Yield Response of Sorghum to Timing of Urea Fertilizer Application in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Transcription

1 World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 11 (3): , 2015 ISSN IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: /idosi.wjas Yield Response of Sorghum to Timing of Urea Fertilizer Application in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia Amare Aleminew, Adane Legas, Mekonnen Misganaw and Mulugeta Mamo Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 74, Woldia, Ethiopia Abstract: Split-application of urea fertilizer experiment was conducted in major early maturing one local (Jiguritie) and one improved (Girana-1) sorghum varieties growing areas of Eastern Amhara Region namely Sirinka, Gedober, Mersa, Chefa, Jari and Kobo for two years ( ). The principal objective of the experiment was to identify the response of timing of Urea fertilizer application on grain yield of sorghum. The experiment was designed in randomized complete block consisting of five Urea fertilizer (111 kg/ha) application times: (1) full-dose at knee height stage, (2) 1/2 at planting + 1/2 at knee height stage, (3) 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at knee height stage, (4) 1/3 at planting + 1/3 at knee height stage + 1/3 at stem elongation and (5) 1/2 at after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage for early maturing sorghum varieties (Jiguritie and Girna-1) replicated three times were used in the study. Basal application of 46 kg/ha P2O 5fertilizer was made at sowing. The result revealed that split-application of Urea fertilizer had significance difference between yield components of sorghum. Mean combined in two years were showed that the highest grain yield (4314 kg/ha) was recorded with application time of Urea fertilizer 1/2 at after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage of Jiguritie sorghum. Similarly, the highest grain yield (4868 kg/ha) was recorded with application time of Urea fertilizer full-dose at knee height stage of Girana-1 sorghum. By considering the moisture availability of the areas, it was recommended that the best use of Urea fertilizer would be obtained when 1/2 after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage at Kobo, Sirinka, Jari and Mersa while 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at knee height stage at Chefa and Gedober areas for Girana-1 sorghum while 1/2 at after thinning + 1/2 at Knee height stage was for Jiguritie sorghum. Key words: Application time Urea fertilizer Stages of sorghum INTRODUCTION source by selling it for fuel in towns. Despite its importance, sorghum productivity and production Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is the most remained very low owing to different biotic and abiotic important cereal crop in Ethiopia ranking third in area production constraints. Moisture stress, low soil fertility, coverage after tef and maize. In Amhara region, sorghum poor crop management practices for instance timing of covered a significant amount of cultivated land following Urea fertilizer application and sorghum pests are the major tef. Kobo is one of the potential areas of North Wello sorghum production constraints [2]. Erratic and unreliable zone where sorghum is largely produced. Sorghum rainfall is the most serious physical constraint for contributes the highest share (43.74%) of production as sorghum production in dry land areas as compared to compared to other crops grown in the zone [1]. Sorghum timing of Urea fertilizer application. Under these is adapted to a wide range of ecological conditions conditions there is a considerable risk of crop failure, primarily in hot and warm areas. It withstands extreme heat inconsistent stands and high replanting costs. better than other crops. It can tolerate hot and dry Moisture deficit stress is the key factor that limits crop conditions but can also be grown in areas of high rainfall. production in dry land areas [3]. Besides to this, timing Sorghum grain plays the first role in the daily diet of of Urea fertilizer application at the right time and the people used as food and local beverages. The stalk is adequate moisture would give significant grain yield of used for animal feed, construction and even as a cash sorghum. Corresponding Author: Amare Aleminew, Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, Woldia, Ethiopia. Mob: +251 (0)

