Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to blend (Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron) and potassium fertilizers rates at Boloso Sore Woreda, Ethiopia

The declining soil fertility is a severe bottleneck for crop production in Ethiopia. The application of inorganic fertilizer helps to correct a site-specific nutrient deficiency.

The research was conducted at Achura kebele Farmers Training Center (FTC) from December 2020 to July 2021. Soil samples and crop data were collected and analyzed by standard procedures.

The soil reaction revealed that the soil was moderately acidic (pH=5.68) and low in organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and boron. The result of this study indicated that the growth and yield of maize were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the combined effect of both blended (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron) and potassium fertilizer rates. The highest grain yield (7200.9 kg ha^-1) was found from NPSB, 200 kg ha^-1 + K, 50 kg ha^-1 and the lowest was recorded from control.