Evaluation of Substitution of Noug Seed Cake with Pigeon Pea Dried Leaves as a Supplement Feed in Fattening Oxen Based on Teff Straw Basal Diet at Haik Agricultural Research Sub-Center, Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to evaluate substitution of noug seed cake with dried pigeon pea leaves on feed intake and weight gain of local old oxen. A total of 25 local old oxen (Bos indicus) with 7-8 years old and an initial mean body weight of 300.2±19.25 kg (mean±SD) were used for the study. The experiment was carried out for 105 days including 15 days of acclimatization period. The design employed for this experiment was randomized complete block design with five replications. The dietary treatments  were T1= Teff straw ad libtum +Wheat bran + Pigeon pea  (25%)+ Noug seed cake(75%) ; T2= Teff straw ad libtum+ Wheat bran  + Pigeon pea (50%)+ Noug seed cake (50%); T3=Teff straw ad libtum + Wheat bran  + Pigeon pea (75%)+ Noug seed cake(25%); T4= Teff straw ad libtum+ Wheat bran  +Pigeon pea (100%); T5= Teff straw ad libtum +Wheat bran + Noug seed cake (100%). The result showed that crude protein content of Pigeon pea dried leaves (24.47%), noug seed cake (31.92%) and wheat bran (15.98%) can satisfy ruminant production requirement. Total dry matter, teff straw and nutrient intake were statically highly significant (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001) respectively between treatment groups but supplement intake was not statically significant (P>0.05) among treatment groups. The average total DM intakes of all treatment groups were ranged from 7.29 to 8.09 kg/d/head. There were no significant differences(P>0.05) in initial body weight gain, final body weight gain, total body weight gain and average daily body weight gain among  different combinations of treatment groups. The average daily weight gain (675.56 g), gross benefit (2159.96 ETB) and marginal revenue 1.11ETB of treatment 2 was higher than other treatment groups. Therefore, it is recommended that fattening of old local oxen  using supplement combination  levels of  teff straw+ wheat bran+ 50%pigeon pea+ 50% noug cake resulted better body weight gain and good benefit. Keywords: Body weight gain; Fattening; Noug seed cake; Old oxen; Pigeon pea DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-2-01 Publication date: January 31st 202

Production and Utilization of Crop Residues in Horro and Guduru Districts, Western Ethiopia

A survey was conducted in the highland and mid altitude areas of Horro and Guduru districts of Oromia Regional State, western Ethiopia, to identify crop residue management and utilization practices in both agro-ecologies using a single-visit multi subject formal survey method. Of the number of respondents (household heads) interviewed were 210 (60 from highland and 150 from mid altitude area). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The major crop residues used in the study areas include teff, wheat, barle, maize,, faba bean, field pea  straw and Noug chaff. The amount of crop residues produced depends on the area of land cultivated. Accordingly higher (P<0.001) amount of teff straw, maize stover and noug chaff were produced in mid altitude than in highland whereas more amount of wheat straw, barely straw and faba bean haulm were produced in highland (P<0.01) than in the mid altitude area. However, there were no differences (P>0.05) between the highland and mid altitude areas agro-ecologies in the overall amount of crop residues produced.  The interviewed farmers rank the feed value of crop residues based on their softness, fineness and ease of storage and transportation. Tef straw is the most preferred feed whereas faba bean haulm is the least preferred in both agro-ecologies. The high ranking crop residues are given better attention and conserved for future use. Accordingly 96.7% of respondents from the highland and 99.3% from the mid altitude area conserve teff straw for future use, whereas only 5% and 2% of the interviewed households in the highland and mid altitude areas, respectively, conserve faba bean haulms for future use. The crude protein content (CP) of the crop residues varied from 3.6% (wheat straw) to 8.1% (noug chaff). The highest in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was recorded in noug chaff (84.5%) while the lowest was in field pea straw (49.9%). In general, the crop residues have low protein and high fiber contents, which necessitate some degree of supplementation or treatment to support reasonable livestock performance. Keywords. Crop residues, nutritive value, supplements, treatments of crop residue

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Inter-Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Teff [Eragrostis teff (Zucc.) Trotter] in Limo District, Southern Ethiopia

