EFFECTS OF NPS FERTILIZER RATES ON GROWTH, YIELD

COMPONENTS AND YIELD OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris

L.) VARIETIES UNDER IRRIGATION AT GEWANE, NORTH-
EASTERN ETHIOPIA

MSc THESIS

TAMINAW ZEWDIE

NOVEMBER 2019
HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY, HARAMAYA
Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield Components and Yield of
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties under Irrigation at Gewane,
North-Eastern Ethiopia

A Thesis Submitted to the School of Plant Science

Postgraduate Programs Directorate
HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
(AGRONOMY)

Taminaw Zewdie

November 2019
HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY, HARAMAYA
 POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS DIRECTORATE

As Thesis Research advisors, we hereby certify that we have read and evaluated this thesis
prepared under our guidance by Taminaw Zewdie entitled “Effects of NPS Fertilizer
Rates on Growth, Yield Components and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Varieties under Irrigation at Gewane, North-Eastern Ethiopia” and we recommend that it
be submitted as fulfilling of the MSc thesis requirement.

Prof. Tamado Tana (PhD)

Major advisor Signature Date

Jemal Abdulahi (PhD)

Co-advisor Signature Date

As members of the Board of Examiners of the MSc Thesis open Defense Examination, we
certify that we have read and evaluated the thesis prepared by Taminaw Zewdie and
examined the candidate. We recommended that the Thesis be accepted as fulfilling the
Thesis requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture (Agronomy).

Chairperson Signature Date

Internal examiner Signature Date

External examiner Signature Date

Final approval and acceptance of the thesis is contingent upon the submission of its final
copy to the Council of Graduate Studies (CGS) through the candidate’s School Graduate
Committee (SGC).

ii
 DEDICATION

This Thesis manuscript is dedicated to my lovely and generous Parents for their unreserved
help and encouragement in the success of my life.

iii
 STATEMENT OF THE AUTHOR

First, I declare that this thesis is my bona fide work. I have followed all ethical and technical
principles of scholarship in the preparation, data collection data analysis and compilation of
the Thesis. And that all sources of materials used for this thesis have been properly
acknowledged and any scholarly matter that is included in the thesis has been given
recognition through citation.

This thesis has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for MSc degree in
Haramaya University and deposited at the University’s Library to be made available to
borrowers under the rules of the Library. I seriously declare that this thesis is not submitted to
any other learning institution anywhere for the award of any academic degree, diploma, or
certificate.

Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in
whole or in part may be granted by the Head of the Major Department or the Dean of the
School of Graduate Studies when in his or her judgment the proposed use of the material is in
the interest of scholarship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from
the author.

Name: Taminaw Zewdie Signature:

Date of submission:

School: Plant Science

iv
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

The author, Taminaw Zewdie, was born at Shimie, near Motta Town on January 09, 1991, in
East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region to his father Zewdie Nigatie and mother Lingersh
Kassie. He attended his Primary education from 1998 to 2006 at Kernewary Primary School,
secondary education from 2007 to 2008 at Sedie Secondary School and preparatory
education from 2009 to 2010 at Motta Preparatory School. After passing the Ethiopian Higher
Education Entrance Certificate Examination (EHEECE), the author joined University of
Gondar in 2011 and graduated on July 2013 with BSc degree in Plant Sciences.

On December 2013, he was employed by the Office of Agriculture at Enarji Enawga District
as crop production expert and worked for about two years. On December 2015, he was
employed by Betre-Tsidk Agricultural College as Plant Science instructor for about one year
and on December 2016; he was employed by the Ministry of Agriculture at Gewane
Agricultural Technical Vocational Education Training (GATVET) College as an instructor in
plant sciences. After working for one year at Gewane, on July 2017, he joined the
postgraduate program at Haramaya University, School of Plant Sciences, to pursue his study
for the degree of Master of Sciences in Agronomy.

v
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First of all, I would like to thank and praise the almighty God, for enabling me to be alive and
for helping me in all circumstances to complete the course work and my thesis research
successfully.

Next my earnest and heart-felt gratitude goes to my major advisor, Prof. Tamado Tana for his
unreserved genuine guidance and constructive comments, starting from proposal writing to
the preparation of this Thesis. I am also grateful to my co-advisor, Dr. Jemal Abdulahi for his
positive comments and suggestions.

I express my deepest gratitude to Gewane ATVET College for their field permission of the
thesis research work and Deutsche Gesellschaft fÜr International Zusammenardeit (GIZ) Fruit
Nursery project at Gewane ATVET College demonstration site for providing their motor
pump and facilitating the research activity at the farm. I would like to thank Melkassa
Agricultural Research Center for providing common bean seeds and NPS fertilizer and also
Werer and Holeta Agricultural Research Centers for their soil laboratory analysis.

I would like to thank my best friend Nuru Seid, for his unlimited encouragement during the
field work of the research. I also thank my friends Negaash Shura, Fekadu Tilahun, Dekeba
Tadesse, Mogess Tobyaw, Tesfaye Mitku, Fantahun Teshome, and Dejenie Serbo for their
support and encouragement especially during data collection. I also want to express my
thanks to Dejenie Garomsa, Sintayehu Mersha, Solomon Aychew and Dereje Sahledingl for
their help in data collection and creating good working environment during the field research
activities and office work.

Many thanks also go to my father Mr. Zewdie Nigatie and my mother Mrs. Lingersh Kassie
for their encouragements. Last but not the least, bountiful thanks to my sisters, brothers and
relatives for their encouragement in all aspect.

vi
 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ANOVA Analysis of Variance

ATVET Agricultural Technical Vocational and Educational Training
CEC Cation Exchange Capacity
CIAT Centro Intracional De Agriculture Tropical
CIMMYT Centro International de Mejoramiento de maiz y Trigo
CSA Central Statistics Agency
CV Coefficient of Variation
DAP Di Ammonium Phosphate
EIAR Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
EPPA Ethiopian Pulse Profile Agency
ESRDF Ethiopian Social Rehabilitation Development Fund
FAO Food and Agriculture Organizations
GATVET Gewane Agricultural Technical Vocational Education Training
GDAO Gewane District Agricultural Office
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft fÜr International Zusammenardeit
GLM General Linear Model
LSD Least Significant Difference
MARC Melkasa Agriculture Research Center
Masl Meters above sea level
NPS Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur
RCBD Randomized Complete Block Design
SAS Statistical Analysis System
SNNP Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s

vii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

STATEMENT OF THE AUTHOR iv

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vi
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS vii
LIST OF TABLES x
LIST OF FIGURE xi
LIST OF TABLES IN APPENDIX xii
ABSTRACT xiii
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.1. Description of Common bean 5
2.2. Common bean Production and its Economic Importance in Ethiopia 6
2.3. Effects of NPS Fertilizers on Common bean Production 7
2.3.1. Effects of nitrogen on common bean 7
2.3.2. Effects of phosphorus on common bean 8
2.3.3. Effects of sulphur on common bean 10
2.4. Improved Common bean Varieties 11
2.5. Irrigated Common Bean Production in Ethiopia 12

