College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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College of Agriculture & Natural Resource

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GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) VARIETIES TO SEEDING RATES AT WOLISO, SOUTH WEST SHEWA, ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 22-12) TESHALE ACHALU IBSA
A field experiment was conducted during the 2021 main cropping season with the objective of determining the best seeding rate of bread wheat varieties for optimum growth and yield in Woliso District, South West Shewa, Ethiopia. Three varieties (Shorima, Ogolcho and Dandea) and five seeding rates (100, 125, 150, 175 and 200 kg ha 1 ) were used in factorially arranged randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated thrice. The analysis of variance revealed that the main and the interaction effect of variety and seeding rates had highly significant (p<0.01) on effect days to 50% emergence and heading; while the interaction effect of seed rate and variety was significantly (p<0.05) affected harvest index (HI) and grain yield of wheat varieties. Days to 90% physiological maturity, spike length and thousand kernels weight were affected highly significantly (p<0.01) and plant height (p<0.05) by the main effects of variety and seed rate. Number of effective tillers and number of kernels per spike were significantly (p<0.05) affected only by the main effects of variety and the main effects of seed rate, respectively. The above ground dry biomass yield was highly significantly (p<0.01) affected only by the main effect of the variety. The use of 150 kg ha 1 seeding rate for variety Dandea resulted in highest harvest index (37.29%) and grain yield (4103 kg ha 1 ). From the result of this study, the use of 150 kg ha 1 seed rate for variety Dandea and Ogolcho; and 175 kg ha 1 for variety Shorima were identified for good crop stand and final yield. However, extra study has to be done in diverse sites and time of year with a wide variety of seed rates and varieties to develop convinced recommendation of this stud
LAND USE TYPE AND LANDSCAPE POSITION EFFECTS ON SELECTED SOIL PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:THE CASE OF OMANCHO WATER SHADE GURAGHE ZONE SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 2022-04) ZEMECHA SAHILE EBDIO
Understanding the effects of landscape positions and land use type on soil properties is crucial for improving the soil productivity and to ensure the environmental sustainability. The objective of this study was to assess land use type and landscape position effects on selected soilphysico-chemical properties at Omancho watershed in Guraghe Zone of Southern Ethiopia. Accordingly, thirty six soil samples were collected from lower, middle and upper landscape positions and four land use types ( woodland, grazing land, conserved and non-conserved land) at the depth of 0-15 cm in three replications. Data on selected soil physico- chemical properties were collected and statistically analysed.The result showed that most of measured soil properties were significantly (p<0.05%)influenced by the interaction effects of topographic positions and land use types.The highest values of sand (46.67%) was recorded on non-conserved land of middle position, silt (33.67%) from grazing land at upper position and clay (57%) at lower position of grazing lands. The textural class in the study site was clay. The maximum (1.23gcm-3) and minimum (0.94gcm- 3) soil bulk density (BD) values were recorded under upper position of non-conserved and lower position of conserved land respectively. The total porosity varied from 54 to 64.5 % which was recorded from the upper position of grazing land and the lower position of woodland respectively. The result showed that soil BD and sand fraction decreased from upper to lower position. In contrast, total soil porosity, clay and silt were increased from upper to lower position. Compared to conserved/woodlands, the non-conserved lands revealed the hightest BD and sand fraction. Soil pH was varied between 5.9 and 7.4% from the upper position of non-conserved land and lower position of conserved lands, respectively. The highest base saturation (73.13%) was recorded from the lower position on woodland uses, whereas the least value (46.4%) was recorded from the lower position of non-conserved land. The higher Av.P (1.04mg/kg soil) was recorded from the lower position of conserved land. The higher TN values (0.12%) was recorded from lower position of woodland, whereas the highest OC (1.20%) was recorded from lower positions of conserved land. The highest CEC (55meq/100gr soil) was recorded from the lower position of woodland whereas the least value (45meq/100gr soil) was recorded from the upper position of non-conserved land. Soil chemical parameters (pH, EC, Av.P, OC, TN, CEC) and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, and Mg) were significantly increased from upper to lower position. In general, the soil properties in all land use types were improved from upper to lower landscape positions. Thus, working soil and water conservation practices for all land use types, particularly in the upper land scape positions, are suggested.
GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) VARIETIES TO NPSB BLENDED FERTILIZER RATES AT EZHA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-04) DESALEGN KEBEDE ADEBA
The current average yield of common beans is far less than the national attainable yield in the study area. This is partially due to low soil fertility management and a lack of improved varieties. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of blended NPSB rates on yield and yield components of common bean varieties, to determine the optimum rate of blended NPSB fertilizer required and the best variety for optimum growth and yield of common bean, and to investigate economically feasible rates of blended NPSB fertilizer for common bean production. The experiment was conducted at Ezha district during 2022 cropping seasons. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four common bean varieties (Sab632, Ser119, Ser125, and Bz2) with four NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1) laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on growth and yield and yield components and analyzed using SAS (version 9.3). The result showed that NPSB blended fertilizer rate and varieties significantly influenced most of the tested parameters of common bean. The highest days to flowering (51.0), nodule dry weight (3.106), number of pods per plant (17.60), above ground dry biomass (6131.7 kg ha-1), and grain yield (2862.7 kg ha-1) were recorded due to the application of 150 kg of NPSB ha-1 for variety Ser119. The highest days to maturity (99.33) and plant height (83.73cm) were recorded from variety Ser125 with a 150 kg NPSB fertilizer application rate. The maximum number of total nodules (73.67), effective nodules (43.55) and the highest harvest index (48.89%) were recorded from variety Ser119 with a 100 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer application rate. With a 150 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer application rate, variety Sab632 produced the highest hundred seed weight (42.30). The highest number of seeds per pod (3.76) was recorded from variety Ser125. Net benefit of 81,123.3 birr ha-1 was obtained from the treatment combination of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 application rate for variety Ser119. Thus, based on the study results, the application of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 with variety Ser119 could be recommended to enhance the productivity with the highest net benefits of common bean in the study area. The experiment was done only xii at one location and one season therefore it would have to be replicated across location and season to get best conclusive result and sound full recommendation for specific area in order to assure finding of the current study.
