Farmers’ participatory evaluation of teff (Eragrostis teff (Zucc.) trotter) productivity in response to nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers at Edo, Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is one of the most important traditional staple cereal crop grown in Ethiopia extensively under various climatic and soil conditions. On farm experiments aimed at evaluating productivity of teff in response to NP fertilizers and identifying the most suitable NP rates for production of teff were conducted at farmer’s field at Edo Kebele, Duguna Fango Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia in the main rainy seasons of 2012 and 2013. Four levels of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg ha-1) and phosphorous (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg ha-1) were used to evaluate productivity of teff under participatory approach by using Farmers' Research and Extension Group (FRG). Teff variety DZ-Cr-37 was used for the experiment in a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) fertilizers had very highly influenced total biomass, grain and straw yields of teff but the effect of N and P interaction was not significant on these parameters. Highest net benefit was obtained with application of 23 kg ha-1 followed by 46 kg ha-1 after which the net benefit declined. Similarly, highest net benefit was obtained from the application of 10 kg P ha-1. Farmers’ evaluation result also indicated that most of the participating farmers preferred application of 23 kg N ha-1 and 10 kg P ha-1. Therefore, application of 23 kg N ha-1 and 10 kg P ha-1 is recommended for production of teff at Edo.