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 13

3.1. Description of the Experimental Site 13
3.2. Description of the Experimental Material 14
3.3. Soil Sampling and Analysis 14
3.4. Treatments and Experimental Design 15
3.5. Experimental Procedure and Crop Management 16
3.6. Crop Data Collected 16
3.6.1. Phenological and growth parameters 16
3.6.2. Yield components and yield 17
3.7. Agronomic Efficiency 18

viii
 Continued
3.8. Data Analysis 19
3.9. Partial Budget Analysis 19

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 21

4.1. Selected Physio-chemical Properties of Soil of the Experimental Site 21
4.2. Common bean Phenological and Growth Parameter 22
4.2.1. Days to 50% flowering 22
4.2.2. Days to 90% physiological maturity 24
4.2.3. Leaf area and leaf area index 25
4.2.4. Number of total and effective nodules 27
4.2.5. Plant height 29
4.2.6. Number of primary branches per plant 30
4.3. Yield Components and Yield 32
4.3.1. Stand Count 32
4.3.2. Number of pods per plant 34
4.3.3. Number of seeds per pod 35
4.3.4. Hundred Seeds weight 36
4.3.5. Aboveground dry biomass 37
4.3.6. Seed yield 39
4.3.7. Harvest index: 41
4.4. Agronomic Efficiency 42
4.5. Partial Budget Analysis 44

5. SUMMARY AND CONCULUSION 46

6. REFERENCES 48
7. APPENDICES 59

ix
 LIST OF TABLES
Table Page

1. Description of common bean varieties used for the study 14

2. Details of fertilizer treatments 16
3. Results of selected soil physical and chemical properties of the study site before
22
sowing of common bean
4. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on days to 50% flowering and
25
days to physiological maturity of common bean
5. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on leaf area and leaf area index of
26
common bean
6. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on numbers of total and effective
29
nodules per plant of common bean
7. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on plant height and number of
32
primary branches per plant of common bean
8. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on Stand count percent at harvest
33
of common bean
9. Interaction effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on number of pods per plant
35
common bean
10. Interaction effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on number of seeds per
36
pod of common bean
11. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on hundred seed weight,
aboveground dry biomass, seed yield, and harvest index of common bean
42
12. Agronomic efficiency as ratio of seed yield to NPS fertilizer rates with three
44
common bean varieties
13. Summary of partial budget analysis of the response of common bean varieties to
45
the application of NPS fertilizer

x
 LIST OF FIGURE
Figure Page

1. Location map of the study area 13

xi
 LIST OF TABLES IN APPENDIX
Appendix Table Page

1. Mean squares of analysis of variance for phenological and growth parameters of

common bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates 60
2. Mean squares of analysis of variance for phenological and growth parameters of
common bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates 60
3. Means squares of analysis of variance for yield components of common bean as
affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates 61
4. Means squares of analysis of variance for yield components and yield of common
bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates 61
5. Means squares of analysis of variance for agronomic efficiency of common bean as
affected by NPS fertilizer rates with three varieties 62
6. Partial budget analysis summary of common bean as affected by varieties and NPS
fertilizer rates 62

xii
 Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield Components and Yield of
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties under Irrigation at
Gewane, North-Eastern Ethiopia
ABSTRACT
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important cash crops and source of
protein for farmers in many lowlands and mid-altitude area of Ethiopia. However,
appropriate management practice that combines high yielding varieties with balanced
fertilizers are lacking in the study area under irrigation. Thus, a field experiment was
conducted to assess the effects of NPS fertilizer rates on growth, yield components and yield of
common bean varieties, and to evaluate cost-benefit of NPS fertilizer rates for production of
common bean at Gewane under irrigation. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of
three common bean varieties (Awash-1, Awash-2, and Awash Melka,) with five NPS fertilizer
rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with
three replications. The main effects of NPS fertilizer rates and variety had highly significant
(p<0.01) effects on days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, above
ground dry biomass, seed yield and harvest index. The main effects of NPS fertilizer rates had
also significant effects (p<0.05) on days to 90% physiological maturity, leaf area, leaf area
index and hundred seed weight. The highest number of primary branches per plant (4.04), leaf
area (1405.11cm2), leaf area index (3.51), hundred seeds weight (21.67 g,) above ground dry
biomass (7230.2 kg ha-1) and seed yield (2909.60 kg ha-1) were recorded from Awash Melka
variety. Similarly, the highest number of primary branches per plant (4.03), leaf area (1421.00
cm2), leaf area index (3.55), hundred seeds weight (20.05 g), above ground dry biomass
(7419.0 kg ha-1) and seed yield (3145.00 kg ha-1) were recorded at 200 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer
rate. Interaction of varieties with NPS fertilizer rates showed also highly significantly effects
(p<0.01) on number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod. Where the highest
number of pods per plant (28.40), and number of seeds per pod (6.59) were recorded from
Awash Melka variety with 200 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate. However, the economic analysis
showed that the combination of 150 kg NPS ha-1 with variety Awash Melka gave the highest
net-benefit (53947.80 ETB ha-1) with MRR of 1364.17%. Thus, it can be concluded that the
use of 150 kg NPS ha-1 with variety Awash Melka to be best for the production of common
bean in the study area.

Keywords: Agronomic efficiency, Common bean, NPS fertilizer, partial budget analysis

xiii
 1. INTRODUCTION

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the world’s most important food legumes for direct
human consumption. The crop is also known by a number of other names such as dry, field,
French, snap, navy or kidney beans. The crop forms an integral part of the diet of the people in
many African and Latin American countries (Osorio‐Díaz et al., 2003). With over 25%
proteins in seeds, common bean is a major source of protein in cereal based diets of
smallholder farmers (Peters, 1993). Common bean is also one of the best non-meat sources of
iron, providing 23-30% of daily recommended levels from single serving (Schwartz et al.,
1996).

Worldwide, an estimated 23.1 million tons of common bean is produced annually on about 8.7
million hectares (FAO, 2014). The total common bean production in sub-Saharan Africa is
around 3.5 million tons with 62% of production in East African countries of Burundi,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, making this
the most important region for the crop within the African continent (Broughton et al., 2003).
The East African highlands are a region of important common bean production and high
varietal diversity for the crop (Fivawo and Msolla, 2012).

Common bean is the second most important grain legume cultivated as cash crop in Ethiopia
next to faba bean and is mainly produced in the rift valley area of the country characterized by
high industrialization and urbanization (CSA, 2017). The national total area of common bean
production in Ethiopia is estimated at 306,186.59 ha of land and from which about 520,979.33
tons was produced (CSA, 2018). The current national average yield of common bean was 1.70
tons ha-1 (CSA, 2018). However, this yield is far less than the attainable yield (2.5-3.6 tons ha-
1
) under good management conditions. The three major common bean producing regions are
Oromiya, Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) and Amhara
accounting for 97.13% of the total production (CSA, 2018).

