33053.23 843.36
92 T1 3397.5 6115.5 29931.97 2720 27211.97 D
92 T2 3226.5 6717.6 28834.92 2770 26064.92 D
92 T3 2314.8 7159.5 21740.17 3125 18615.17 D
Where, NR= Rate of nitrogen, NT= Time of N application, AGY= Adjusted grain yield, ASY= Adjusted stalk yield, GFB=
Gross field benefit, TVC = total variable cost, NB= Net benefit, MRR= Marginal rate of return, D= Dominated treatments.
Market price of sorghum 8 ETB kg-1, Cost of Urea = 988.55 ETB ha-1; Labour cost for application of nitrogen = 5 persons
ha-1,each 50 ETB day-1, Price of stalk =0.45 cents kg-1, ETB= Ethiopian birr, T1= N application of 1/2 at (sowing and mid-
vegetative); T2= N application of 1/2 at (mid-vegetative and at booting) and T3= N application of 1/3rd at (sowing, mid-
vegetative and at booting).
CONCLUSION
Sorghum is one of the major staple crops in Ethiopia in
terms of both production and consumption. Even though it
is such an important cereal crops in Ethiopia, it is giving
low yield due to many production constraints such as
minimum use of improved varieties, diseases, weeds, and
low soil fertility and lack of location specific fertilizer
recommendation in Ethiopia in general and in Southern
Tigiray Zone in particular.
In Northern Ethiopia, farmers in Raya valley district of low
land area apply N fertilizer in the form of urea at sub-
optimal blanket rates and use low amounts of nitrogen in
the form of urea only one time at sowing or at a vegetative
growth stage for sorghum production.
Therefore, field experiment was conducted during the
2017 main cropping season at Mehoni Agricultural
Research Center to assess the effect of nitrogen fertilizer
rates and time of application on yield and yield
components of sorghum; and to determine economically
appropriate rates of nitrogen and time of application for
sorghum production. The experiment was laid out as a
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three
replications using a sorghum variety ‘Meko’ as a test crop.
The treatments consisted of four levels of N (23, 46, 69
and 92 kg ha-1) and three time of nitrogen fertilizer
application (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at mid-
vegetative, 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at
booting, 1/3rd dose at sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid vegetative
and 1/3rd dose at booting stage).
13. Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum [sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 610
Analysis of the results revealed that days to flowering,
days to 90% maturity, leaf area, leaf area index, panicle
weight and above ground biomass were significantly
affected by main effect of rates of nitrogen as well as main
effect of time of nitrogen application; while plant height and
panicle length were affected by main effect of nitrogen
rates. The maximum days to flowering (68.78 days), days
to maturity (113 days), plant height (167.7 cm), panicle
length (25.95 cm) and above ground dry biomass (10716
kg ) were recorded at N rate of 92 kg N ha-1; where as leaf
area (4481 cm2), leaf area index (2.98) and panicle weight
(94.84 g) were recorded at N rate of 69 kg N ha-1.
Similarly, the maximum days to flowering (66.33 days),
leaf area, leaf area index (2.86), panicle weight (83.44 g),
days to 90% maturity (109 days) and above ground
biomass (10142 kg ha-1) were obtained from three time of
nitrogen application (1/3rd dose at sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid
vegetative and 1/3rd dose at booting stage) and two time
of nitrogen application (1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2
dos at booting).
The interaction of N rates and time of N application also
significantly affected thousand kernels weight, grain yield,
harvest index and agronomic efficacy. The maximum
thousand kernel weight (44.67 g), grain yield (4635 kg ha-
1) and harvest index (0.45) were recorded at combination
of 69 kg N ha-1 in to three split application (1/3rd dose at
sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid vegetative and 1/3rd dose at
booting stage). On the other hand, the highest agronomic
efficiency (40.68 kg grain yield kg-1 N) was recorded at
combination of (46 kg N ha-1) rates and three split
application of (1/3rd dose at sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid
vegetative and 1/3rd dose at booting stage).
The partial budget analysis revealed that combined
applications of 69 kg N ha-1in three split to 1/3rd dose at
sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid vegetative and 1/3rd dose at
booting stage gave the best economic benefit (33053.23
Birr ha-1) with MRR of 843.36%. Therefore, it can be
concluded that use of 69 kg N ha-1 in three split application
(1/3rd dose at sowing, 1/3rd dose at mid vegetative and
1/3rd dose at booting stage) can be tentatively
recommended for farmers for production of sorghum in the
study area and other areas with similar agro-ecological
conditions. However, since the experiment was conducted
for one season at one location, it is suggested that the
experiment has to be repeated over seasons and locations
using this and other improved sorghum varieties.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) is
gratefully acknowledged for the financial support during
this study. Haramaya University and Mehoni Agricultral
research Center and the staff members deserve thanks for
provision and preparation of necessary research materials
and cooperation in this work. Similarly, Mekelle Soil
Research Center soil laboratory is appreciated for their
cooperation during soil analysis.
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