Sorghum yield response to NPKS and NPZn nutrients along sorghum-growing landscapes

Summary Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the major cereal crop used as staple in arid and semi-arid regions of Ethiopia. Low yields are attributed to soil, climate topographic factors. We investigated yield response factorial combination nitrogen phosphorous (NP) well potassium (K), sulphur (S) zinc (Zn), how position farmers’ fields belonging different landscape positions (i.e., upslope, mid-slope, foot slope) could explain fertilizer variability. The analysis this study made use dataset from two sets on-farm experiments where trials were set at for NPKS three NPZn each position. implemented sorghum-growing locations Hayk Sirinka) parts north-eastern Amhara region Sorghum application was strongly linked spatial variation along varied over locations. Fertilizer significantly higher slopes compared mid-slopes upslope positions, exhibited relatively homogeneous responses. Application combined (N) phosphorus (P) fertilizers, interaction affected yield. There a linear significant increase with NP rates. levels KS Zn rates did not result difference. results indicated that local factors much more influential when accounting heterogeneity fertilizer. This further acknowledges importance landscape-based management approach respond potential variability related environment. Further investigation needed develop units based on soil attributes landscape.