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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

Author

Listed:
  • Zeleke Asaye

    (Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene P.O. Box 128, Ethiopia
    Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Ziway P.O. Box 35, 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
    Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo P.O. Box 138, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeleke Asaye & Dong-Gill Kim & Fantaw Yimer & Katharina Prost & Oukula Obsa & Menfese Tadesse & Mersha Gebrehiwot & Nicolas Brüggemann, 2022. "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 Ethiopi," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:6:p:784-:d:824364
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katherine Tully & Clare Sullivan & Ray Weil & Pedro Sanchez, 2015. "The State of Soil Degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Baselines, Trajectories, and Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(6), pages 1-30, May.
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    5. Crawford, Eric W. & Jayne, Thomas S. & Kelly, Valerie A., 2005. "Alternative Approaches for Promoting Fertilizer Use in Africa, with Emphasis on the Role of Subsidies," Food Security International Development Policy Syntheses 11292, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
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    1. Victor Kavvadias & Zacharias Ioannou & Evangelia Vavoulidou & Christos Paschalidis, 2023. "Short Term Effects of Chemical Fertilizer, Compost and Zeolite on Yield of Lettuce, Nutrient Composition and Soil Properties," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-25, May.
    2. Katharina A. Werner & Daniela Castro-Herrera & Fantaw Yimer & Menfese Tadesse & Dong-Gill Kim & Katharina Prost & Nicolas Brüggemann & Elisabeth Grohmann, 2023. "Microbial Risk Assessment of Mature Compost from Human Excreta, Cattle Manure, Organic Waste, and Biochar," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-11, March.

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