2 Increase of crop production requires the applications level of error, the means were separated by using the least of better technologies. Fertilizer application is a lead significant difference (LSD) test procedures at 0.05 practice in the introduction of improved technologies [4]. probability level of significance. Increased productivity of sorghum can be achieved by adopting improved agronomic practices and cultivars. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Therefore, this research was designed to assess timing of Urea fertilizer application on grain yield of sorghum and to The results of early maturing sorghum (Jiguritie and assess the advantages of split-application of Urea Girana-1) varieties of timing of Urea fertilizer application fertilizer at different growth stages of sorghum. at Gedober, Mersa, Sirinka, Jari and Chefa were showed in the year 2013 (Tables 2-11). Jiguritie sorghum showed MATERIALS AND METHODS highly significant (p<0.01) difference between grain yield and significant (p<0.05) difference between head weight Experimental Treatments and Design: The experiment and grain yield at Gedober, Mersa and Sirinka for the year was conducted on six sites of sorghum growing areas at 2013 (Tables 2, 4 and 6). The highest grain yield (5154 Sirinka, Gedober, Mersa, Chefa, Jari and Kobo for early kg/ha) was recorded with application time of Urea fertilizer maturing sorghum varieties on-farm in the year /3 at planting + 1/3 at knee height + 1/3 at stem Row planting of sorghum 75 cm between rows and 15 cm elongation stage of Jiguritie sorghum at Sirinka (Table 6). between plants for early maturing sorghum one local and Even if the grain yield was not showed statistically one improved varieties were used. The experiment was significant, the highest grain yield (5636 kg/ha) was designed in randomized complete block consisting of five recorded with application time of Urea fertilizer full-dose Urea fertilizer (111 kg/ha) application times: (1) full-dose at at knee height stage of Jiguritie sorghum at Chefa knee height stage, (2) 1/2 at planting + 1/2 at knee height (Table 10). On the other hand, Girana-1 sorghum showed stage, (3) 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at knee height stage, (4) 1/3 highly significant difference between grain yield at at planting + 1/3 at knee height stage + 1/3 at stem Gedober, Mersa and Sirinka for the year 2013 (Tables 3, 5 elongation and (5) 1/2 at after thinning stage + 1/2 at knee and 7). Similarly, significant difference was observed height stage of the crop and replicated three times were between biomass yield at Sirinka and thousand seeds used in the study. Plot size of the experiment was 4 x 3 m weight at Jari and Chefa (Tables 7, 9 and 11). The highest and net harvested rows were two rows from the total four grain yield (6377 kg/ha) was recorded with application rows of the plot. All agronomic data were taken from the time of Urea fertilizer 1/2 at after thinning + 1/2 at knee two central rows. Spacing between replications and height stage of Girana-1 sorghum at Sirinka (Table 7). between plots were 2 and 1 m, respectively. Basal Even if the grain yield was not showed statistically application of 46 kg/ha P2O 5fertilizer was made at sowing significant, the highest grain yield (5319 kg/ha) was for each plot. Proper agronomic practices were applied as recorded with application time of Urea fertilizer fullrecommended. The early maturing varieties Jiguritie and dose at knee height stage of Girana-1 sorghum at Chefa Girana-1 were used as planting materials for this (Table 11). experiment. Plant height at maturity (cm), head weight (g), The results of early maturing sorghum (Jiguritie and biomass yield, thousand seeds weight and grain yield Girana-1) varieties of timing of Urea fertilizer application were collected as growth and yield parameters of at Gedober, Kobo and Chefa were showed in the year 2014 sorghum. (Tables 12-17). Jiguritie sorghum showed highly significant (p<0.01) difference between grain yield at Data Analyses: Data of many important growth and yield Gedober and Kobo for the year 2014 (Tables 12 and 14). parameters collected during the experimental periods were The highest grain yield (5425 kg/ha) was recorded purified and arranged for further analysis. The analysis of with application time of Urea fertilizer ½ at after thinning variance (ANOVA) was carried out for growth and yield + 1/2 at knee height stage of Jiguritie sorghum at parameters of the study following statistical procedures Kobo (Table 14). Even if the grain yield was not appropriate for the experimental design using Statistical showed statistically significant, the highest grain yield Analysis System (SAS) program package version 9.0. (4799 kg/ha) was recorded with application time of Urea Whenever treatment effects were significant at 0.01 or 0.05 fertilizer ½ at after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage of 145

3 Table 1: Mean value of some parameters of soil samples taken at planting at Sirinka, Kobo, Gedober, Mersa, Chefa and Jari Site ph %OM %N P ppm %clay %silt %sand Sirinka Kobo Gedober Mersa Chefa Jari Note: ph=power of Hydrogen; OM=organic matter; N=nitrogen; P=phosphorus Table 2: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Gedober in 2013 Full-dose AK 2367b b 1/2 AP +1/2 AK 2933a a 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK 2900a a 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE 2967a a 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK 2900a a LSD (5%) ns ns ns CV (%) Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at P = ns = non-significant; AK = at knee height; AP = at planting; ATH = after thinning; SE = at stem elongation Table 3: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Gedober in 2013 Full-dose AK b 1/2 AP +1/2 AK b 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK a 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK b LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 4: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Mersa in 2013 Full-dose AK 2300a a 1/2 AP +1/2 AK 2100ab b 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK 1967bc b 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE 1800c b 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK 2067ab b LSD (5%) ns ns ns CV (%) Table 5: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Mersa in 2013 Full-dose AK a 1/2 AP +1/2 AK b 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK b 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK a LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 6: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Sirinka in 2013 Full-dose AK ab 1/2 AP +1/2 AK b 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK c 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE a 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK ab LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%)

