Abstract:
Haricot bean is one of the most economically important pulse crops cultivated in Ethiopia as well
as in Amhara region. However, its average yield reported at national and regional level remains
far below the potential yield. This is partly due to low soil nutrient management and improper
variety selection. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different blended
fertilizers on growth and yield of haricot bean and to suggest appropriate and economically
feasible variety and blended fertilizer source in the study area. Factorial combinations of six
fertilizer sources (Control, NP (19% N – 46% P2O5), NPS (19%N - 46% P2O5 -7% S), NPSB (19%
N - 46% P2O5 - 6.95% S - 0.1% B), NPSZn (19 % N - 46% P2O5 - 6.5% S - 2.5% Zn) and NPSZnB
(19% N - 46% P2O5 - 7.7% S - 0.1% Zn - 2.2% B) and two haricot bean varieties (Awash-2 and
Nasir) were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenological,
vegetative growth and, yield and yield components were recorded as experimental variables. Most
growth and yield parameters were significantly influenced by fertilizer sources. Plant height was
significantly affected by interaction between varieties and blended fertilizer sources. The highest
grain yield (1.99 t ha-1) was recorded with the application of NPSZnB fertilizer followed by NPSB
(1.98 t ha-1). Hundred seeds weight was influenced by varieties. The highest hundred seeds weight
(19.10g) was obtained from variety Nasir. The highest net benefit (24366.16 Birr ha-1) and MRR
(6714.65%) were obtained from the combination of variety Awash-2 and application of NPSB
blended fertilizer. Based on the present results using Awash-2 haricot bean variety with
application of blended NPSB fertilizer is recommended for the study area. However, since the
experiment was conducted for one season at one location using two varieties only, the experiment
has to be repeated over seasons and locations with additional varieties to come up with concrete
applicable recommendation.
Key- words: Blended fertilizer, growth, haricot bean, varieties and yield