In Ethiopia, common bean is one of the most important cash crops and source of protein for
farmers in many lowlands and mid-altitude zones. The country’s export earnings from
common bean was estimated to be over 85% of export earnings from pulses, exceeding that of
 2

other pulses such as lentils, faba bean and chickpea (Negash, 2007). Common bean is a
principal food crop particularly in Southern and Eastern part of Ethiopia (EPPA, 2004). The
major health benefit of common bean is its rich source of cholesterol lowering fiber. In
addition to lowering cholesterol, the high fiber content of common bean prevents blood sugar
levels from rising too rapidly after meal, making the legume an especially good choice for
individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance, or hypoglycemia. The common beans’
contribution to heart lies also in the significant amounts of antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin B6
and magnesium (Messina, 1999).

The low national mean yield observed for common bean could be attributed to various
constraints related to low adoption of improved agricultural technologies, drought, and lack of
improved varieties, poor cultural practices and disease, (Legese et al., 2006). Moreover, low
soil nitrogen and phosphorus and acid soil conditions are important limitations for bean
production in most of the bean grown areas (Graham et al., 2003). Early maturity and
moderate degree of drought tolerance led the crop’s vital role in farmers’ strategies for risk
aversion in drought prone lowland areas of the country (Fikiru, 2007). In addition to other
production constraints that limit the volume of production, lack of high yielding varieties with
improved resistance to diseases and other biotic and abiotic constraints has been the major
production constraint of common bean in Ethiopia in general (Mulugeta, 2011).

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) has developed a range of high yielding,
multi-disease resistant bean varieties (Ali et al., 2006). Some efforts have been also made by
both research and extension systems for promotion of technology. Different research centers
under Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute have released different improved common
bean varieties with their agronomic practices and disseminated them among farmers with full
package of information as a new innovation. Improved common bean production encompasses
proper use of different agronomic practices which include improved variety, seed rate,
spacing, fertilizer rate and pesticide application as per recommendations (Alemitu, 2011). Low
soil fertility is one of the major factors affecting common bean production in the central rift
valley of Ethiopia. In general, the most critical production limiting nutrients in the low
moisture stress areas of Ethiopia are nitrogen and phosphorus (Girma, 2009).
 3

Common bean has high nitrogen requirement for expressing their genetic potential and it is
considered as more responsive than other legumes to N fertilization due to its poor fixation of
atmospheric N when compared with other crop legumes (Graham, 1981). An increase in
common bean grain yield with the addition of 120-140 kg N ha-1 attributed to the increase
of pods per plant (Moreira et al., 2013). According to Nibret and Nigussie (2017) when the
nitrogen supply was increased from 0 to 46 kg N ha-1 the days to 50% flowering and days to
maturity were prolonged significantly in common bean.

Next to nitrogen, phosphorus is the most important element for adequate grain production
(Brady and Weil, 2002). Legumes including common bean have high P requirement due to the
production of protein containing compounds, in which N and P are important constituents, and
P concentration in legumes is generally much higher than that found in grasses. High seed
production of legumes primarily depends on the amount of P absorbed (Khan et al., 2003).
The yield of common bean increased with P application (Gedeno, 1990) and its nodulation
was improved with the application of phosphorus (Amare et al., 2014). Gifole et al. (2011)
reported that lack of optimum fertilizer rate is one of the several factors contributing to the low
grain yield of the bean. However, in Ethiopia 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 recommended for common bean
production in semi-arid zones of Central Rift Valley (Girma, 2009). Amare et al. (2014) also
reported that Seed yield was significantly increased with increasing levels of phosphorus
resulting in maximum significant (2326 kg ha-1) value at the rate 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and the
minimum value for seed yield (1922 kg ha-1) was reported from the control treatment for each
variety. Hence, determination of optimum rate of phosphorus is essential to maximize the
yield of bean.

Sulphur (S) is also the other essential nutrients for plant growth and it accumulates 0.2 to 0.5%
in plant tissue on dry matter basis. It is required in similar amount as that of phosphorus (Ali et
al, 2008). Sulphur plays a vital role in improving vegetative structure for nutrient absorption,
strong sink strength through development of reproductive structure and production of
assimilates to fill economically important sink. Nibret and Nigussie (2017) also reported that
the increase of sulphur rate from 0 kg ha-1 to 20 kg ha-1 increased 100 seed weight from 35.7 g
to 36.8 g.
 4

In the study area, the productivity of common bean is below the national average at farmer
level which is 1.5 ton ha-1and there is low volume of production (GDAO, 2018). Due to this
local farmers use common bean for home consumption rather than as cash crop. Low volume
production of common bean in the study area is due to lack of improved varieties, poor soil
fertility, low adoption of improved agricultural technologies, drought, erratic rainfall, and lack
of pest control strategies. Moreover, there is a need to introduce improved common bean
varieties to the target area to come up with improved productivity and production of common
bean in the study area. However, the use of improved high yielding varieties and other limiting
factors such as fertilizer rates is not yet assessed in the study area other than blanket
recommendation (100 kg ha-1 DAP) for all existing varieties (GDAO, 2018). Moreover, the
response of common bean to application of fertilizer varies with varieties, soil moisture, soil
types, agronomic practices etc. Thus, there is a need to develop location specific
recommendation on the fertilizer rates to increase the productivity of common bean varieties.
Thus,

Objectives of the study were:

• to assess the effects of NPS fertilizer rates on growth, yield components and yield of
common bean varieties; and
• to evaluate the cost-benefit of NPS fertilizer rates for production of common bean varieties
 5

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Description of Common bean

Among the five cultivated species of the genus Phaseolus, including P. acutifolius A. Gray
(tepary bean), P. coccineus L. (scarlet runner bean), P. lunatus L. (lima, butter or madagascar
bean), P. polyanthus Green man (year-long bean), and P. vulgaris L. (common bean), the
latter is economically the most important one (Debouck, 1999). While common bean, in terms
of its global harvested area, is the third most economically important grain legume after
soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), in terms of its role in
direct human consumption, is the most important grain legume (Broughton et al., 2003).

Common bean is generally harvested as dry bean, harvested as dried and matured seeds, shell
beans, harvested at physiological maturity before seeds are dry and green pods. Common bean
belongs to order Rosales, family Fabaceae subfamily Papilionideae, tribe Phaseolinae (CIAT,
1986). The common bean was originated in Tropical America (Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru),
but there are also evidences for its multiple domestication within Central America (Kay,
1979).

Common bean is well adapted to areas that receive an annual average rainfall ranging from
500–1500 mm with optimum temperature range of 16°C–24°C, and a frost free period of 105
to 120 days. Moreover, it performs best on deep, friable and well aerated soil types with
optimum pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 (Kay, 1979).

