Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Dekoko (Pisum sativum var.abyssinicum A. Braun) Yield and Yield related traits

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer levels on dekoko (Pisum sativum var.abyssinicum A.Braun) yield and yield components as well as to establish the net benefit at each fertilizer levels. The Experiment was conducted at Mekelle university Endayesus campus in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia in 2013/14. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four blocks. It comprises four nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer treatments combinations. Viz., Control (N0P0), 30 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 (N1P1), 60 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1(N2P2) and 90 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 (N3P3).The highest yield (2114.55 kg ha-1), biomass (5312.5 kg ha-1), nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency (4.58 kg kg-1) and maximum marginal rate of return (499%) were obtained when treated with N2P2. From the present results it could be concluded that 60 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 fertilizer rate would be optimum treatment combination for enhancing dekoko yield and yield components, NP use efficiency, and economic profitability. Therefore, application of 60 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 is recommended for better productivity and profitability of dekoko at low soil fertility levels.