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Research Article
Effect of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Potato Varieties at Mulo District, Oromia, Ethiopia
Alemu Hailu Deme*
,
Biratu Abeshu Erandufa
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-11
Received:
12 July 2025
Accepted:
30 January 2026
Published:
24 February 2026
Abstract: Potato production in Ethiopia is constrained by poor soil fertility and limited use of balanced fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of varying rates of blended NPS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur) fertilizer on the growth, yield, and tuber quality of five potato varieties-Belete, Gudanie, Milki, Gera, and CIP 396004.337 (Dagem)-in Mulo District, Oromia. A factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was used to test four NPS rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1). Increasing NPS rates significantly improved aboveground biomass, with Belete reaching 6.5 t ha-1 at 300 kg ha-1. Total and marketable tuber yields also increased, with Belete achieving the highest marketable yield of 30 t ha-1. Higher fertilizer rates enhanced average tuber weight, tubers per plant, and dry matter content, benefiting processing quality. Unmarketable tuber yield declined, while tuber firmness improved, particularly in Belete and Milki, enhancing storage potential. Reducing sugar content decreased with increasing NPS, producing lighter chips suitable for processing. Sprout length was reduced at higher NPS levels, indicating improved tuber dormancy. Among the varieties, Belete consistently outperformed the others, followed by Milki and Gera, while Gudanie and CIP (Dagem) showed moderate performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating improved potato varieties with optimal NPS fertilization to enhance yield, tuber quality, and farmer income, contributing to sustainable potato production and food security in the region.
Abstract: Potato production in Ethiopia is constrained by poor soil fertility and limited use of balanced fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of varying rates of blended NPS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur) fertilizer on the growth, yield, and tuber quality of five potato varieties-Belete, Gudanie, Milki, Gera, and CIP 396004.337 (Dagem)-in Mulo Dist...
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Research Article
Effect of Inter-row Spacing of Carrot Cultivars (Daucus carota L.) at Wolaita Soddo, South Ethiopia
Zekiya Fitret,
Haylu Gebru,
Abreham Shimbulo,
Abdirshikur Reshid*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
12-22
Received:
5 January 2026
Accepted:
30 January 2026
Published:
24 February 2026
Abstract: Systematic studies on effect of inter-row spacing on carrot cultivars are limited at Wolaita area. Therefore, this study was conducted at Wolaita Soddo University plant science and horticulture research cite in 2017 cropping season to evaluate effect of inter-row spacing on growth, yield and quality of carrot cultivars. The research was conducted in randomized complete block factorial design in 3 replications. Nantes and Haramaya I carrot cultivars were evaluated at 5 inter-row spacing of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm and 50 cm. Phenological data, growth data, yield data, quality related data and alternaria blight severity and incidence occurred during plant growth were collected during experimental period. Most of collected data shows significant difference in between cultivars, inter-row spacing as well as their interaction. According to the result, Haramaya I show vigorius growth than nantes. However, in total yield and marketable yield and quality parameters nantes is found better than Haramaya I. As far as inter row is concerned, even if narrow inter-row spacing shows longer in plant height and leaf length, wider inter-row spacing shows vigorous plant growth and lower disease incidence and severity. However, in yield and quality parameter best result was obtained in narrowest inter-row spacing. Generally, best result of 37.95 tons of total yield per hectar was obtained at nantes variety grown in 10 cm by 10 cm spacing. Similarly, better marketable yield was obtained in this variety and spacing. Notably, the highest marketable root yields of 8.7 t ha-1 for the Nantes variety and 15.2 t ha-1 for another option were achieved with 10 cm inter-row spacing. Consequently, the Nantes cultivar paired with a 10 cm x 10 cm spacing emerges as a promising combination for growers. However, since this research was conducted over just one season and limited to a single location, it is advisable to further explore this study across different locations and seasons for more comprehensive recommendations.
Abstract: Systematic studies on effect of inter-row spacing on carrot cultivars are limited at Wolaita area. Therefore, this study was conducted at Wolaita Soddo University plant science and horticulture research cite in 2017 cropping season to evaluate effect of inter-row spacing on growth, yield and quality of carrot cultivars. The research was conducted i...
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Research Article
Response of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Varieties to Organic Mulching Materials at Guto Gida, East Wollega, Ethiopia
Kelemua Zebene*,
Temesgen Fesika
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
23-32
Received:
28 January 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
26 February 2026
Abstract: The study was carried out in 2021/22 under irrigation with the objectives of investigating the response of hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) varieties to organic mulching materials. The treatment consisted of three pepper varieties (Oda haro, Bako local and Mareko fana) and five levels of organic mulching materials (Control, Maize straw, Soybean straw, Sesame straw, and Cattle manure) and combined factorially and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results of analysis of variance indicated that the effects of varieties and organic mulching materials were significant (P<0.05) for all parameters. All agronomic traits except days to 50% flowering, number of seeds per fruit and fruit dry weight were significantly affected by the combined effect of organic mulching materials and hot pepper varieties. Mareko fana variety with Cattle manure resulted the highest Marketable yield (1561.1kg/ha). In general, application of cattle manure for pepper varieties, especially Marekofana improved vegetative growth and marketable yield. Thus, hot pepper growers in the study area can use Cattle manure as mulching material that would improve productivity of the crop. However, to give more conclusive recommendation, this experiment should be repeated over locations and cropping seasons by increasing the number of hot pepper varieties.