Common bean may be of determinate or indeterminate growth habits (Singh, 2001). The
flowers are self-compatible, and almost all of them can be self-pollinated and produce fertile
seeds (Summerfield and Roberts, 1985). Physiological maturity occurs between 58 and 68
days after planting in early cultivars or can continue up to 200 days amongst the climbing
varieties that are used in cooler upland elevations (Graham and Ranalli, 1997).
 6

2.2. Common bean Production and its Economic Importance in Ethiopia

Pulse crops provide an economic advantage to small scale farmers as an alternative source of
protein, cash income, and food security. Accordingly Common bean is an important pulse crop
in Ethiopia (Ferris and Kaganzi, 2008). Apart from this common bean has been cultivated as a
field crop for a very long time and hence, it is the important food legume produced in the country
(Ali et al., 2006). Common bean is a principal food crop particularly in southern and eastern part
of Ethiopia. The most commercial varieties are pure red and pure white coloured beans and these
are becoming the most commonly grown types with increasing market demand (Ferris and
Kaganzi, 2008).

The crop ranks second next to faba bean in the country in area of production (CSA, 2018). The
major common bean producing regions are Oromia, Southern Nations Nationalities and
Peoples Region (SNNPR) and Amhara. Their share to the national common bean production
is 44.45% for Oromia, 31.01% for SNNPR and 21.67% for Amhara (CSA, 2018). Common
bean is also one of the most important cash crops and source of protein for farmers in
many lowlands and mid-altitude zones. The country’s export earnings is estimated to be over
85% of export earnings from pulses, exceeding that of other pulses such as lentils, faba bean
and chickpea (Fissha and Yayis, 2015). National average yield of common bean in Ethiopia
was 1.70 tons ha-1 and totally 520,979.33 tons yield was produced from 306,186.59 ha of land
in 2017/18 cropping season (CSA, 2018).

There is a wide range of common bean types grown in Ethiopia including mottled, red, white
and black varieties (Ali et al., 2006). The most commercial varieties are pure red and pure
white colored beans and they are becoming the most commonly grown types with increasing
market demand (Ferris and Kaganzi, 2008). With regard to economic importance of common
bean, it is used as source of foreign currency, food crop, means of employment, source of
cash, and plays great role in the farming system (CSA, 2017). According to EPPA (2004) in
the year 2000, 2001 and 2002 Ethiopia exported 23994.4, 32932.7 and 42127.0 tons and
earned 8.2, 9.98 and 13.2 million USD, respectively.
 7

The main destination markets were Pakistan, Germany, Yemen, United Kingdom (UK), South
Africa, India, and Mexico having 12.5, 7.8, 6.9, 5.79, 4, 4, and 4% share, respectively (EPPA,
2004). The country's exports of common bean has increased over the last few years, from
58,126 metric tons in 2005 to 78,271 metric tons in 2007 and Ethiopia got 63 million USD
from common bean market in 2005 (Legese et al., 2006).

Common bean production is very heterogeneous in terms of ecology, cropping system and
yield. It predominantly grows from low land (300-1100 masl) to mid highland areas (1400-
2000 masl) of the country. White beans from the northern Rift Valley were sold into export
markets and red beans were exported from the southern Rift Valley areas to supply drought
affected areas in northern Kenya (Ferris and Kaganzi, 2008). The major storage and trading
sites in the southern Rift Valley area were concentrated in the Towns of Sodo, Awassa and
Shashemene while the major collection centers for white beans being in Nazareth, prior to
exportation through Djibouti (Ferris and Kaganzi, 2008). There are good prospects that this
market will grow as consumers in industrialized countries seek evermore competitive
suppliers (Ferris and Kaganzi, 2008).

2.3. Effects of NPS Fertilizers on Common bean Production

2.3.1. Effects of nitrogen on common bean

Application of fertilizer in a recommended amount is essential for high yield and quality of
grains (Morgado and Willey, 2003). Due to this the use of fertilizer is considered to be one of
the most important factors to increase crop yield per unit area; however, the response to the
type of fertilizer and rate of application vary widely with location, climate and soil type
(Marschner, 1995). Most Ethiopian soils are deficit in nutrients, especially nitrogen and
phosphorus and fertilizer application has significantly increased yields of crops (Tekalign et
al., 1991). Nitrogen deficiency occurs almost everywhere unless nitrogen is applied as a
fertilizer or manure (Beyene, 1988). It has been reported that there was increased yield
responses of pulse for nitrogen fertilizer (Morgado and Willey, 2003). There is also
quantitative relationship between crop yield and accumulation of N by plants, i.e. when the
soil cannot supply with adequate N, the crop yield will be constrained (Sinclair and Vadez,
 8

2002). This indicates that yield can be considered as a good measure of the collective impact
of environment on plant growth (i.e., the more favorable the environment, the more the
effective N applied is and hence the greater the yield) so nitrogen is the most important
element limiting crop production in the tropics. Previous surveys estimated that over 60% of
the bean production areas in Central, Southern, and Eastern Africa was affected by N
deficiency (Sanchez, 1976). Beside this, common bean is considered to be a poor fixer of
atmospheric N when compared with other crop legumes (Graham, 1981; Piha and Munns,
1987). Silveira et al. (2005) indicated that large N inputs (more than 100 kg N ha-1 year-1)
would be required to improve bean seed yields above 2,000 kg ha-1 year-1.

Nitrogen application linearly increased grain yield in common bean production up to the
highest applied nitrogen of 100 kg ha-1 (Dwivedi et al., 1994). Similarly, Moreira et al.
(2013) reported an increase in common bean grain yield with the addition of 120-140 kg N
ha-1 and attributed this effect to the increase in number of pods per plant. The highest grain
yield (2238 kg ha-1) of common bean was also reported from the application of 45 kg N ha-1
while 1907 kg ha-1 was reported from 18 kg N ha-1 (Fissha and Yayis, 2015).

2.3.2. Effects of phosphorus on common bean

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient element for plant growth, since it is involved in cellular
energy transfer, respiration and photosynthesis. P is also a structural component of the nucleic
acids of genes and chromosomes and of many coenzymes, phospho proteins and phospho
lipids. Plants need P throughout their life cycle but most importantly during early growth
stages for cell division (Beaton, 1999). Application of fertilizers in a recommended amount is
essential for high yield and quality of grains. Low phosphorus in the soil often limits
production of common bean (Singh et al., 2006).

Phosphorus deficiency is globally a major constraint to bean production on agricultural soils,

and of greater importance in tropical soils because their generally high capacity to fix P in
plant unavailable forms. An estimated 60% of beans in Latin America are grown on severely
P-deficient soils (CIAT, 1987). Under conditions of high soil-P fixation, use efficiency of
applied P fertilizers is often less than 25%, and the economies of bean production in many
 9

developing countries discourages wide spread application of P to alleviate deficiency.

Phosphorus is the second limiting element after nitrogen for plant growth (Sanginga and
Woomer 2009). Phosphorus deficiency is also the major constraints to the growth of legumes
in many soils (Beyene, 1988). According to Amare et al. (2014) Beans respond to the
application of phosphorus and production increase proportionally with increase of phosphorus.
The authors also reported that 2326 kg ha-1 yield from the rate of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 1922 kg
ha-1 from the control treatment for each variety.

