2021, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Muhidin Biya, Sisay Gurmu and Eshetu Yadete

abstract
Field experiments were conducted at Omonada woreda for two consecutive years 2019 and 2020 main growing seasons at farmer’s fields using Abamelko sorghum variety. The studies were conducted to identify a most or optimum favorable plant population, resulting uniform maturity and harvest to increase grain yield by discouraging its high tillering capacity. Fourteen treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Across season data analysis showed that most parameters of sorghum like stem diameter, dry above ground biomass, harvest index and grain yield were significantly affected by different densities except plant height. The highest dry above ground biomass and grain yield (11.65 t ha^-1) and (3.01 t ha^-1) respectively were recorded from the highest density (363636) and (181818) plants per hectare. In general grain and above ground biomass yield were showed a linear relation with plant population densities due to the morphological growth nature of the variety accommodating more plants per unit area. In conclusion, the partial budget analysis based on the field prices of production inputs and sorghum grain yield showed that the (166667) followed by (181818) ha^-1 plant population density gave highest net benefit of (69105.19 EtB ha^-1) and (83327.77 EtB ha^-1) with acceptable MMR (301.69%) and (1027.90%) respectively Therefore, based on the current on-farm input availability and economic feasibility growth nature of sorghum Abamelko variety (166667) followed by (181818ha^-1) plant population density were recommended for farmer’s profitability under rain fed condition in Omonada, Jimma zone.