4 Table 7: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Sirinka in 2013 Full-dose AK a b 1/2 AP +1/2 AK ab b 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK ab c 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b c 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK a a LSD (5%) ns ns 36.2 ns CV (%) Table 8: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Jari in 2013 Full-dose AK /2 AP +1/2 AK /3 AP + 2/3 AK /3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE /2 ATH + 1/2 AK LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 9: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Jari in 2013 Full-dose AK a /2 AP +1/2 AK a /3 AP + 2/3 AK a /3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b /2 ATH + 1/2 AK a 3258 LSD (5%) ns ns ns 6.8 ns CV (%) Table 10: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Chefa in 2013 Full-dose AK /2 AP +1/2 AK /3 AP + 2/3 AK /3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE /2 ATH + 1/2 AK LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 11: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Chefa in 2013 Full-dose AK a /2 AP +1/2 AK a /3 AP + 2/3 AK a /3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE a /2 ATH + 1/2 AK b LSD (5%) ns ns ns 2.9 ns CV (%) Table 12: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Gedober in 2014 Full-dose AK c 1/2 AP +1/2 AK a 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK bc 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE ab 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK a LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%) Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at P = ns = non-significant; AK = at knee height; AP = at planting; ATH = after thinning; SE = at stem elongation 147

5 Table 13: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Gedober in 2014 Full-dose AK c a 1/2 AP +1/2 AK a bc 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK ab bc 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE bc c 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK ab ab LSD (5%) ns ns ns CV (%) Table 14: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Kobo in 2014 Full-dose AK c 1/2 AP +1/2 AK bc 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK bc 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK a LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 15: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Kobo in 2014 Treatments Head weight /plot(g) Plant height(cm) Biomass yield (kg/ha) Thousand seeds weight(g) Adjusted grain yield (kg/ha) Full-dose AK c 1/2 AP +1/2 AK a 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK b 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE bc 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK a LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 16: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Chefa in 2014 Full-dose AK /2 AP +1/2 AK /3 AP + 2/3 AK /3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE /2 ATH + 1/2 AK LSD (5%) ns ns ns ns CV (%) Table 17: Mean agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of urea fertilizer application at Chefa in 2014 Full-dose AK a 1/2 AP +1/2 AK c 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK ab 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE ab 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK b LSD (5%) ns ns ns CV (%) Jiguritie sorghum at Chefa (Table 16). On the other hand, Mean combined analysis over locations of two years Girana-1 sorghum showed highly significant difference (2013 and 2014) timing of Urea fertilizer application were between grain yield at Kobo and Chefa for the year 2014 showed very highly significant differences between (Tables 15 and 17). Similarly, significant difference was thousand seeds weight of Girana-1 sorghum (Table 19) observed between grain yield and biomass yield at and highly significant difference was observed Gedober (Table 13). The highest grain yield (5673 and between grain yield of Jiguritie and Girana-1 sorghum 5848 kg/ha) was recorded with application time of Urea (Tables 18 and 19). The highest grain yield (4314 kg/ha) fertilizer 1/2 at planting + 1/2 at knee height stage and 1/2 was recorded with application time of Urea fertilizer 1/2 at at after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage of Girana-1 after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage of Jigutitie sorghum, respectively at Kobo (Table 15). sorghum (Table 18). Similarly, the highest grain yield 148

6 Table 18: Mean combined over locations agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Jiguritie) to timing of nitrogen fertilizer application in 2013 and 2014 Full-dose AK ab 1/2 AP +1/2 AK a 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK b 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK a LSD (5%) ns ns ns Location Year ns Treatment x Location x Year ns ns ns CV (%) Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at P = ns = non-significant; AK = at knee height; AP = at planting; ATH = after thinning; SE = at stem elongation Table 19: Mean combined over locations agronomic traits of yield response of sorghum (Girana-1) to timing of nitrogen fertilizer application in 2013 and 2014 Full-dose AK a 4868a 1/2 AP +1/2 AK b 4142c 1/3 AP + 2/3 AK b 4732ab 1/3 AP + 1/3 AK + 1/3 SE b 4461bc 1/2 ATH + 1/2 AK c 4581ab LSD (5%) ns ns Location Year 5.0 ns 0.8 ns Treatment x Location x Year ns ns 2.5 ns CV (%) (4868 kg/ha) was recorded with application time of Urea time in the months of April to May. It is therefore fertilizer full-dose at knee height stage of Girana-1 justifiable to conclude that there should be location sorghum (Table 19). specific Urea fertilizer application timing especially for Split N application at planting, after thinning, knee early maturing sorghum varieties. height and at stem elongation stages of early maturing According to Tewodros Mesfin et al. [3], profitable local (Jiguritie) and improved (Girana-1) sorghum crop response to applied nutrients depends on soil water varieties had increased head weight, biomass yield, availability. Melaj et al. [8], observed greater yield thousand seeds weight and grain yield. According to components when N was applied at tillering compared to Ranjith et al. [5], the best yields are obtained when sowing in case of bread wheat. Ayoub et al. [9], stated nitrogen application is split for rice. Treatments treated that split N had a little effect on yield, but decreased with nitrogen fertilizer at two equal splits (1/2 dose at lodging, while grain weight increased. Time of nitrogen sowing + 1/2 at tillering) produced high grain and straw application had significant effect on sorghum yield yields with the best economic benefit or profitability in attributes as reported by Yohanna [10]. Generally, splitteff production as compared to applying full dose at application of N resulted in superior yield increasing sowing time [6]. Nitrogen is the most nutrient required for attributes than when the entire N was applied at once [11]. high grain sorghum productivity [7]. By considering the moisture availability of the experimental areas, it was CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS recommended that the best use of Urea fertilizer would be obtained when 1/2 after thinning + 1/2 at knee height Urea fertilizer by nature is volatile or easily leachable stage at Kobo, Sirinka, Jari and Mersa while 1/3 at by water/heat so that split-application and proper timing planting + 2/3 at knee height stage at Chefa and Gedober of Urea fertilizer application for early maturing local and areas for Girana-1 sorghum while 1/2 at after thinning + improved sorghum varieties were a vital role in sorghum 1/2 at Knee height stage was for Jiguritie sorghum. In growing areas. For early maturing local sorghum most cases of dry land areas, the main bottle neck was (Jiguritie) and improved (Girana-1) varieties in lack of early rain fall distribution especially at planting consideration of moisture availability of the experimental 149

