Abstract:
Multi-nutrients deficiency of soil in southwest Ethiopia is among the
primary constraints for the very low productivity of potatoes (Solanum
tuberosum L.). The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers
is vital for resolving the common productivity issue. Thus, experiments
were performed on potato variety “Belte” in Masha district, southwestern
Ethiopia, in both Belg (February to May) as well as Meher (June
to October) seasons of 2019 to evaluate the potato response to
the vermicompost, mineral phosphorus, and nitrogen’s integrated
applications. The experiment had three vermicompost rates with the
factorial combination (2.5, 5, 7.5 t/ha) and three recommended rates
inorganic NP’s 25%, 50% and 75% (124 kg N/ha and 103 kg P2O5/
ha) fertilizer. Results have discovered that 75% inorganic NP and 7.5
t/ha vermicompost’s combined application significantly increase total
tuber yield, marketable tuber yield, and individual tuber weight, giving
the maximum net benefits and marginal return rate. Thus, it has been
discovered from this work that for potato production at Masha area,
7.5 t/ha vermicompost with inorganic NP’s 75% recommended dose’s
combined applications are best-integrated nutrient management options.
