چکیده (انگلیسی):

Information on the response of finger millet to N and P fertilizers at the Assosa Zone is scanty. Field experiments were conducted at two locations, for two years at each location, to investigate the response of finger millet to N and P fertilization. Five levels of N (0, 23, 46, 69, 92 kg ha–1) and four levels of P2o5 (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg ha–1) were studied in factorial combinations in a randomized complete block design with triplicates. The results revealed substantial responses of finger millet to the main factors of N and P fertilization on plant height, grain and straw yield. Finger millet grain yield, straw and plant height increased significantly with increasing level of P2o5 (P<0.05). The effects of N by P interaction were non-significant (P ≤ 0.05) among the different yield and yield components studied. Grain yield significantly increased (P<0.01) from 1142 to 1769 kg ha−1 with an increase of N level from 0 to 92 kg N ha−1. No significant difference (p>0.05) were recorded among N levels of 23, 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1 for grain yield. The grain yield significantly increased (p<0.01) with increasing level of phosphorous from 0 to 69 kg P2o5 ha-1.However, the grain yield differences were not significant (p>0.05) among P2o5 level of 23, 46, and 69 kg ha-1.The magnitude of increase in grain yield over the control due to application of 23 N and 46 kg P2o5 ha -1were 42.97% higher over the control. The partial budget analysis also indicated economic benefit for finger millet when it is fertilized with 23 N and 46 P2o5 kg ha-1.