MAPPING THE SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF SOIL ACIDITYANDEVALUATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL SOIL PROPERTIES:- INCASEOF DEWOSHE SUB-WATERSHED, GUMMER DISTRICT, GURAGEZONE , ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-06) MULUYE TAFERE DEMIS
Mapping the spatial variability of soil acidity and evaluation of physico-chemical soil properties on the study area is important to design appropriate soil fertilitymanagement practices. Mapping the spatial variability is a key operation as it provides knowledge about soil acidity and how it can be used sustainably. The studywas conducted at the Dewoshe sub-watershed Gummer district, Guraghe Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Twenty-eight soil samples were collected from two crop types withseven replication at two soil depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm), respectively. Theevaluation of physico-chemical soil properties were analyzed using the ANOVAGLMprocedure of SAS software, and mapping the spatial variability of soil acidity wereanalyzed using Arc GIS 10.4. Furthermore, the study has investigated that variousphysico-chemical soil properties were profoundly influenced due to crop types andsoil depths. Soil BD, total porosity, and exchangeable acidity, TN, OM, and C: N, available P, exchangeable Mg, CEC, and exchangeable acidity were significantly ected due to Enset and cereal crops, soil depths, and their interaction between croptypes and soil depths. In contrast, sand, silt, and clay fraction and change of pHexhibited no statistically significant variation within the crop and their interaction between crop types and soil depths. But there was a variation of sand and clay on soil depths. Exchangeable (K, Na, and H) were only varied in crop types. The change of pH, exchangeable Al, and Ca were varied within crop types, soil depths, and their interaction between crop types and soil depths and only within crop types and soil depths, respectively. The highest and the lowest values of some physico-chemical soil properties of sand, clay, BD, total porosity, pH-H2O, pH-KC, OM, TN, available P, and CEC were (38.9, 34.4 ), (23.07, 19.4), (1.35, 1.07), (59.7, 49), (6.27, 4.84), (5.67, 4.1), (4.58, 0.79), (0.26, 0.07), and (28.6, 15.6) within cop types, and soil depths respectively. Cereal crop fields as compared to the Enset crop fields were sufere from soil degradation and decline in soil fertility on the spatial points of beginning at strong to steep slope mapping parts with the same soil depths. But both in the study area, in general, pointed out that these changes are not in favour of the ecosystem and caused deterioration in the quality of soil resources which in turn led to a decline in agricultural crop productivity. This calls for urgent measures to be takenthat encompass a mix of technological and policy options. Further research and development interventions into the dynamics and impact of crop land-use change onecosystems and their components at various scales (from small sub-watersheds toregion and country) are required if conservation and agricultural development goalsfor this sub-watershed in particular and the country in general, are to be met onasustainable basis. And again, mapping the spatial variability of soil acidic problemsby OK is needed to clearly show the specific locations of the study areas, whereattention is required with respect to sustainable management of crop nutrients.
ASSESSMENT ON MILKING AND HANDLING PRACTICES, MICROBIAL QUALITY AND SAFETY OF RAW COW MILK IN KOLFEKERANIO AND LEMIKURA SUB-CITIES OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 2023-01) KURIBACHEW ENDALE GODANA
Raw cow milk serves as a good medium for microbial growth due to its complex biochemical composition and high water activity, Because of this character, the quality and shelf-life of milk is forced to be degraded. This study was conducted in Kolfekeranio and Lemikura sub cities of Addis Ababa to evaluate milking practice, microbial quality and safety as well as antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria in raw cow milk. Two districts were purposively selected from each sub-cities based on dairy potential. Small, medium and large-scale dairy farmers in the selected districts of study area owning dairy cattle for milk production were the targeted population. A total of 161 dairy producers were selected randomly based on proportion from each farm scale and interviewed individually using semi-structured questionnaire. For milk quality evaluation, 61 samples of raw cow milk were collected from producer’s container and transported by icebox to the laboratory. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.0. The result showed that the milking method practiced in the study area is hand milking. All the respondents wash their hands before milking but among them 27.3% of them washes with water only and 72.7% of them wash their hand with soap and water. The majority of the respondents use plastic materials for milking (83.9%), and milk storage (68.3%) respectively. The overall mean (±SD) of raw cow’s milk for standard plate count (SPC), E. coli count (EC), Coliform Count (CC) and Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC) were 6.24±1.43, 2.44±0.56, 4.34 ±1.27 and 2.87±1.02 log10cfu/ml respectively. Salmonella was not detected in the collected milk sample and the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 37%. The isolated S. aureus bacteria were 100% susceptible for antibiotic drugs like Amikacin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Erythromycin, Tylosin, Clindamycin and Florenicol. On the other hand S. aureus was 87% susceptible and 13% intermediate for Enfrofloxacin, 78.3% susceptible and 21.7% resistance for Tilcimosin, 60.9% susceptible and 39.1% resistance for Tetracycline, 95.7% susceptible and 4.3% intermediate for Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole. Based on the result of the current study, milk samples contained higher microbial load than National and International standards and contains pathogenic bacteria which will result in public health risk to the consumer. All concerned bodies in dairy industry should get public education about hygienic milk production to reduce the risk of milk borne pathogens and losses due to rejection resulting from contamination.
