Effects of Combined Application of Compost and Mineral Fertilizer on Soil Carbon and Nutrient Content, Yield, and Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Maize-Potato Cropping Systems in Southern Ethiopia

Zeleke Asaye, Dong-Gill Kim, Fantaw Yimer, Katharina Prost, Oukula Obsa, Menfese Tadesse, Mersha Gebrehiwot and Nicolas Brüggemann
Additional contact information
Zeleke Asaye: Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
Dong-Gill Kim: Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
Fantaw Yimer: Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
Katharina Prost: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-3, Agrosphere), 52425 Jülich, Germany
Oukula Obsa: Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
Menfese Tadesse: Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
Mersha Gebrehiwot: Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
Nicolas Brüggemann: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-3, Agrosphere), 52425 Jülich, Germany

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-20

Abstract: Low nutrient input and low soil fertility are limiting agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. The main objectives were therefore to evaluate the effects of combined compost and mineral fertilizer (MF) application on soil properties, yield, agronomic nitrogen use efficiency, and adoption of compost application in maize ( Zey mays L.)—potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cropping systems. Yield data were collected from 20 smallholders applying (i) compost and MF at a total rate of 110 kg N ha −1 , with 6 Mg compost ha −1 + MF (6CF), 12 Mg compost ha −1 + MF (12CF), and 16 Mg compost ha −1 + MF (16CF; compost on a fresh weight basis), (ii) MF application of 108 kg N ha −1 (F), and (iii) zero fertilization. Soil from 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths was collected from 16 farms using compost and MF. Compost + MF treatments showed significantly lower soil bulk density and iron contents, while pH, electrical conductivity, and cation exchange capacity were higher compared to F treatments. The 6CF, 12CF, and 16CF showed 22, 43, and 54% higher maize grain yield and 8, 16, and 18% higher potato tuber yield compared to F, respectively. The scarcity of organic material was a major socioeconomic constraint for smallholders for producing and applying compost.

Keywords: compost; nutrient depletion; smallholder agriculture; socio-economic constraints; yield; agronomic nitrogen use efficiency; soil properties; Ethiopia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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