Research Article
Integrated Nitrogen, Farmyard Manure, and Vermicompost Improve Barley Productivity in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
145-153
Received:
23 May 2026
Accepted:
17 August 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion caused by declining organic matter and imbalanced nutrient inputs is a major constraint to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 main cropping season at Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of integrating nitrogen fertilizer, vermicompost, and farmyard manure on soil properties and barley productivity under a randomized complete block design with three replications. Initial soil analysis indicated clay-textured, moderately acidic soil with low organic carbon (1.22%), total nitrogen (0.12%), and available phosphorus, confirming nutrient limitations in the study area. Integrated nutrient application significantly (P < 0.05) improved soil chemical properties, yield components, and grain yield compared with sole application of organic or inorganic fertilizers. The combined application of 75% recommended vermicompost and 75% recommended nitrogen fertilizer produced the highest grain yield (4545.59 kg ha⁻1), followed by 75% farmyard manure combined with 75% nitrogen fertilizer. Yield improvement was associated with increased spike length, grains per spike, and aboveground biomass production. Vermicompost-based treatments showed relatively greater yield advantages than farmyard manure treatments, likely due to faster nutrient mineralization and improved nutrient availability. Economic analysis also indicated higher net returns and marginal profitability under integrated nutrient management treatments. The results demonstrate that combining organic amendments with mineral nitrogen improves soil fertility and barley productivity and provides a sustainable nutrient management strategy for food barley production in the Ethiopian highlands.
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion caused by declining organic matter and imbalanced nutrient inputs is a major constraint to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 main cropping season at Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of integrating nit...
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Research Article
Pre-extension Demonstration and Evaluation of a Hand-operated Honey Extractor in Selected Districts of Jimma and Buno Bedele Zones, Ethiopia
Kumale Sadeso*,
Husen Abagisa,
Abdusalam Aliyyi
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
154-159
Received:
8 October 2026
Accepted:
19 October 2026
Published:
3 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sda.20260104.12
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Abstract: The study was conducted in potential honey-producing districts of Jimma and Buno Bedele Zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, with the objectives of evaluating a hand-operated honey extractor under farmers’ conditions, creating awareness among farmers and agricultural experts, and collecting farmers’ feedback for further improvement. The machine was evaluated in collaboration with researchers, technicians, and farmers based on extracting capacity, extracting efficiency, and processing time using three replications at each site. The results showed that the machine had an average extracting capacity of 41.5 kg h-1, an average extracting efficiency of 97.6%, and an average processing time of 5.8 minutes. Training and mini-field days were used to create awareness for farmers, development agents, and subject matter specialists. Accordingly, training was provided to 60 farmers, 4 development agents, and 4 subject matter specialists across the four selected sites. A mini-field day was conducted with 45 participants, comprising 33 farmers, 4 development agents, 2 subject matter specialists, and 6 other participants from district agricultural offices. Feedback was collected from 20 respondents using different evaluation criteria. The results showed that 100%, 95%, 100%, 100%, 85%, 90%, and 55% of respondents rated the machine as very good in terms of improving the quality of extracted honey, saving honey wax, saving time, saving labor, portability, suitability, and affordability, respectively. Regarding affordability, 25%, 15%, and 5% of respondents rated the machine as medium, poor, and very poor, respectively. Overall, farmers perceived the hand-operated honey extractor positively, and the technology is recommended for further scaling up among suitable beekeepers and cooperatives.
Abstract: The study was conducted in potential honey-producing districts of Jimma and Buno Bedele Zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, with the objectives of evaluating a hand-operated honey extractor under farmers’ conditions, creating awareness among farmers and agricultural experts, and collecting farmers’ feedback for further improvement. The machine was ev...
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Research Article
Soil Erosion Asssessment Using the Rusle Model in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
160-171
Received:
13 May 2026
Accepted:
5 June 2026
Published:
6 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sda.20260104.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge driven by rainfall, runoff, and unsustainable land-use practices, leading to land degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and sedimentation of water bodies. This study integrates the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to quantify and spatially map soil erosion risk in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. RUSLE model parameters were derived as follows: rainfall erosivity (R) from rainfall data; soil erodibility (K) from soil maps and laboratory analysis; slope length and steepness (LS) from a digital elevation model; and cover management (C) and conservation practice (P) from land use/land cover and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from satellite imagery. These factors were combined to estimate annual soil loss. Soil loss ranged from 0.013 to 50.35 t ha-1 yr-1 and was classified into four categories: very high (40.28–50.35 t ha-1 yr-1), moderately high (30.22–40.28 t ha-1 yr-1), moderate (20.15–30.22 t ha-1 yr-1), and low (0.013–20.15 t ha-1 yr-1), covering 5.6%, 31.7%, 28.1%, and 34.6% of the study area, respectively. The results indicate pronounced spatial variability, with most areas falling within low- to moderate-erosion-risk classes. The integration of RUSLE and GIS effectively identified erosion hotspots and generated erosion risk maps, providing a robust basis for land-use planning, agricultural management, and targeted soil conservation interventions.
Abstract: Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge driven by rainfall, runoff, and unsustainable land-use practices, leading to land degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and sedimentation of water bodies. This study integrates the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to quantify and spatiall...
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,
Tesfaye Wakgari