INVESTIGATION ON ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINAL PLANTS AND NON PLANT REMEDIES USED FOR TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK AILMENTS IN YEM SPECIAL DISTRICT, SNNPRS, ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 2023-06) ABIYOT SISAY NANO
Most Ethiopian farmers rely on locally available plants to treat diseases of their domestic animals. Such knowledge needs to be recorded and transferred to generations before it is eroded. The aim of this study was to investigate the ethnoveterinary medicinal plant and non-plant remedies used for treatment of livestock ailments in Yem Special District, Southern Ethiopia. Sixty-seven informants were purposively selected from seven study kebeles. Semi-structured interviews, field observations and focus group discussions were used to collect ethnoveterinary information. The data were analyzed using quantitative approaches. A total of 151 plant species and 25 non plant remedies were used in the treatment of 49 livestock ailments based on 26 signs and symptoms. Plant family lamiaceaeand non-plant remedies meat of porcupines were frequently used. The most frequently harvested plant parts were leaves (66.2%). Pounding (87.3) was the most commonly used method of remedy preparation whereas the most widely used method of administration is oral (67.5). The majority of medicinal plants (82.2%) were harvested from the wild. Herbs(35.1%) were the dominant growth form. In this study, the highest relative importance, relative ferequence of citation values and most preferred medicinal plant species for the most frequently cited disease was Olinia rochetiana A. Juss. Ensete ventricosum was used for various purposes by the local people. The highest informant consensus factor values were gastrointestinal and end parasites (0.71) disease categories. Calpurnia aurea. (Ait.) Benth showed the highest fidelity level value (95%) in dermatological and ectoparasitesand from non plant remedies, faces of aardvark (100%) in reproductive and bile of animals(100%) in gastrointestinal and endoparasite disease categories. The Plant species with the highest use value was; Cordial africana Lam (6). The current study shows that medicinal plants and non-plant remedies are still the major animal health care system in Yem Distrct. Hence, Conducting phytochemical screening and clinical trials of the MPs with high informant consensus and FL, and plant species and animal identified as sources of traditional medicine in the area should be conserved.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LAND USE TYPES, SOIL DEPTH AND TOPOGRAPHY ON SELECTED PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AT WUNKE WATERSHED OF GETO WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(wolkite universty, 2023-10) HABTU WOLDEYESUS
The study of soil's physical and chemical properties is critical for the sustainable management of agricultural resources and economic growth. The purpose of the study was to look into the effects of different land use types, soil depth and topography on selected physical and chemical properties of soil in the Wunke watershed of Geto woreda in southern Ethiopia. This study considered three land uses (cultivated, grazing, and enset land), two soil depths (0-20 and 20-40cm), and three topographic positions (upper, middle, and lower) in three replications. For laboratory analysis, a total of 54 composite samples were collected. A three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the statistical analysis system (SAS, 2008) to determine whether or not variations in soil their interaction were significant. The findings revealed that the majority of the soil's physical and chemical properties varied with, the interaction effect of land use, soil depth and topography. The interaction effects of land use and soil depth affected particle size distribution, BD, AP, OC, TN CEC, exchangeable bases and PBS. Exchangeable bases and PBS were all significantly influenced by the interaction effect of land use and topography. The interaction effect of soil depth and topography affected sand, silt, pH, AP, OC, TN, and Ca. The interaction effect of land use, soil depth, and topography affected CEC, exchangeable bases and PBS. The highest bulk density (1.17gcm-3) was found grazing land of lower depth, while the lowest (1.0 gcm-3) was found on enset land of lower depth. Soils on enset land had consistently higher pH values, followed by grazing and cultivated lands. , higher (4.1%) mean organic carbon content was found upper depth of lower topographic position and lower (2.4%) mean TN content values were found in cultivated land of lower depth. The effects of soil depth on soil properties revealed that the surface soil layer had the highest sand fraction, TN, OC, and CEC. The subsurface soil layer had the highest clay fraction and the lowest values of TN, OC, and CEC. The interaction effect of land use, soil depth, and topography on soil properties revealed that the lowest layers of soils with the highest exchangeable bases and CEC were found at the lower topographic position under the three land use types. Soil fertility in cultivated lands was lower than in enset and grazing lands. Most of the measured soil properties were better in enset land than in other land use soils, and lower topographic positions were better than upper and middle topographic positions.
SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, GROWTH AND YIELD OF BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris .L) AS AFFECTED BY BIOCHAR SOURCE AND RATE IN MESKAN DISTRICT, EASTERN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) WELYOU MOHAMMED BESHIR
Bio char application has been widely suggested as a highly improving soil property and fertility replenishment option to promote sustainable agriculture. The bio char amendment in the soil has received more study in recent times to reclaim soil property and improve productivity. This study aimed to investigate the interaction effects of different sources (coffee husk, maize cob, and Enset leaf) and rates(0, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1) of bio char on soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (Av. P) cation exchange capacity (CEC),growth (plant height, leaf (number, length and area), and yield (beet diameter, weight per (plant and pot)of beetroot at Meskan District. A factorial pot experiment was conducted at the greenhouse, and the experiment was set up using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of biochar and three types of biochar sources and replicated three. The ANOVA result indicates that a significant variation was observed at P<0.05 among the interaction effects of source and rate of biochar on soil chemical properties like (pH, EC, OC, TN, and Av. P and CEC). The result of the analysis of variance specifiesthat pH and EC show a significant difference at p<0.05 among the interactions of source and rate ofbiochar. The highest values of soil pH and EC were 7.69±0.075 and 0.25±0.008 μm cm-1) respectivelyand the lowest was recorded in the control (6.46±0.075, 0.06±0.008μm cm-1) respectively. The ANOVAresults also state that a significantly varied value was recorded within the interaction effect of different sources and rates of biochar on OC, OM, TN, Av.p., and CEC, and the highest value of OC, OM, TN ,Av.p., and CEC was (7.93±0.15%, 13.68±0.29%, 0.76±0.01%, 21.5±0.49cmol. Kg-1and40.36±0.48mgkg 1) respectively and the lowest value (2.29±0.15%, 3.92±0.29%, 0.17±0.01%, 13.84±0.49mg kg-1and28.68±0.48 cmol.Kg-1) respectively was recorded as untreated treatment. The ANOVA result also indicates that a significant variation was observed (P<0.05) among the interaction effects of source and rate of biochar on growth and yield of beetroot, like plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area and length, beet diameter, and beet weight per plant and per pot. The result of analysis of variance table shows a significant variation in height. The highest value of plant height at the three growth stages was(25day, 50day and harvest) (18.56±0.67, 34.58±0.3and36.97±0.91 cm) respectively and the lowest value of plant height was (14.85±0.67, 25.88±0.3 and 35.43±0.91 cm), respectively, were recorded in control. Similarly, ANOVA showed that a significant difference value (P<0.001) resulted in a leaf (number, length and area) within the interaction effect of source and rate of biochar. The highest values were(19.66±0.48, 34.14± 0.26cm and 826.83±16cm-2), respectively, and the lowest value (17.66±0.48,29.04±0.26cm and 327.87±16cm2) resulted in untreated soil. Likewise, a significant variation was obtained (P<0.001) on beet (diameter, weight per plant and pot) within the interaction of the source and the rate of bio char. The maximum value of (beet (diameter, weight per plant and pot)) was (6.61±0.013cm, 482.67±3.05g and 1458.33±10.91g) respectively, and the minimum value was (5.78±0.013cm, 343±3.05g, and 1062±10.91g) was recorded within the control. The economic analysis result shows the highest net benefit was 1012,725,480 ETB ha-1obtained at soil treated with 7.5 t ha-1Enset leaf biochar with an additional gain of, 21596% from every Birr invested .Finally, the study concludes that the interaction effects of different sources and the rate of bio char show a significant variation among soil chemical properties, growth and yield of beetroot in a pot experiment. Future studies should articulate the study's need for additional bio char sources by increasing the rate over a long period on research stations and farmers' fields in locations with diverse management practices.
CHARACTERIZATION, CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING OF SOILS OF MEGECHA MICRO-WATERSHED, EZHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) ALEMU WEGU JEZA
The study was conducted at Megecha Micro-Watershed Ezha District in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Because of a diversified geography, climatic conditions, and geology, Ethiopia has a variety of soil resources which were studied at small scales 1:250,000, with high levels of generalization. Site specific soil characterization and classification can serve as initial step in creating baseline information for developing land use planning and management practices. Therefore purpose of this study was to characterize, classify and mapping soils of Megecha micro-watershed, to generate baseline information, for formulating the management alternatives for different soil types identified. Four representatives Pedon were opened at the upper, middle and low slope position and soil field description was made. A total of 17 disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from each genetic horizon. The results of the study revealed that color, consistency, texture, bulk density (BD) and of the soils varied with the slope position and soil depth. Lower BD, darker red color and soft (dry) consistency were observed at the upper slope position whereas higher BD, very dark gray color and hard (dry) consistence were observed in the low slope areas. The depth of the soils was very deep (200+cm) and the textural classes varied from silt to clay, Soil reaction (pH)(5.3 to 6.3) categorized by moderately acid to slightly acidic, Soil organic carbon (SOC)(0.58 to 2.99%) content was categorized as low to high, Available Phosphorus (P) (0.28 –1.20 mg kg-1 ) was rated as inadequate range, Total Nitrogen (N) (0.02 to 0.27% ) content was rated as very Low to high, C: N ratio varies from (6.43 to 29) ) and found in low to high range, Soil CEC varied from (5 - 47 cmolc kg-1) categorized as very low to very high and PBS (19.19 to 87. 19%) was categorized as very low to very high. Regarding the soil classification Pedon 1 classified as Chromic Alisols (Epidystric), Pedon 2, Chromic Alisols (Dystric), Pedon 3 Hablic Alisols (Dystric) and Pedon 4 Pellic Vertisols (Hypereutric).The soilmap was developed for these identified soils types. Thus, in introducing new agricultural technologies like application of lime, use vermin compost and soil and water conservation practices were needed to the study area, the local variations in soils should be considered for a sustainable agricultural development.
ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTION OF BANANA PRODUCERS’ COOPERATIVES IN ENHANCING VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT IN CASE OF ARBA-MINCH ZURIYA WOREDA, GAMO ZONE, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-01) YETSENA YAKOB TAKA
This study aims to assess the contribution of banana producer cooperatives in enhancing value chain development. Two-stage sampling procedures were used for the selection of 113 sample household heads. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study. Both descriptive and econometric analyses method were used. The result of the Likret scale indicates that the majority of members of banana-producing cooperatives have a positive perception towards the socioeconomic impact of cooperative in value chain development. Banana producers received higher returns when they sold their banana directly to rural retailers. The result of the econometric analysis by the probit regression model the variables were age educational level farm size income access to information and awareness about cooperatives was found to significantly determine banana producers’ decision to join banana primary cooperatives. Major challenges of primary banana producer’s cooperatives in the study area were lack of capital illegal traders little awareness about cooperatives cheating in weight balance and fluctuation of the domestic banana price. In addition opportunities in the study area were the availability of suitable agro-ecology and the existence of cooperative experts at the Kebele level. From the finding it is therefore recommended that the locale government and other concerned bodies give special attention to encouraging and attracting rural producers to cooperatives because cooperatives are the basis for value chain development.
DETERIMINANTS OF FARMER PARTICIPATION TO WHEAT CLUSTER FARMING AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC ROLE IN SODO WOREDA, EAST GURAGHE ZONE, CENTERAL ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-04) GIRMA KOTO GUDA
Cluster farming is an agricultural practice that involves organizing and grouping together farmers within a specific geographic area based on proximity of their farm plots and it increasingly recognized as a viable means of improving smallholder economy in money developing countries .Ethiopia’s farming system is dominated by Smallholder farmers who accounts for 96 percentage of total cultivated area generated 95 percent of total production. Agriculture has not been used to its full potential for development in Ethiopia due to low productivity and low-level of value addition of smallholder. Enhancing productivity and value addition among smallholder farmers is broadly perceived as a main strategy which is achieved through promoting agricultural cluster farming approach. This thesis is focused on studying determinants farmers’ participation decision of wheat cluster farming and its role in Sodo Woreda of Eeast Guraghe zone of central Ethiopia. In this study both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data were collected from a sample of 274 household heads randomly selected by using two stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics include mean, standard deviation, ratio, frequencies, and range. Econometrics models such as Binary probitand OLS model were employed to analyze the data. Variables, sex of house hold headed, farm size, training access and mechanization use were significantly affect wheat cluster farming in the study area. Lastly this study recommends that actors should invest on linking farmers of both sexes to enhance wheat cluster farming participation of farmers. Mechanization use positively influenced wheat cluster farming participation decision and extent of cluster participation level the government and concerned body should organize farmers and facilitate credit facilities for them to buy different agricultural tools. Training access significantly influenced farmers ‘participating in wheat cluster farming so the concerned body should train farmers to bring a good result.
EFFECT OF PLANTING DATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) VARIETIES AT EZHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) DINO NASIR MOHAMED
Planting dates is a critical factor in maize production decision-making, with implications for crop management, variety selection, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Afield experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting date on growth and yield of maize varieties. The experiment was conducted in Ezha district during the 2023 main cropping season. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four maize varieties (BH540, BH661, Shone, and Limu) and four planting dates (9-April, 19-April, 29-April, and 9-May) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)with three replications. The experiment's findings demonstrated that planting dates and varieties had a significant impact on most parameters examined. However, varieties had no effect on the number of days to anthesis and silking. The statistical analysis result revealed that, Limu variety interacted with the planting date of 9-April, resulted, the longest days to anthesis silking interval (11.67), the largest number of ears per plant (1.40), the highest thousand kernel weight (410), the highest above-ground dry biomass (13.93 kg ha-1), and the highest grain yield (6.71 t ha-1) of maize. Similarly, the planting date 9-May interacted with the same variety, resulted the longest days to anthesis silking interval (11.67). The variety Limu resulted in the highest days to maturity (170), ear length (16.63 cm), ear diameter (16.08 cm), and harvest index (43.92). Similarly, Variety BH661 resulted in the highest ear height (101.45), longest days to emergence (9.08 days), longest days to anthesis (95.58 days), and longest days to silking (103.17); beside, the highest plant height (238.97cm), and the highest number of rows per ear (16.40) recorded from variety shone. Conversely, the planting date of 9-April yielded the longest days to maturity (161.75), the highest number of kernels per row (35.56 cm), the highest ear height (84.93 cm), the longest ear length (17.61 cm), the longest ear diameter (17.74 cm), and the highest harvest index (42.05%). Likewise, the planting date of 9-May recorded the longest day to emergence (9.5), the longest day to anthesis (98.67), and the longest days to silking (107.83). Thus, based on the result, early planting on April 9 resulted in the highest grain yield (6.7 t ha-1) from the Limu variety, whereas the lowest grain yield (1.65 t ha-1) was recorded from the BH540 late planted on May 9. Therefore, variety Limu with early planting date (April 9) was recommended for maize production in the study area. However, the experiment was done only at one location and one season; therefore, it would have to be replicated across locations and seasons to get the best conclusive result and a sound full recommendation for a specific area in order to assure the findings of the current study.
VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF TEFF: THE CASE OF SHEBEL BERENTA DISTRICT, EAST GOJJAM ZONE, AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) YEWEGNESH HABTAMU MEKU
Ming bean (Vigna radiata L.), is a recently introduced grain legume crop with high potential uses and export demand. However poor crop management practices, including improper NPSB fertilization rate and absence of improved varieties contributed to low productivity in the study area. Hence a field experiment was conducted in Cheha district, Gurage Zone to evaluate the effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on the yield and yield components of mung bean varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were 16 treatment combinations, comprising two mung bean varieties (NVL-1 and Rasa) and eight blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75,100, 125, 150 and 175 kg ha-1). The results showed that the highest values for most growth parameters and yield components were obtained with the application of 175 kg ha-1 NPSB. Results from the main effect of NPSB fertilizer rates indicated that the highest values for plant height (75.83), total number of branches (8.43), total number of nodules (22.91 and 22.6), number of effective nodules (13.41and 13.01) hundred seed weight (35.5g) and above ground dry biomass (5606.3 kg ha-1) were obtained. The interaction between variety and NPSB rate significantly influenced several growth and yield traits. The combination of Rasa variety with 175 kg ha-1 NPSB resulted in the highest days to 50% flowering (55.66 days),days to 90%physiological maturity (88.33 days), number of pod per plant (31), number of seed per pod(13.91), grain yield (1403.33 kg ha-1) and harvest index (24.97%).The partial budget analysis indicated that the combination of rasa variety with 175 kg ha1 NPSB gave the highest net benefit (48,928 Birr ha-1) with 1113.2% marginal rate of return. Therefore, the use of 175 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer with Rasa variety are recommended for optimal mung bean yield and economic benefit in the study area and similar agro ecology. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and researchers to enhance mung bean production and address yield limitations in Ethiopia. However, since the result is only on one season and one location, further research is recommended to be carried out across more seasons and locations.
ESTIMATION OF GENETIC AND NON-GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF CROS- BRED DAIRY CATTLE AT HOLETA AND DEBER ZEITE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTERES, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) DABA AJEMA KITESSA
The comparative estimation of genetic and non-genetic parameters of productive and reproductive traits of local and cross-bred dairy cattle conducted at Holeta and Debre Zeit Agricultural research Centers based on long-time recorded data generated for the last 46 and 33 consecutive years was used for this study. The average lactation milk yields of dairy cattle in both research centers were 14 24.32 ± 41.56 for local, 2334.08 ± 28.63 for 50%, 2354.08 ± 28.63 for 50% -75% and 2108.32 ± 41.56 (L) for >75%. The mean average of lactation milk yield (LMY) for all cross bred was 2265.49±32.94 (L) whereas the average LMY for locals was 1424.32 ± 41.56 (L). Lactation milk yields of cross-bred dairy cows with different exotic blood level in both research centeres were highly significant (P < 0.001). Genotype, calving years, location of the centers, calving season and parity were significant (P < 0.05). The average lactation length (LL) of dairy cattle in both research centeres were 204.43 ± 2.60 for local, 285.06 ± 2.32 for 50%, 282.5 ± 2.32 for 50-75%, and 273.04 ± 2.19 days for >75%, and the mean average lactation length (LL) was 280.2±2.28 days for cross bred and 204.43± 2.60 days for locals. Cross-bred dairy cows with different exotic blood level (local, 50%, 50% -75%, and >75%) in both research centres were highly significant (P < 0.001). The average calving interval(CI) of dairy cattle in both research centers was 478.31 ± 7.69 for local, 472.85 ± 5.88b for 50%, 482.75 ± 5.85 for 50% -75%, and 503.56 ± 5.77 days for >75% with the mean average calving interval of 486.39±5.83 days for crossbred dairy cattle. Calving interval (CI) of cross-bred dairy cows with different exotic blood levels (local, 50%, 50-75% and >75%) in both research centres were highly significant (P < 0.001). Age at first calving (AFC) were 1171.62+39.40, 1103.49+ 29.42, and 1184.28+29.56 days for local, 50%, 50-75% and >75%), respectively with a coefficient of variation 17.31% in both research centres. AFC is not significant (P>0.05) between the two research centers. The average days open and number of services per conception of dairy cattle in both research centres were 268±58.9 and 2.18±45.9 for locals, 195±35.7 and1.45±35.6 for 50%, 185±43.3 and 1.25±55.4 for 50%-75%, and 165±38.7 and 1.22±45.4 for>75%, respectively. The variance of analyzed factors such as centres, calving year andcalving season were not significant (P>0.05) in number of services per conception. Location of the centres and calving year were significant (P < 0.05) in number of days open. Parity and calving season were not significant (P>0.05) in number of days open. Parity wassignificant (P<0.01) in number of services per conception while genotype was highly significant (P<0.001) in days openand number of services per conception. Direct heritability xviranged from 0.043 in calving interval to 0.393 in age at first calving for the dairy herd maintained at Holeta agricultural research center. The phenotypic correlation among the pairs of traits investigated ranged from 0.022 in lactation length and age at first calving to0.931 in total milk yield and lactation length. The repeatability values for the traits analyzed ranged from 0.133 in calving interval to 0.244 in total milk yield for the dairy herd maintained at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center. In general, the increasing and decreasing genetic trends over the observed year and seasons show that making the right decision for the right selection of breeds and culling unproductive breed which leads to dairy cattle production and reproductive performance improvement through good farm management conditions in the right environmental conditions.
