Abstract            Volume:12  Issue-1  Year-2024         Original Research Articles

Online ISSN : 2347 - 3215 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcret@gmail.com

Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is essential for sustainable production of crops. This combined effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Jimma Zone, South western Ethiopia was evaluated for two consecutive years (2018/19 and 2019/20). Present study investigated that effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on maize and their residual impacts on soil physico-chemical properties. Soil fertility depletion is the most pressing development challenge in the Ethiopian agriculture for sustainable crop production. Land degradation and associated soil fertility depletion has been recognized as a major biophysical root cause for the declining per-capita food production in Ethiopia. There is now a need to adapt and employ sustainable soil fertility management practices. The objectives of this study are to validate and demonstrate Vermicompost/compost with inorganic fertilizer to enhance crop and soil productivity for sustainable production and to popularize and disseminate integrated soil fertility management to end users. For instance, the combined application of organic and NP fertilizer significantly increased yields of maize over inorganic or organic fertilizer alone. From the result of the study, application of 50% Vermicompost +50% Recommended NP may be recommended for increasing maize grain and bio-mass yield particularly in the study area. This will greatly benefit farmers in area where supply of inorganic fertilizer is low and cases where farmers cannot afford the cost of high fertilizer input. However, application of Recommended NP ha^-1 can also bring about increase in the yield of maize. The combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers increases soil water holding capacity and nutrient cycling, and improve crop productivity. In general, improving the overall soil health in the country not only enhances agricultural productivity and hence resulting in better livelihoods and positively influencing the national economy at large.

Download this article as