2021, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
Muhidin Biya

abstract
The field experiments were carried at Nada sadacha waredas, Jimma Zone, for 2017-18 main consecutive cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four plant densities (75*20 (66666), 75*25 (53333), 75*30 (44444) and 80*40 (62500 plants h^-1) and five Nitrogen and Phosphorous fertilizer rates (69, 92, 115, 138 and 161 N kg ha^-1) laid down in an RCBD factorial design with three replications using BH546 variety. All spacings accommodates a single plant per hill except the 80*40 two plants per hill. All grain yield and yield related parameters were significantly affected by N fertilizer rates and plant densities and no interaction. The highest grain (8.66 and 8.73 t/ha) and above ground biomass yield (16.93 and 17.46 t/ha) respectively were obtained from 138 kg ha^-1 N fertilizer rate and 75*25 cm (53333 plants h^-1). The grain yield was significantly increased by 18.47 and 11.31% over the lowest 69 N kg and 92Nkg ha^-1(control) respectively also by 30.88% over lower density 80*40 (62500 plants h^-1). In conclusion, a medium maturing variety with the application of 138 N kg ha^-1 and 75*25(53333 plants h^-1) gave the highest net benefit (29430.30 and 30110.40 EtB ha^-1) with acceptable MMR (172.21 and 346.56%) respectively. Therefore, based on input availability and economic feasibility, a medium maturing variety with the application of 138 N kg ha^-1 and spacing of 75*25 (53333 plants h^-1) taken as optimal and recommended for maize (BH546) variety production under rainfed condition of the study area.