Many researchs indicated that phosphorus availability in the soil is a great limitation for bean
production in tropics (Morgado and Willey, 2003). According to Kathju et al. (1987); and
Frizzone (1982), P is among the principal nutrient elements needed for growth of many
legumes in arid and semi-arid agriculture regions due to low available P in the soils and
advantageous effects of P. Musandu and Joshua, (2001) also indicated that P application is key
to enhance bean yield on farmers field in their study on the low fertile Orthic Acrisols of
western Kenya. Those researchers also indicated that P application significantly enhanced the
establishment of beans, number of pods per plant, and the bean grain yields. Similarly, Dadson
and Acquaah (1984) reported that the formation of nodes and pods was promoted with the
application of P, in P deficient soil. Thus, P application from external sources/fertilizers/ is
very essential to obtain optimum yield.

Phosphorus is considered as the most limiting nutrient for growth of legume crops in tropical
and subtropical regions (Raghothama, 1999). Similarly, results of fertilizer research done
between 1972-76 on beans in different parts of Ethiopia indicated that 30-50 kg P ha-1 gave
frequently significant yield response, especially if the soil was low in available P (Ohlander,
1980). Girma (2009) also stated that 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 is recommended for common bean
production in semi-arid zones of Central Rift Valley.

Application of fertilizer on common bean production varies depending on area of production

and soil fertility. The highest total P uptake (32.59 kg ha-1) was reported at 30 kg P ha-1 and
increased with increasing rates of P application, whereas apparent P recovery was found to be
highest at 20 kg P ha-1. Both agronomic and physiological P use efficiencies of the crop were
 10

highest at the rate of 10 kg P ha-1. Therefore, application of 10 kg P ha-1 was recommended for
better common bean production (Gifole et al., 2011). Meseret and Amin (2014) were also
stated that there was a significant difference among five levels P fertilizer rates where the
maximum (75.5gm plant-1) dry matter yield was reported at application of P 20 kg ha-1,
whereas the minimum (28.9 gm plant-1) was recorded from the control.

Highest number of seeds per pod (6.46) and seed yield (2.45 t ha-1) were reported from
Awash-Melka variety under irrigation than other varieties with the application of P-fertilizer
(Gebre-Egziabher et al., 2014). Varieties like Awash-1 and Mexican-142 were more early (90-
94 days) to reach maturity under irrigation than under rain-fed growing condition. But
application of P-fertilizer was not significant in seeds per pod, seed yield and maturity of the
common bean varieties (Gebre-Egziabher et al., 2014)

2.3.3. Effects of sulphur on common bean

Sulphur is one of the crucial plant elements recorded as secondary nutrient. It is necessary for
all plants and is vital for the growth and metabolism (Irwin et al., 2002). Most of the sulphur
in soil environments (> 95% of total sulphur) is bound to organic molecules, and is therefore
not directly plant available. Sulphur nutrition of common bean and other plants is important
since its application not only increases growth rate but also improves the quality of the seed
(Clarkson, 1989). The application of sulphur at the rate of 40 kg ha-1 enhanced plant height,
branches, pods per plant and hundred seed weight in chickpea (Hanesklaus and Schnug, 1992).
Total number of nodules and active nodules significantly increased with application of S up to
20 kg S ha-1 for Soybean crop (Ganeshamurthy and Sammi Reddy, 2000). It is required in
similar amount as that of phosphorus. Organic sulphur is present as a heterogeneous mixture
forms, partly included in microbial biomass and partly in the soil organic matter, and very
little is known about the chemical identity of the specific sulphur containing molecules.
Sulphur is associated with production of crops of superior nutritional and market quality (Ali
et al., 2008).

Sulphur deficiency symptoms are like those of nitrogen. However, nitrogen deficiency
symptoms first appear in the older leaves; generally, sulphur deficiency symptoms first appear
 11

in the younger leaves because sulphur does not easily translocate in the plant. Sulphur
deficient plants lack vigour, are stunted, pale green to yellow in colour, and have elongated
thin stems. Sulphur deficiency may delay maturity in grain crops. Interveinal chlorosis may
occur. Root development is restricted, and shoot to root ratios usually decrease for plants
grown under sulphur deficiency. Sulphur deficiency can be adjusted easily by application of
chemical fertilizers containing sulphur (Bennett, 1993). Mahmoodi et al. (2013) also indicated
that the application of different values of sulphur fertilizer had a significant effect on the
height and seed number of soybean. And also reported increase in the height of soybean in
consequence with the application of sulphur fertilizer may derive from increase in the
metabolic activity in plant, and development of leaf area. Application of 40 kg ha-1 of S had
the highest number of seed per plant of soybean. According to Endrias (2017) Sulphur plays a
great role combined with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. He showed that the increase of
NPS rate from 0 kg NPS ha-1 to 100 kg NPS ha-1 increased the number of days required to
reach 50% flowering from 39.61 days to 44.11 days and number of days required to reach
physiological maturity from 73.56 days to 76.72 days of common bean.

2.4. Improved Common bean Varieties

Farmers in Eastern and Central Africa grow bean cultivars of wide range of seed types, often
in phenotypically diverse mixtures. This genetic diversity is expected to give stability to bean
production, buffering it against biotic and abiotic stresses. But, as higher yielding varieties
become available, traditional cultivars are lost with a resultant decline in genetic diversity.
Frequently, breeders have several promising lines of similar seed type and face the choice of
either releasing and promoting only the best (several or all individually) or several or all in a
multiline variety (CIAT, 1986). To have effective seed production, reliable and productive
improved variety selection for specific environment is crucial. It is also very important that the
community market demand of the seed before introducing and producing the productive
improved seed (MARC, 1997).

Farmers’ technology assessment criteria include growth habit, yield, color of grain, ease of
threshing, main uses in the diet, storage, qualities, marketability, cost, ease of sale, desirability
for home consumption, compatibility with existing practices, taste, nutritional value, cooking
 12

quality and resistance to pest. Any new technology presented to farmers will either improve or
substitute for the technological options they currently have. It is fundamental to identify these
options and understand perceptions about the advantages and disadvantages of each one then
will researchers be able to assess the appropriateness of potential new technologies or
practices, evaluate the likelihood that they will be adopted, and if necessary modify them to
suit farmers’ needs better. There are many released and adopted varieties (Awash-1, Awash-2,
Awash Melka etc.); of common bean and the potential average yield was 2.6 ton ha-1
(MoANR, 2016).