EFFECT OF SEEDING AND HERBICIDE APPLICATION RATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOOD BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.) IN CHEHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite Universty, 2024-06) BEHARU BEREDA SHAWYE
Barley is a major cereal crop in the highlands of Ethiopia and serves as a vital source of food, animal feed, and alcohol. However, weed infestation poses a significant challenge, leading to substantial yield reductions. Hence, to address this issue, a study was conducted during the main cropping season in 2022 in Cheha District. The objective was to assess the effect of seeding and herbicide application rates on the growth and yield of barley. The experimental setup consisted of three seeding rates (75kg/ha, 100kg/ha, and 125kg/ha) and three herbicide rates/AXIS 50EC (0.75l/ha, 1l/ha, 1.25l/ha, twice hand weeding, weed-free, and weedy). The study utilized a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement, and each treatment was replicated three times. The study revealed that broadleaved weed species dominated the studyarea, accounting for 82.6% of relative density, while grasses constituted 17.4%. The interaction between herbicide application and seeding rates significantly (p<0.05) influenced number of days to heading and maturity, total number and productive tillers per plant, thousand grain weight, number of grains per spike, aboveground biomass yield, and grain yield of barley. The highest yield and yield components of barley were observed with a seed rate of 125 kg, combined with two hand weeding and the application of 1.25l/ha AXIS 50EC. Treatments involving the application of0.75l/ha AXIS 50EC with75 kg seed rate resulted in the highest dry biomass weight for both broad-leaved and grass weed species. The maximum grain yield (5030 kg/ha) was achieved with twice hand weeding when sown with a seed rate of 125 kg. In contrast, the lowest grain yield (1600 kg/ha) was recorded with the application of 0.75l/ha AXIS 50EC and a seed rateof 75 kg. The economic analysis indicated that the combination of a 125 kg seed rate with the application of 1.25l/ha AXIS 50EC produced the highest net benefit and MRR (604.01%). In conclusion, sowing barley at a seed rate of 125 kg and applying AXIS 50EC at 1.25l/resulted in optimal growth and grain yield for the crop. Since the experiment was conduction one location and season, it should be repeated over season and location for further recommendation.
EFFECT OF BLENDED NPSB FERTILIZER RATES ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) VARIETIES AT ENORE ENER DISTRICT, CENTERA, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-06) LIJWORK NIGATU AMERGA
Maize, a staple cereal crop in Ethiopia, suffers from low productivity in the study area due to poor soil fertility, limited fertilizer use, and low-yielding varieties. To address this, a field experiment was conducted during the 2021/2022 bulge cropping season in Enore Ener district, Central Ethiopia. The study evaluated the effects of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of three maize varieties (BH-540, BH-546, and BH 661). The experiment also aimed toidentify economically viable NPSB fertilizer application rates. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of the three varieties and four NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha ) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on maize phenology, growth, yield, and yield components were collected and analyzed using SAS software (Version 9.3).The results showed a significant interaction between maize varieties and NPSB fertilizer ratesfor most parameters. The result revealed that, BH-661 with 150 kg ha 1 NPSB achieved the tallest in plant height (291.33 cm), maximum leaf area (7229.7 cm2), and highest leaf area index (4.3). Application of 150 kg ha 1 NPSB fertilizer with variety BH-546 also produced the most ears per plant (2.3) and most grains per ear (6432.7). Moreover, the application of 150 kg ha 1 NPSB fertilizer with variety BH-546 resulted in the highest grain yield (9,366.7 kg ha 1) and the greatest net benefit (211,865.55 Birr ha 1) Hence applying 150 kg ha 1 NPSB fertilizer with variety BH-546 is optimal for maximizing yield and net benefit in the study area., Nevertheless further research is needed across locations and seasons for robust recommendations to the region.
GROWTH AND BULB YIELD OF ONION (Allium cepa Var. cepa) VARIETIES IN RESPONSE TO NPSB FERTILIZER AT CHEHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) TESHOME DENBU BIZUNEH
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops commercially grown” “in the world. It is a high value and income generating vegetable crops for most small scale” “farmers and commercial growers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of onion is low at” “national as well as regional levels; due to various limiting factors such as lack of” “improved varieties and low soil fertility. Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted to” “evaluate growth and yield response of onion varieties to NPSB fertilizer rates at Cheha” “district, Guraghe zone during 2022 cropping season. The experiment was consisted of four” “onion varieties (Bombay Red, Nafid, Nafis and Nasik Red) and four levels of NPSB” “fertilizer (0, 195, 244 and 293 kg ha-1) combined factoriallly and laid out in Randomized” “Complete Block Design with three replications. Yield and yield related parameters were” “recorded and subjected to analysis of variance. The analysis of variance for agronomic” “parameters showed that the main effects; variety and application of NPSB blended” “fertilizer rate were significant for almost all traits. Similarly all yield and yield related” “traits were significantly influenced by the interaction of varieties and NPSB fertilizer rate” “except plant height. The highest values for most of the response variables were recorded” “from variety Nafis combined with NPSB at rate of 293 kg ha-1.The partial budget analysis” “revealed that the highest net benefit 414255(ETB ha-1) with acceptable MRR was obtained” “from the variety Nafis combined with application of 244 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer. Hence,” “the use of Nafis onion variety and application of 244 kgha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate was” “economically feasible and can be recommended for optimum production of onion in the” “study area and other areas having similar agro-ecology. However, as the experiment was” “done for only one season and single location, it has to be repeated over seasons and” “locations to have conclusive recommendation.” “
