Participatory evaluation and verification of maize on soil test crop response based at Chobi community micro watershed, Caliya District, western Oromia, Ethiopia
Abstract
Verification trial of soil test crop response based phosphorus recommendation for maize was conducted at Chobi community micro watershed in Caliya District of Western Oromia in 2023 main cropping season. The trial was used to extrapolate verification result formerly conducted at Ilu Galan District on maize as bench mark. P-Critical (14.5) and P-requirement factor (5.5) was used for maize in this district. Three treatments were used, T1 (control), T2 (STBFR), T3 (Farmer Practices) laid out with simple adjacent plots side by side by using improved maize variety (BH-661) and replicated over ten farmers’ fields in the district. The plot size was 10m x 10m (100m2) for each treatment. The highest mean grain yield (8195kg/ha) was obtained from soil test crop response based fertilizer recommendation while the lowest mean grain yield (1802kg/ha) was recorded from the control plot. Eventually, partial budget analysis also indicated that phosphorus critical and requirement factor were economically feasible having net benefit of (217,500 Et.Birr) at 836% MRR. Therefore, Pc and Pf were verified and recommended for farmers of Chobi community micro watershed Caliya District to produce and obtain optimum yield from maize while further participatory evaluation and demonstration of this result will be expected to popularize the technology to farmers of the study areas and similar agro-ecologies. The change of pre-sowing and post-harvest soil parameters will be included after analysis completed.
How to Cite This Article
Negash Teshome Isho, Fikadu Kitaba, Bayisa Baye, Lami G/kidan (2024). Participatory evaluation and verification of maize on soil test crop response based at Chobi community micro watershed, Caliya District, western Oromia, Ethiopia . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 5(5), 109-112.