2.5. Irrigated Common Bean Production in Ethiopia

Common bean production requires a significant amount of water due to its relatively shallow
root system. Thus, the amount of irrigation applied at the developmental (vegetative and
reproductive) stages, affect the bean production in that plant growth and yield are often
reduced by periods of water stress (Ramos et al., 1999). Efficient use of water in any irrigation
systems is vital especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Drought occurs in many parts of the
world in every year; often with devastating effects on crop production (Tonkaz, 2006). A
significant variation was observed among common bean varieties in their response to gain
yield. The highest yield was recorded from the variety Chore under irrigation growing
condition (2450 kg ha-1) while Awash-Melka was the highest yielder under rain fed growing
condition (1900 kg ha-1) (Gebre-Egziabher et al., 2014)
 13

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Description of the Experimental Site

The experiment was conducted from November 16, 2018 to February 26, 2019 at Gewane
ATVET College demonstration site, Afar Regional State. It is located in Gewane District at
10°10’ North latitude and 40°32’ East longitude, 356 km North East from Addis Ababa. The
altitude of the site is about 626 meters above sea level (masl) (ESRDF, 2003). Gewane
District is characterized by high temperature that ranges from 22.5 ºC to 39 ºC, with an average
temperature of 30 ºC and receives an average annual rainfall of 400 mm (Farm Africa. 2015).
The rainfall is erratic and unreliable due to this rain-fed crop production is not possible in the
area. The area is in the flood plain of the Awash River (Yirgalem, 2001).

The main geo-morphological unit of the experimental area is alluvial which resulted from the
Awash River basin (Yirgalem, 2001). The soil texture of the experimental field was clay with
pH of 8.07. The major land uses of the area are pastoral and agro-pastoral farming system.
Crops such as cotton, sesame, maize, common bean, groundnut, mung bean, broom corn,
onion, tomato, pepper, date palm, citrus and mango mainly characterize the land use pattern of
the study area (Bane et al, 2007).

Figure 1. Location map of the study area

 14

3.2. Description of the Experimental Material

Common bean varieties namely Awash-1, Awash-2, and Awash Melka, were used as planting
material and the fertilizer material used were NPS (19% N, 38% P2O5 and 7% S).

Table 1. Description of common bean varieties used for the study

Varieties
Characteristics Awash-1 Awash-2 Awash Melka
Year of released 1990 2013 1999

Seed color White White White

Growth duration (days) 85-100 85-100 85-100
Growth habit Indeterminate Determinate Indeterminate
semi- climbing semi-climbing
Major use Export Export Export
Maturity date 90 85-90 85-90
Spacing between row (cm) 40 40 40
Spacing between plant (cm) 10 10 10

Fertilizer rate (kg ha-1 ) P2O5:46; N:18 P2O5:46;N:18 P2O5:46; N:18

Productivity on research station 2000-2400 2800-3100 3000

(kg ha-1 )
Productivity on farmers land 1600-1800 1800-2200 2700
(kg ha-1 )
Seed size Small Small Small
Recommended altitude(masl) 1000-2000 1300-1700 1000-2000
Breeder EIAR/MARC EIAR/MARC EIAR/MARC

Source: Demelash (2018)

3.3. Soil Sampling and Analysis

Before sowing of the seed, soil sample was taken from ten spots of a depth of 0 – 30 cm by
zigzag method and one composite sample was formed. From composite sample, soil
physical and chemical properties were analyzed at Werer and Holeta Agricultural Research
 15

Centres. The soil texture, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available
S, cat-ion exchangeable capacity and electrical conductivity were analyzed.
Texture of the soil was determined by the sedimentation method. Soil pH was measured
potentiometericaly in 1:2.5 soil:water suspensions with standard glass electrode pH meter
(Van Reewuijk, 1992). The Walkley and Black (1934) method was used to determine organic
matter content of the soil.

Total nitrogen in the soil was determined by Modified Kjeldahl method with sulphuric acid
(Dewis and Freitas, 1970). Available soil phosphorus was determined using the Olsen
extraction method as described by Olsen et al. (1954). Available S was analyzed by turbid
metric method (McGrath et al, 2003). Cations Exchange Capacity (CEC) was determined by
titrimetrically by distillation of ammonia that was displaced by Na (Sahlemedhin and Taye,
2000). Finally electric conductivity (EC) was determined by using Eshani and Sulliva (2006)
method.

3.4. Treatments and Experimental Design

The treatment consisted of three varieties of common bean (Awash-1, Awash-2, and Awash
Melka) and five levels of NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg ha -1). The experiment
was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with
three replications. The gross plot area was 2.8 m×3.0 m (8.4 m2) consisting of 7 rows of 3 m
length. The spacing between plots and between blocks was 0.5 m and 1 m, respectively.
The one outer most row from each side and one plant from both ends of each row were
considered as a border and one row was used for destructive sampling to determine the
nodulation parameters and aboveground dry biomass at physiological maturity. Thus, the net

plot size was 1.6 m x 2.8 m (4.48 m2) with 4 net rows.
 16

Table 2. Details of fertilizer treatments

Treatments NPS (kg ha-1) Nutrient contents (kg ha-1)

N P2O5 S
T1 0 0 0 0
T2 50 9.5 19 3.5
T3 100 19 38 7
T4 150 28.5 57 10.5
T5 200 38 76 14

3.5. Experimental Procedure and Crop Management

The experimental field was plowed three times and harrowed once with a tractor to a depth of
25-30 cm and the plots were leveled and ridges were made manually. Treatments were
assigned to each plot randomly. The spacing between rows and plants were 40 cm and 10
cm, respectively. Two seeds per hill at the specified spacing were sown at a depth of about 2-
5 cm to ensure adequate emergence in the month of November, 2018. NPS fertilizer was
hand drilled in rows at the time of sowing. The plants were thinned to one plant per hill 10
days after emergence. Irrigation water source was Awash River in the whole growing period.
A generator was used to pump the water and furrow irrigation was used as water distribution
system in the field. The first irrigation was made at sowing and the last irrigation was made 15
days before harvesting. Irrigation was made ten times with seven days interval. During each
irrigation time, the water was applied to field capacity. Weeding and cultivation were done as
per the recommendation for the crop. Harvesting was done when the bottom of the common
bean pods started to dry (EARO, 2006).

3.6. Crop Data Collected

3.6.1. Phenological and growth parameters

Days to 50% flowering: this was determined by counting the number of days from planting
to the time when first flowers appeared in 50% of the plants in a plot by counting the number
of plants.
 17

Days to physiological maturity: It was determined as the number of days from planting to
the time when 90% of the plants in each net plot showed yellowing of pods. This was done by
counting the number of plants.

Leaf area (cm2) and leaf area index: it was recorded by taking a destructive sample of five
plants from the destructive sampling row. Leaf area was measured just before flowering using
pictorial method. Then the leaf area index was calculated as the ratio of total leaf area of the
five plants to the respective ground area occupied by the crop.
Number of total nodules per plant: bulk of the roots of 5 randomly taken plants from
destructive rows in each plot was carefully exposed at 50% flowering and uprooted for
nodulation study. Roots were carefully washed using tap water on a sieve and nodules were
separated and counted.

Effective nodules per plant: For determination of effective number of nodules, the inside
color of nodules was observed by cutting each nodule with the help of sharp blade and the
pink colored nodules were considered as effective nodules, while green colored nodules
were considered as non-effective.

Plant height: it was measured as the height of 10 randomly taken plants from the ground level
to the apex of each plant at the time of physiological maturity from the net plot area.

Number of primary branches per plant: it was determined by counting the total number of
branches on randomly pre-tagged ten plants in the net plot at physiological maturity and
averaged on per plant basis.

