Effect of Jatropha curcas L. press-cake and inorganic NP fertilizers on productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and soil properties

4^th International Conference on Bioprocess and Bio Therapeutics

October 20-21, 2016 Houston, USA

Gizachew F and Inyew

Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Bioproces Biotechniq

Abstract :

Low soil fertility is a major constraint to potato production in Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted at Rare research farm, main campus of Haramaya University in Ethiopia, during the main growing season of 2011 under supplementary irrigation to evaluate the effects of Jatropha curcas L. press-cake and inorganic NP fertilizers on the productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and soil properties. The treatments consisted of four rates of Jatropha press-cake (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) and five rates of combined mineral N and P (0 + 0; 0 + 46; 50 + 0; 50 + 46; 100 + 92 kg N + P, respectively, ha-1) fertilizers. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. Well sprouted medium-sized potato tubers of a potato variety named Badhasa were planted on 30 May 2011 at the spacing of 75 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants accommodating approximately 44,444 seed pieces ha-1. The plot sizes were 3.75 m x 3.9 m. The distance between plots and blocks was maintained at 1 and 2 m, respectively. All agronomic and soil data were collected and analysis of variance was done. The results indicated that Jatropha press-cake along with mineral fertilizer significantly enhanced potato tuber yields and soil OM. Thus, from the results of the study, it could be deduced that 2 t Jatropha press-cake ha-1 resulted in an optimum total tuber yield.

Biography :

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