RESPONSE OF CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.) TO VARIETIES, INOCULATION WITH MESORHIZOBIUM STRAINS, AND APPLICATION OF BLENDED NPSB FERTILIZER AT CHEHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) GASHAW NAHUSENAY GEBRE-EGZIABHER
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major legume crop in Ethiopia and provide multiple” “benefits, due to high nutritive value as well as the ability of the crop to enrich nitrogen poor” “soils due to biological nitrogen fixation with different strains of endosymbiotic” “Mesorhizobium spp. However, the effectiveness of the strains varies due to inherent” “physiological characteristics of the endo-symbionts, the host varieties, and nutrient” “availability in the soil. Its’ cultivation in the study area is constrained mainly by low soil” “fertility (low N, low soil OM, low available P, S and B) causing ineffective nodulation, and” “lack of improved agronomic practices. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted during” “the main cropping season of 2021/22 at Cheha district in Buchach Kebele with the objective” “of evaluating the effect of inoculation with Mesorhizobium strains and NPSB fertilizer” “application on nodulation, growth, and yield performance of different chickpea (Cicer” “arietinum L.) varieties. Factorial combinations of three Mesorhizobium strains CP-M41,” “CP-EAL 029, CP-M20b, and un-inoculated control, two NPSB levels (0 and 121 kg NPSB” “ha-1) and two chickpea varieties (Local and Arerti) were laid out in randomized complete” “block design (RCBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance showed that crop” “phenology, nodulation parameters, growth parameters, yield and yield components were” “significantly affected by the main effects. The effect was more pronounced in the interaction” “effect of different Mesorhizobium strains with NPSB application and varieties. The maximum” “values of most studied parameters were found from Arerti variety at the combined” “application of CP-M41 Mesorhizobium strain with NPSB fertilizer (121 kg ha-1) as” “compared with the single application and the control. The highest grain yield (3177.16 kg” “ha-1) was recorded from the use of Arerti variety at the combined application of NPSB” “fertilizer with CP-M41 Mesorhizobium strain, which resulted in 15.96%, 24.06% and” “37.93% increment over the use of Arerti x CP-M41 strain, Arerti x NPSB, and the control,” “respectively. From the economic point of view, the partial budget analysis of the study” “treatments revealed that the highest net return (102,092.6 ETB ha-1) with an acceptable” “marginal rate of return (618%) was gained from Arerti variety with the combined” “application of 121 kg NPSB ha-1 and Mesorhizobium strain CP-M41 inoculation. Hence, it” “can be concluded that the use of Arerti variety with combined application of 121 kg NPSB” “ha-1 with CP-M41 strain is found to be an appropriate combination to get higher yield and” “profit of chickpea crop at the study area. However, verification of the result on farmers’” “fields across season and areas could be required before wide use of this study to put the” “recommendation in firm ground.” “
EVALUATION OF Moringa olifera LEAF MEAL AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN FEED INGREDIENT IN LAYERS RATION
(Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) FIKADU DESSE GIRMA
The study was conducted to evaluate effects of Moringa Olifera Leaf Meal (MOLM) inclusion in” “layers ration on egg laying performance, egg quality parameters and the economic feasibility of” “using MOLM as alternative protein source in the ration of Bovans brown hens. A total of One” “hundred and eighty Bovans Brown hens aging 18 weeks were used for the experiment. The” “experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments, each” “replicated three times with 15 hens each. The layers were fed with ration containing MOLM at” “the levels of 0 in (T1), 5 in (T2), 10 in (T3) and 15% in (T4). The experiment lasted 11 weeks. The” “amount of feed intake per hen per day was 117.3gm in T1, 116.37gm in T2, 119.74gm in T3 and” “115.32gm in T4.Feed conversion ratio was 0.26 in T1, 0.29 in T2, 0.33 in T3 and 0.29in T4.” “Average egg weight was 59.94g in T1, 63.79g in T2, 65.65g in T3 and 62.84g in T4. The hen day” “egg production was 50.9 in T1, 51.43 in T2, 63.21 in T3 and 52.58% in T4. Most of the egg” “quality parameters were higher in T3 except egg shape index, albumin height, yolk height,” “albumin height and albumin ratio that were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Higher yolk” “color was observed for T3 and T4 compared with T1. Yolk length was higher (p<0.05) for T2” “and yolk ratio was higher (p<0.05) for T1. The partial budget analysis indicated that the” “inclusion of 10% (T3) of MOLM reduces total feed cost compare to the control treatment and” “other treatments. Therefore, it is concluded that addition of 10% of MOLM cloud be used in the” “layers diet as recommended level as an alternative protein source to enhancing the productivity” “and to reduce the feed cost in the poultry industry.” “
Determinants of Rural Household Income in Gedeo zone Yirga Cheffe woreda
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) Surafel Shisema
Even though, Yirga chef e Wereda is one of the most cereal crop producers in Gedeozone the rural farming households’ income is very low. Thus, this study, focuse donidentifying the micro-level factors that determining the rural household income in the Wereda. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the selection of sample respondents. The district was stratified in to three kebeles based on distance from woreda's town and three kebeles were selected using simple random sampling. Usingsimple random sampling technique 98 sample respondents were selected from eachkebeles. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview. Boththedescriptive and econometrics statistics (OLS estimation model) were appliedfor analyzing data. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize the sample households’ demographic, economic, institutional and environmental factors. TheOLS estimation result indicated that from nine explanatory variables five variables which are, Education (EDUC) at 5%, of farm activity (OFFA) at 5%, Soil fertility of land (SFERT) at 1%, CREDIT at 10%, improved farm input (IMFI) at 5%significance level. Generally, both the descriptive and econometrics statistics wereanalyzed and clearly interpreted. It is recommended that the farmers should adopt credit; farmers should be allowed to have long term of -farm employment to augment the farming sector