Evaluating the Influence of Vermi-Compost and NPS Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Bale Highland, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Potato is a high-yielding potential crop grown for its high nutritional value but constrained with low soil fertility. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of vermi-compost and NPS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) fertilizers on the yield and yield components of the Gudane cultivar. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement, comprising three levels of NPS (50, 100, and 125 kg ha⁻¹) and four levels of vermi-compost (0-, 2.5-, 5-, and 10-ton ha⁻¹), replicated three times. Key parameters assessed included plant height, total tuber yield, number of tubers per plant, average tuber weight, and tuber diameter. Results indicated significant improvements in yield and related components with the application of 5-ton ha⁻¹ of vermi-compost combined with 100 kg ha⁻¹ of NPS fertilizer, particularly at the Dinsho site, which demonstrated superior productivity compared to Sinana site. The findings underscore the efficacy of integrating vermi-compost with NPS fertilizer in enhancing growth and yield parameters of potato. However, further investigations are recommended to establish optimal application rates exceeding 5 ton ha⁻¹ of vermi-compost, taking into account variations in soil type and site conditions for maximizing crop response