3.6.2. Yield components and yield

Crop stand count: the initial plant stand count was recorded by counting the total number of
plants per net plot area immediately after thinning and final plant stand count was taken at
harvesting.
 18

Number of pods per plant: it was recorded based on10 pre-tagged plants in each net plot
area at harvest and the average was taken as number of pods per plant.

Number of seeds per pod: the total number of seeds in the pods of 10 plants was counted and
divided by the total number of pods to find the number of seeds per pod.

Hundred seeds weight (g): The weight of 100 seeds was determined for each plot using a
sensitive balance. The weight was adjusted to a moisture content of 10%.

Total aboveground dry biomass (kg ha-1): At physiological maturity, 10 plants were
randomly taken from the destructive rows of each net plot and used to determine
aboveground dry biomass yield, which was measured after sun drying till a constant weight.
The dry biomass per plant was then multiplied by the total number of plants per net plot and
was converted into kg ha-1. This value was used to calculate the harvest index as well.

Seed yield (kg ha-1): it was determined after threshing the seeds harvested from each net plot.
The seed yield was adjusted to 10% moisture level and was converted to kg ha-1.

Harvest Index (HI): Harvest index was calculated by dividing grain yield per plot by the
total aboveground dry biomass yield per plot multiplied by 100.

HI (%) = Grain Yield × 100

Aboveground dry biomass

3.7. Agronomic Efficiency

The NPS fertilizer agronomic efficiency was calculated using the procedure described by
𝑲𝒈 𝑮𝒇(𝒌𝒈)−𝑮𝒖 (𝒌𝒈)
Craswell and Godwin (1984) as: 𝑨𝑬 ( 𝒌𝒈 ) = , where; AE stands for agronomic
𝑵𝒂 (𝒌𝒈)

efficiency, Gf and Gu for grain yield in fertilized and unfertilized plots, respectively, and Na
for quantity of NPS fertilizer applied.
 19

3.8. Data Analysis

Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) appropriate to factorial

experiment in RCBD according to the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS
version 9.0 (SAS Institute, 2004) and interpretations were made following the procedure
described by Gomez and Gomez (1984). Whenever the effects of the treatments were found
significant, the means were compared using the Least Significance Difference (LSD) test at
5% level of significance.

3.9. Partial Budget Analysis

An economic analysis was done using partial budget procedure described by CIMMYT
(1988). The cost of NPS and labor cost involved in the application of the fertilizer were
considered as variable costs. The net benefits /returns/ and other economic analysis were based
on the formula developed by CIMMYT (1988) and given as follows:

Adjusted grain yield (AGY) (kg ha-1): is the average yield adjusted downwards by a 10% to
reflect the difference between the experimental yield and yield of farmers.

Gross field benefit (GFB) (ETB ha-1): was computed by multiplying field/farm gate price
that farmers receive (18 ETB kg-1) for the crop when they sell it as adjusted yield.
GFB = AGY × field/farm gate price for the crop.

Total variable cost (TVC) (ETB ha-1): it was calculated by summing up the costs that vary,
including the cost of NPS (14.00 ETB kg-1) fertilizers at the time of planting (November 16,
2018) and according to Gewane, farm daily payment of labor cost for application of NPS (3
person’s ha-1, each 50 ETB day-1). The costs of other inputs and production practices such as
labor cost for land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting and threshing were considered
the same for all treatments or plots.

Net benefit (NB) (ETB ha-1): was calculated by subtracting the total variable costs (TVC)
from gross field benefits (GFB) for each treatment as: NB = GFB – TVC.
 20

Dominance Analysis (identification and elimination of inferior treatments): was carried

out by first listing all the treatments in their order of increasing costs that vary (TVC) and
their net benefits (NB) are then put aside. Any treatment that has higher TVC but net benefits
that are less than or equal to the preceding treatment (with lower TVC but higher net benefits)
is dominated treatment (marked as “D”).

Marginal rate of return (MRR) (%): was calculated by dividing change in net benefit
∆NB
(ΔNB) by change in total variable cost (ΔTVC). MRR = ∆TVC × 100

Finally, among the non-dominated treatments, the treatment which gave the highest net return
and a marginal rate of return greater than the minimum considered acceptable to farmers
(100%) was considered for recommendation.
 21

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Selected Physio-chemical Properties of Soil of the Experimental Site

Selected physio-chemical properties were analyzed for soil sample (0-30 cm depth) samples
collected from experimental site before planting. The result of the soil analysis is
indicated in (Table 3). Marx et al. (1996) classified soil pH as strongly acidic (below 5.1),
moderately acidic (5.2-6.0), slightly acidic (6.1-6.5), neutral (6.6-7.3), moderately alkaline
(7.4-8.4), and strongly alkaline (above 8.5). Based on this soil pH analysis result 8.07 of the
study site was moderately alkaline with clay soil texture. Common bean grows on a wide
range of soils but it performs best on deep, friable and well aerated soil types with optimum
pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 (Demelash, 2018).

Marx et al. (1996) showed the rating of EC as low (<1.0 ds/m), medium (1.0-2.0 ds/m), and
high (>2.0 ds/m). Based on this electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil in the study area was
(1.22 ds/m) rating under medium range. Tekalign et al. (1991) also classified soil total N
availability of <0.05% as very low, 0.05-0.12% as poor, 0.12 - 0.25% as moderate and >
0.25% as high. According to this classification, the total nitrogen of the study site (0.11%)
was poor. This might be due to high temperature of the study area and volatilization nature of
nitrogen and causes for vaporization. The analysis also revealed that the available P level (12.4
ppm) in the experimental site was rated as Medium according to Olsen (1954) who stated that
<10 ppm as low 10-20 ppm medium, 20-40 ppm high, and >40 ppm excessive.

In general, soils high in CEC contents are considered as agriculturally fertile. According
to Landon (1991) top soils having CEC greater than 40 Cmol (+) kg-1 are rated as very high
and 25-40 Cmol (+) kg-1 as high, 15-25 as medium, 5-15 low and < 5 Cmol (+) kg-1 of soil as
very low in CEC. According to this classification, the soils of the site had high CEC of 36.50
Cmol (+) kg-1. This value indicates that the soil has the capacity to hold nutrient cations and
supply to the crop. Tekalign et al. (1991) also classified soil organic carbon (%) >3.0, 1.5-
3.0, 0.5-1.5 and < 0.5 as high, medium, low and very low, respectively. Thus, the organic
carbon content of the soil in the study area (1.52%) was in medium range. Marx et al. (1996)
rating of sulphur showed that <2 ppm low, 2-10 ppm medium, and >10 ppm high. Based on
 22

this the available sulphate sulphur (9.82 ppm) of the soil in the study area was in the medium
range in the medium range. Thus, considering the soil parameters at the experimental site of
the soil is suitable for common bean production.