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is the major staple food of Ethiopia. It ranks the first among cereals in the country in area coverage and second in the production Volume; however, its productivity is almost stagnant. Teff variety Quncho (Dz-Cr-387) was sown during the main cropping season of 2016/2017 at Limo District, Southern Ethiopia. The objective of this research was to study the effect of four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 32.5, 65 and 97.5kg N/ha-1) and three inter-row spacing (15, 20 and 25cm), to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer rate and inter-row spacing on yield and yield components of teff and to identify the economically appropriate nitrogen rates and inter-row spacing that maximize yield of teff. A factorial experiment was laid out in RCBD with 12 treatment combination and three replications. The characteristics of days to 50% panicle emergence, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length, number of effective tillers per plant, lodging index, biological yield, grain yield, thousand seed weight, straw yield, harvest index were measured. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS and means differences were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The main effects of N rate and inter-row spacing showed significant differences (P≤0.05) for all yield and yield components studied. The effects of N rate by inter-row spacing interaction were not significant for some traits studied except for lodging index, biomass, grain, and straw yield and harvest index. Application of N rate at 97.5 kgha−1and inter-row spacing with 25 cm significantly (P≤0.01) increased grain yield of teff. Moreover, both N fertilizer rates and wider inter-row spacing increased the magnitudes of the important yield attributes including plant height, panicle length, number of effective tillers per plant, thousand seed weight, Biomass yield and straw yield significantly (P≤0.01) and also inter-row spacing increased the magnitudes of the important yield attributes including significantly (P≤0.05). From the results of the study it is possible to conclude that increased application of nitrogen fertilizer rate and row spacing improves yield and yield components of teff. Therefore, application of 97.5 kg N ha−1 and inter-row spacing of 25 cm gave maximum profit which can be recommended for the study area. Keywords: Nitrogen, inter-row spacing; teff; fertilizer rates DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-23-05 Publication date: December 31st 202

Effect of Different Packaging Material on Shelf Life and Quality of Banana (Musa spp)

An experimental was carried out at Wolkite university horticulture laboratory to investigate the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and quality of banana fruits. the experimental treatments were different packaging materials (banana leaf, straw, card board (carton) and polyethylene bag) and control. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data was  collected  from each packaging materials between  the gap of 4 days  interval, sample of banana  fruits in each  treatment was  taken to measure color, TSS, physiological weight loss, pH and shelf life. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for all the recorded parameters of weight loss, pH, Total soluble solid (TSS) and color were showed highly significantly (p<0.01) difference. The highest physiological weight loss (21.74) was recorded at the control (unpackaged) followed by banana leaf (15.59) whereas the lowest weight loss (6.56) was recorded from polyethylene bag. Bananas fruits packed using polyethylene bag, teff straw and banana leaf developed excellent type of colour whereas fruits kept in carton and the control showed dull type of colour. The highest pH value was recorded for bananas packed by banana leaf and teff straw whereas the lowest pH was observed in the control treatment followed by banana treated by carton box and polyethylene bag. pH of the banana fruit increased with the advancement of fruit ripening. the maximum value of TSS was recorded on fruits treated by polyethylene bag (21.36 0Brix) followed by teff straw (20.36 0brix) whereas the minimum value of TSS was recorded in the control (13.88 0Brix). Keywords: Banana, Packaging Materials, Shelf Life DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/61-01 Publication date: February 29th 202

Review Paper on: Potential and Constraints of Teff Row Planting for Enhancing Productivity

Agriculture is the basis of Ethiopian economy, accounting for 46 % of its GDP and 90% of its export earning and employing 85 % of the countries labor force. Increasing agricultural productivity is absolutely necessary to feed the increasing population by increasing land productivity.Teff is Ethiopia’s most important staple crop. Teff has the largest value in terms of both production and consumption in Ethiopia and the value of the commercial surplus of teff is second only to coffee. However, despite its importance in Ethiopia, teff yields are low.Technologies for increasing teff grain and straw yields such as row planting, transplanting, reduced seed rates, improved seed adoption and improved fertilizer application, are being explored by the ATA and MoA, but to date are still not widely adopted.Even though ATA research tends to find large positive effects to row planting alternative agronomic research findings cast some doubts on the claim that row planting is able to achieve enormous yield increases. Keywords: Constraints of row planting, Row planting, Teff, Transplanting DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-3-06 Publication date: February 29th 202

Verification and Demonstration of Soil Test Based Phosphorus Fertilizer Recommendation Rate on Yield of Teff (Eragrostis Tef (Zucc) Trotter) in Vertisols of Northern Ethiopia

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are the major limiting factors in most Ethiopia Vertisols. Phosphorus calibration experiments were conducted at wereda Tahtay koraro for phosphorus fertilizer recommendation on Teff for Teff producing area and critical concentration and requirement factor of Phosphorus fertilizer were developed. Using these critical concentrations verified at Medebay-Zana district at farmer's field by the year of 2011. The treatments were blanket recommendation (46 kg N ha-1, 46 kg P2O5 ha-1) and soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendation. The result of Soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendation rate (STBR) on teff shows that higher yield as compared to blanket fertilizer recommendation. The maximum grain yield obtained from Soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendation rate (STBR) was 2100 kg ha-1 and the minimum is obtained 949 kg ha-1. Generally the grain yield and straw yield showed that 26.42% and 35.26% yield increment over the blanket type application of fertilizer. Due to this result the farmers on the soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendation rate (STBR) technology perceived positively. Keywords: Blanket recommendation, Soil test, Vertisols, Teff, Medebay-Zan