Abstract: The study was carried out in 2021/22 under irrigation with the objectives of investigating the response of hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) varieties to organic mulching materials. The treatment consisted of three pepper varieties (Oda haro, Bako local and Mareko fana) and five levels of organic mulching materials (Control, Maize straw, Soybean straw...
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Research Article
Synthesis and Production of Chemically Modified Bio-Based Adhesive from Cassava Root for Sustainable Industrial Applications
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
33-41
Received:
23 November 2025
Accepted:
5 December 2025
Published:
27 February 2026
Abstract: Cassava starch is a widely available, biodegradable raw material with strong potential for bio-adhesive production. However, its native form often exhibits weak bonding strength, limited structural stability, and high susceptibility to moisture. This study compares the structural, functional, and environmental performance of native and chemically modified cassava starch adhesives. Chemical modification was applied to enhance crystallinity, durability, and bonding capacity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed an increase in structural ordering, with the modified starch displaying sharper and more intense peaks than the broad, weak peaks of the native sample, confirming improved crystallinity. Biodegradation testing under soil burial conditions showed that both adhesives were biodegradable, but the modified adhesive degraded more slowly, losing 52% of its mass after 30 days compared with 78% for the native adhesive. This demonstrates an effective balance between stability and environmental friendliness. The modified adhesive also presented superior viscosity, cohesion, and resistance to moisture-induced weakening, suggesting its suitability for packaging, woodworking, and eco-construction applications. Overall, the findings indicate that chemical modification significantly improves cassava starch adhesive performance while maintaining biodegradability. Further research is recommended to explore advanced modification techniques, incorporate reinforcing additives, and conduct large-scale production assessments to fully realize the potential of modified cassava starch as a sustainable alternative to synthetic adhesives.
Abstract: Cassava starch is a widely available, biodegradable raw material with strong potential for bio-adhesive production. However, its native form often exhibits weak bonding strength, limited structural stability, and high susceptibility to moisture. This study compares the structural, functional, and environmental performance of native and chemically m...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Different Brachiaria Cultivars for Forage Yield and Agronomic Performance in Sub-humid Climate of Ethiopia
Wakgari Keba*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
42-49
Received:
23 February 2026
Accepted:
4 March 2026
Published:
16 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdplants.20260101.15
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Abstract: A major reason for the inadequate quantity and quality of feed is the shortage of improved, adapted forages. The growing interest in livestock development, fueled by the rising demand for animal products, underscores the necessity for high-quality, productive forages to address the feed shortage. This study was conducted in 2023 and 2024 at the Bako, Boneya Boshe, and Gute sites to identify the most adaptable and high-yielding cultivars of Brachiaria. The treatment consists of four Brachiaria cultivars (Brachiaria brizantha (DZF-13379), Brachiaria humidicola (DZF-9222), Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483) and Brachiaria decumbens (DZF-10871) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. This study showed that the Brachiaria cultivars*year*location interaction was significantly varied (P <.05) across all the sites for most of the measured parameters. The highest and the lowest plant heights were recorded for Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483) and Brachiaria humidicola (DZF-9222), respectively. The highest DMY was obtained from Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483), followed by Brachiaria decumbens (DZF-10871), Brachiaria brizantha (DZF-13379), and Brachiaria humidicola (DZF-9222). Even though there were some differences in some of the measured parameters, Brachiaria mutica (var. DZF-483) and Brachiaria decumbens (DZF-10871) are recommended based on their maximum forage DMY production and distinct growth habits. Thus, it is recommended to be demonstrated and familiarized with the farming community to utilize the potential of these cultivars.
Abstract: A major reason for the inadequate quantity and quality of feed is the shortage of improved, adapted forages. The growing interest in livestock development, fueled by the rising demand for animal products, underscores the necessity for high-quality, productive forages to address the feed shortage. This study was conducted in 2023 and 2024 at the Bak...
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Research Article
Integrating Spectral Vegetation Indices for Monitoring Vegetation Health and Stress in Semi-arid Ethiopia: A Case Study of Tullo District
Samuel Kebere*,
Kasegn Fikadu
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
50-61
Received:
4 February 2026
Accepted:
14 February 2026
Published:
16 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdplants.20260101.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study offers a detailed examination of vegetation health monitoring in the Tullo District of eastern Ethiopia, underscoring the critical role of spatially explicit data in land management within semi-arid environments. Employing a multi-index remote sensing framework with Landsat 9 imagery, the research evaluates vegetation health, stress, and the risk of degradation through the analysis of six distinct spectral indices. The findings reveal considerable spatial variability in vegetation health, pinpointing regions of significant productivity and areas susceptible to degradation. This differential analysis is essential for effective environmental planning and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The study also identifies strong correlations among the spectral indices, bolstering their reliability as tools for assessing vegetation conditions. Furthermore, the integration of these indices provides comprehensive insights, enhancing the understanding of ecological dynamics and informing conservation strategies. The methodology applied in this research is both scalable and cost-effective, thereby facilitating its adoption in broader contexts and regions facing similar challenges. By advancing the methodology for monitoring vegetation health, this work not only contributes to the understanding of vegetation dynamics in Ethiopia but also establishes a valuable framework that can be adapted to analogous ecosystems globally. The implications of this research are far-reaching, supporting informed decision-making in ecological restoration and land-use planning, ultimately fostering enhanced environmental stewardship in semi-arid landscapes.
Abstract: This study offers a detailed examination of vegetation health monitoring in the Tullo District of eastern Ethiopia, underscoring the critical role of spatially explicit data in land management within semi-arid environments. Employing a multi-index remote sensing framework with Landsat 9 imagery, the research evaluates vegetation health, stress, and...
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