Effect of Tied Ridging and Fertilizer on the Productivity of Sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor (L.)Moench] at Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia

Berhane Sibhatu^1* , Hayelom Berhe², Gebremeskel Gebrekorkos¹, Kasaye Abera¹

¹Department of Field crops, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Mehoni Agricultural Research Center, Maichew, Ethiopia.

²Natural Resources Management Research Process, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Mehoni Agricultural Research Center, Maichew, Ethiopia.

Corresponding author Email: berhane76@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.5.3.20

Abstract:

Water deficit and poor fertility of soil are among the main constraints to sustain production of sorghum in the semi-arid regions of northern Ethiopia. Thus, one experiment was conducted to determine the appropriate tied-ridging practice and planting method that maximizes sorghum productivity under rainfed conditions. It was carried out in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. Treatments comprised flatbed planting as control; open tied ridge, furrow planting; open tied ridge, planting on ridges; closed tied ridge, furrow planting; and closed tied ridge, planting on ridges were tested separately under fertilized and unfertilized conditions. These treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. According to the current result, days to heading, plant height and panicle length were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced while grain and biomass yields were significantly influenced in both fertilized and unfertilized conditions. Accordingly, the maximum grain yield (3226.70 - 4621.00 kg ha^-1) under fertilized and (2678.00 - 4318.80 kg ha^-1) unfertilized conditions was obtained from closed tied ridge with planting in furrow. Moreover, the highest biomass yield (6844.40 - 11471.00 kg ha^-1) was produced from closed tied ridge integrated with fertilizer in furrow planting. On the other hand, the minimum average yields were obtained from flat planting (farmers' practice) with and without fertilizer. It is concluded that closed tied ridge with planting in furrow can be recommended for sorghum growers in Raya Valley areas and other places with similar agro-ecologies to enhance sorghum yield.

Keywords:

Fertilizer; Sorghum; Tied ridging; Yield; Yield components

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