7 areas, it was found that Urea fertilizer should be applied 3. Tewodros Mesfin, Gebreyesus Brhane Tesfahunegn, 1/2 after thinning + 1/2 at knee height stage at Kobo, C.S. Wortmann, O. Nikus and M. Mamo, Tied- Sirinka, Jari and Mersa while 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at knee ridging and fertilizer use for sorghum production in height stage at Chefa and Gedober areas for Girana-1 semi-arid Ethiopia. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosys., 85: sorghum while 1/2 at after thinning + 1/2 at Knee height 4. International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), stage was for Jiguritie sorghum. The present Urea Collaborative Research Programme for Soil fertilizer split-application recommendation could be used Fertility Restoration and Management in Resourcefor local (Jiguritie) and improved (Girana-1) sorghum Poor Areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. Muscle Shoals, varieties growing areas which have similar amount of AL: IFDC. recommended fertilizer vis-à-vis soil and climatic condition 5. Ranjith, S., D. Tina., W. Dionne and B. Kathryn, with that of Gedober, Mersa, Sirinka, Jari, Chefa and Timing of nitrogen applications for rice. IREC Kobo. As a future research gap it is better to verify this Farmers Newsletter, pp: 177. research finding at the other major local and improved 6. Abraha Arefaine, Effects of Rates and Time of sorghum varieties growing areas of the region so as to Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yield derive a dependable Urea fertilizer application Components of Tef [(Eragrostis Tef (Zucc.) Trotter] recommendation. In Habro District, Eastern Ethiopia. M. Sc. Thesis Submitted to the Department of Plant Sciences ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS School of Graduate Studies, Haramaya University, Ethiopia, pp: 77. This research received the full financial and 7. Amal, G.A., M.Z. Nabila and M.S. Hassanein, logistical support of Sirinka Agricultural Research Response of grain sorghum to different nitrogen Center. Mr Asmamaw Yimer, Mr Tsegaye Gebiremariam, sources. Research Journal of Agriculture and Mr Abirha Alemu and Mr Aderajew technical assistants, Biological Sciences, 3(6): highly toiled in executing the experiment in the field 8. Melaj, M.A., H.E. Echeverria, S.C. Lopez, G. Studdert, during data collection. F. Andrade and N.O. Barbaro, Timing of nitrogen fertilization in wheat under conventional and REFERENCES no-tillage system. Agron. J., 95: Ayoub, M.S., S. Quertin, Lussier and D.L. Smith, 1. Ermias, A., T. Akalu, A.G. Alemayehu, W. Melaku, Timing and levels of nitrogen fertility effects on D. Tadesse and T. Tilahun (eds), Proceedings wheat yield in Eastern Canada. Crop Sci., 34: st of the 1 Annual Regional Conference on Completed 10. Yohanna, M.K., Effect of time of nitrogen Crop Research Activities, August Amhara application on the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) Regional Agricultural Research Institute. Bahir Dar, varieties at Mubi, Northern Guinea Savanna of Ethiopia. Nigeria. American Journal of Research 2. Gebreyesus Brhane, Effect of Tillage and Communication, 2(2): Fertilizer Practices on Sorghum Production in 11. Tilahun Tadesse, Alemayehu Assefa, Minale Liben Abergelle Area, Northern Ethiopia. Momona and Zelalem Tadesse, Effects of nitrogen split- Ethiopian Journal of Science (MEJS), 4(2): application on productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economic benefits of maize production in Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research, 1(4):