Effect of Blended Fertilizer and Lime Application on Yield of Finger Millet, and Soil Properties of Acidic Soils in Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a small seeded cereal grown in low rainfall areas of Ethiopia. It is tolerant of drought. Nutritionally, the grains are a good source of quality protein and various minerals. However, production of finger millet is constrained by poor soil fertility and low input production systems. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different fertility management on yield of finger millet and soil physicochemical properties under limed and unlimed conditions of acidic soils in western Ethiopia. The treatments comprised of NP and different formula blended fertilizers under limed and unlimed conditions were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The result revealed that amelioration of soil acidity and application of N and P nutrients are a key intervention that should be sought in the study area. K, S, Zn and B are not limiting nutrients for the production of finger millet in the study area.