Malting barley response to integrated organic and mineral nutrient sources in Nitisol

Abstract

Purpose Depletion of soil fertility accounts for the low yield and quality of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Ethiopia. Mineral fertilizers can counteract nutrient depletion but are unafordable by low-input farmers. Organic amendments can contribute to correct soil degradation but are often in the required amounts. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the efects of combined use of organic and mineral amendments on the yield and quality of malting barley, and on selected soil chemical properties at Lemu-Bilbilo district in the southeastern highlands of Ethiopia. Methods Eight treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications to compare sole and integrated applications of organic and mineral nutrient sources on crop performance attributes and selected soil characteristics. Results Application of 2.82 t ha−1 compost or 1.07 t ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM) along with 18–10 kg ha−1 N–P gave 4234–4443 kg ha−1 grain yield with 15–17 and 32–39% increase over sole organic amendments and control, respectively, and 757% economic beneft. Combining organic and mineral fertilizers also gave 7–17 and 1–6% increase in available soil P and total N content of the soil. Conclusion Combined application of 50% recommended compost (RC) or 50% recommended FYM (RFYM) + 50% recommended NP (RNP) or 33% RC + 33% RFYM + 33% RNP enhanced yield, grain quality, soil attributes and economic benefts. Therefore, integration of organic and mineral amendments is recommended as best agronomic and economic optimum soil fertility management options for sustainable malting barley production in the southeastern highlands of Ethiopia.