Evaluation of blended fertilizer rates for improving production of food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Semen Ari District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Depletion of soil fertility, depletion macro- and micro-nutrients organic matter inappropriate imbalanced fertilizer application are among the most important factors that reduces food barley production in Ethiopia. Therefore, experiment was conducted to evaluate NPSB blended rate effect on improving Semen Ari District, Southwestern Ethiopia during main cropping season. Control, (142 NPS + 159 Urea) kg ha-1, (150 41 (200 72 (250 102 ha-1 (100 161 treatments were used for which laid out RCBD following three replication with spacing 20 cm between rows; HB 1307 improved seeds drilled prepared rows. Full dose potassium fertilizers applied at planting time urea two split. The result revealed responded well N, P, S B than unfertilized one. Application 100 Urea resulted highest grain yield 3806.3 while lowest 1939.2 recorded from nil. Moreover, net benefit 32124.56 ETB economic returns 942.2% response Urea. gave 49.05% increment 40.24% return over control. we recommend farmers investor’s study area similar agro-ecologies as it optimum production. Further studies investigation should be done plant nutrient uptake, use efficiency location. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 10-17, Dec 2021