Green Revolution Technology Takes Root in Africa The Promise and Challenge of the Ministry of Agriculture/SG2000 Experiment with Improved Cereals Technology in Ethiopia

In 1993, the Sasakawa/Global 2000 Program (SG) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) began a joint program to demonstrate that substantial productivity increases could be achieved when farmers were given appropriate extension messages and agricultural inputs were delivered on time at reasonable prices. The program provided credit, inputs and extension assistance to participants willing to establish half-hectare demonstration plots on their own land. In 1995, the MOA/SG demonstration program reached more than 3,500 farmers. During the same year MOA launched the New Extension Program (NEP) based on SG principles but managed independently. By 1997, NEP was managing the bulk of the demonstration plots. Although the MOA/SG program is widely considered to be a success, no formal analysis had been carried out to determine its profitability. In September 1997 MOA/SG agreed to collaborate with MSU to answer the following questions: (1) Is improved technology financially profitable for farmers? (2) Is it economically profitable from a national perspective? (3) What factors limit crop response to improved technologies? and (4) What challenges does the government face as it scales up the NEP program?food security, food policy, agricultural inputs, Ethiopia, Crop Production/Industries, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Downloads July 2008 - June 2009: 15, O33,

Green Revolution Technology Takes Root In Africa: The Promise and Challenge of the Ministry of Agriculture/SG2000 Experiment with Improved Cereals Technology in Ethiopia; Statistical Annex and Copies of Questionnaire

food security, food policy, agricultural inputs, Ethiopia, Crop Production/Industries, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Downloads July 2008 - July 2009: 5, O33,

Farmers' perceptions about exotic multipurpose fodder trees and constraints to their adoption

Many organizations in Ethiopia have for many years promoted exotic multipurpose fodder trees (EMPFT) for livestock feed and soil improvement. Despite the apparent benefits, the number of farmers planting these trees was low. The objectives were to elucidate farmers¿ perceptions about their use value, management practices and constraints to adoption in three districts representing annual (one wheat-based and one teff-based) and perennial (coffee-based) crop-livestock systems in the Ethiopian highlands. Data were collected from 235 farm households. Most farmers (95.3%) had awareness of EMPFTs and the principal information sources were development agents (75.3%). Over half of the farmers were motivated to plant EMPFTs for feed value. Motivation for other purposes depended on cropping system, vegetation cover and availability of alternative local fodder trees in the area. Farmers had positive perceptions about EMPFTs for their feed value and contribution to soil conservation. Current adopters had a mean number of 587 (SE ± 84) EMPFTs per farm. Major constraints to adoption of EMPFTs were agronomic problems, low multipurpose value, and land shortage. Majority of farmers (89.8%) were interested to either continue or begin fodder tree development. Of the interested respondents, 44.5% preferred local fodder trees whereas 55.5% preferred EMPFTs. We conclude that farmers are aware of use values of EMPFTs while perceived constraints suggest that introduction of EMPFTs need consideration of farmers multiple criteria, but also awareness of feeding fodder trees and resource availability. Moreover, current development approaches have to recognize the importance of involving the end-users at all stages through participatory approaches to enhance adoptio

Phosphorus Critical Level and Optimum Nitrogen Rate Determination on Teff for Sustainable Soil Fertility Management and Economical Teff Production at Lume Area of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Nutrient management is fundamental activity of the grower for crop production and productivity increments on different soil types. Accordingly, soil test based teff  response P fertilizer calibration study  was made from 2010-2012 at Lume district on eutric vertisol,  because soil nutrient calibration study is pertinent to increase the use efficiency of inorganic fertilizer like DAP and Urea. The objective of the experiment was to determine economically optimum N, and to determine Phosphorus critical (Pc) and Phosphorus requirement factor for teff at Lume district. The experiment were contained factorial combination of four  levels of N (0, 46, 92 and 138 Kg ha-1) and P (0, 23, 46 and 92 Kg ha-1) chemical fertilizer laid out in randomized complete block design with two replications that had 40m2 plot area for each. After 21 days intensive soil samples were collected from each plot for the determination of available P in ppm.  Plant height, biomass and grain yield data were collected from 9m2. The collected data were subjected to two way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of SAS (SAS, 2001). Comparison of treatment means was performed using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference test at P < 0.05 probability level.  The application of N indicated that significant difference between plant height, biomass and grain yield teff. However the application of P was not significant on plant height, straw yield and grain yield at Lume. The interaction effect of N and P application was not significant to grain yield, plant height and straw yield correlation.  Furthermore, the study was revealed that phosphorus critical (Pc) point for teff was 13, and phosphorus requirement factor was also 3.65. In addition, a partial budget analysis made using the annual average teff grains prices showed 46 kg ha-1 gave a marginal rate of return of 271.95%, which are above acceptable minimum rate of return. Keywords: Calibration, P- critical, P- requirement factor, partial budget, Acceptable minimum rate of return