Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum) on Vertisols in the Central High Lands of Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive cropping seasons (2014-2015) on farmers’ fields in Dendi district of Oromia Regional State. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of chick pea and soil chemical properties. The  treatments included eleven selected combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (Farm yard manure, Vermicompost, Compost and  Phosphorus). The design of the experiment was randomized complete block with three replications. The results showed that chick pea yield, some yield  components and soil chemical properties were significantly affected by the application of organic and inorganic fertilizer sources. The highest chick pea  grain yield (2712.2kg ha^-1) and biomass yield (10030 kg ha^-1) were obtained from applications of 1.75t ha^-1 of Vermicompost (based on Phosphorus  equivalent of recommended) and 50 kg ha^-1of the recommended Phosphorus fertilizers. Besides, higher yield of 2454.5 and 9152 kg ha^-1 grain yield and  biomass yield, respectively, was obtained due to the applications of 100 kg ha^{- 1} of the recommended phosphorus fertilizer. Application of the different  organic fertilizers improved the organic matter, Total N, available P and pH of the soil in the study area. The results also showed that the highest marginal  rate of return was obtained from application of 50kg ha^-1 of the recommended Phosphorus fertilizer rate + 1.75t ha^-1 vermicompost (based on  equivalent P rate), which is economically the most feasible alternative on vertisol of central Ethiopian highlands.