Demonstration of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices for Pearl Millet Production, Wag-himra Zone

Abstract

The study was conducted to demonstrate the advantages of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices for pearl millet production in the lowland areas of Wag Himra Zone, Ethiopia, where the soil fertility is degraded, rainfall is erratic, and fodder scarcity is a recurring challenge. Three treatments, viz., control (no fertilizer), 50% RRNP+FYM, and 100% RRNP, were evaluated in farmer-managed plots using participatory approaches. Biological data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, economic data through cost–benefit analysis, and farmer preferences via matrix ranking. Results showed that fertilizer application significantly increased grain and stalk yields compared to the control. Grain yield was highest under 100% RRNP (1009 kg ha⁻¹), followed by 50% RRNP+FYM (908.3 kg ha⁻¹), while the control produced the lowest yield (471 kg ha⁻¹). Stalk yield was maximized under the integrated treatment (3768.4 kg ha⁻¹), exceeding both the control (2367.1 kg ha⁻¹) and 100% RRNP (3526.9 kg ha⁻¹). Economic analysis also revealed that both fertilized treatments were profitable, with benefit–cost ratios of 3.1 for 100% RRNP and 2.8 for 50% (RRNP+FYM). Farmer evaluations favored the integrated treatment due to its vigorous vegetative growth and higher stalk yield, which is highly valued as livestock fodder. Overall, the findings highlight that ISFM offers nearly equal short-term profitability to sole mineral fertilizer while providing additional long-term benefits such as improved soil fertility, organic matter enrichment, and resilience against climate variability. The study, therefore, recommends wider promotion of ISFM practices 50% (RRNP+FYM) to enhance pearl millet productivity, strengthen food and feed security, and support sustainable dryland farming systems in Ethiopia.