Table 3. Results of selected soil physical and chemical properties of the study site before
sowing of common bean

Soil properties Results Rating Reference

Soil particle size Clay (%) 50

Silt (%) 28

Sand (%) 22

Textural class Clay

Soil pH (1:2 H2O) 8.07 Moderately Marx et al. (1996)

Alkaline

Electro-conductivity (ds/m) 1.22 Medium Marx et al. (1996)

Organic carbon (%) 1.52 Medium Tekalign et al. (1991)

Total nitrogen (%) 0.11 Poor Tekalign et al. (1991)

Available phosphorus (ppm) 12.4 Medium Olsen (1954)

SO4-S (ppm) 9.82 Medium Marx et al. (1996)

Cation exchange capacity

(CEC) (Cmol +kg-1) 36.50 High Landon (1991))

4.2. Common bean Phenological and Growth Parameter

4.2.1. Days to 50% flowering

Main effects of vari eties and NPS rates wer e highly significant (P<0.01) on days to 50%
flowering while the interaction of the factors was non-significant (Appendix Table 1). Early
days to flowering (38.15 days) was recorded for variety Awash 1 that flowered 7.26 days earlier
 23

than variety Awash melka (45.41 days) (Table 4). The difference among the varieties in days
to flowering might be due to genetic differences as common bean has high diversity in such
phenological characters. In line with this result, Endrias (2017) reported highly significance
difference in the number of days required to reaching 50% flowering among three common
bean varieties that range from 41.22 days for variety Nasir to 42.89 days for variety Red
Wolaita. Similarly, Shumi (2018) revealed that the main effects of variety and NPS rate were
found to be highly significant (p<0.01) on days to reach 50% flowering where the highest
number of days (46.67 days) to reach flowering was reported due to application of 200 kg
NPS ha-1 for variety Nasir. Nchimbi-Msolla and Tryphone (2010) also reported significant
differences in the number of days required to reach 50% flowering among 20 common bean
genotypes that ranged from 26.67 to 45 days.

The result also revealed that increasing NPS application from 0 kg ha-1 to 200 kg ha-1
prolonged the time required attaining 50% flowering where the earliest flowering (38.62 days)
was recorded with 0 kg NPS ha-1 which was 8.05 days earlier than 200 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer
(46.67 days) (Table 4). The addition of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer might have
contributed to the availability of soil nutrients to plant growth whereby the nitrogen
fertilization delayed days to flowering. In agreement with this result Endrias (2017)
reported that the application of NPS rate significantly influenced the days to 50%
flowering in common bean. Increasing NPS rate from 0 kg NPS ha -1 to 100 kg NPS ha -1
increased the number of days required to reach 50% flowering from 39.61 days to 44.11
days. The result was also in accordance with that of Assefa et al. (2017) who reported
significantly longest days (45.86 days) of common bean to flowering due to application
of 46 kg P 2 O5 ha-1 and 41 kg N ha -1 . Similarly, Shumi (2018) reported that days to
flowering of common bean were delayed with increment of application rate of NPS
fertilizer where the highest number of days (46.67 days) to reach flowering was
recorded due to application of 200 kg ha-1 of blended NPS while the earliest days to
flowering (38.33 days) was recorded due to the application of 50 kg ha -1 of NPS.
 24

4.2.2. Days to 90% physiological maturity

The main effects of vari eti es and NPS fertilize rates had highly significant (p<0.01) and
significant (p<0.05) effects, respectively, on days to 90% physiological maturity w h i l e the
interaction of both factors had non-significant effect (Appendix Table1). Varity Awash
Melka had the longest days to reach 90% physiological maturity (85.05 days) and it was
statistically at par with Awash 2 (83 days), whereas the variety Awash 1 was the earliest to
reach 90% physiological maturity (80.78 days) (Table 4). These variations might be attributed
by genotypic differences of the respective varieties as phenological characteristics are
genetically controlled. This result was in line with Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) who
reported that Common bean varieties showed highly significant (p<0.01) difference on days to
90% physiological maturity and they reported that variety Red Wolayita was the earliest
(93.33 days) to 90% physiological maturity while Awash Melka was the late maturing variety
(95.27 days). Similarly, Endrias (2017) reported that varieties Nasir and Hawassa Dume were
early maturing which required 78.56 and 80 days than Red Wolaita which matured on 82.56
days after planting.

The result also showed that increasing NPS application from 0 kg ha-1 to 200 kg ha-1
prolonged the time required to attain 90% physiological maturity. Early maturity (81.10 days)
which was statistically at par with 50 kg NPS ha-1 (82.18 days) was recorded for 0 kg NPS ha-
1
which was 4.33 days earlier than 200 kg NPS ha-1 (85.43 days). This delayed physiological
maturity was statistically at par with 150 and 100 kg NPS ha-1, respectively (Table 4). The
delay in days to maturity at highest NPS rate could be due to the fact that N fertilization
increases the vegetative growth of plants. The longer maturity periods might also have been
caused by the promoted vegetative growth due to enhanced supply of nitrogen through NPS
fertilizer application.

In line with this result, Shumi (2018) obtained delayed physiological maturity of common
bean with increase in NPS fertilizer rates where the highest number of days required to
physiological maturity (99.33 days) was recorded for the highest rate of blended NPS
application rate (250 kg ha-1 ) while the shortest days to physiological maturity (91.33
days) was reported without the NPS application. Similarly, Endrias (2017) reported that
 25

increasing NPS rate from 0 kg NPS ha-1 to 100 kg NPS ha-1 increased the number of days
required to reach physiological maturity of common bean from 73.56 days to 76.72 days.

Table 4. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on days to 50% flowering and days
to physiological maturity of common bean

Treatment DFF DPM

Varieties
Awash 1 38.15c 80.78b
Awash 2 43.33b 83.00a
Awash Melka 45.41a 85.05a
LSD (0.05) 1.68 2.12
NPS rates (kg ha-1)
0 38.62d 81.10b
50 40.93c 82.18b
100 41.67bc 82.72ab
150 43.60b 83.28ab
200 46.67a 85.43a
LSD (0.05) 2.16 2.73
CV (%) 5.3 3.41
D= Days to 50% flowering; DPM=Days to physiological maturity; LSD (0.05) = Least
Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation. Means in the columns
followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance.

4.2.3. Leaf area and leaf area index

Main effects of vari eties and NPS rate had highly significant (p<0.01) and significant (p<
0.05) effects, on leaf area and leaf area index respectively (Appendix Table 1).Variety Awash
Melka had the highest leaf area (1405.11 cm2) and leaf area index (3.51) while variety
Awash 1 had lowest leaf area (1226.55 cm2) and leaf area index (3.07) (Table 5). These
variations might be due to genotypic differences of common bean varieties on leaf
expansion, and growth of plant. In agreement with this result, Wondwosen and Tamado (2017)
reported the highest leaf area (2570 cm2) and leaf area index (6.421) for Awash 1common
bean variety.
 26

The result also showed that increasing NPS fertilizer rates from 0 kg ha-1 to 200 kg ha-1
increases leaf area and leaf area Index. The highest leaf area (1421.00 cm2) and leaf area index
(3.55) were recorded at the highest application rate of 200 kg NPS ha-1 and it was statistically
at par with 150,100 and 50 kg NPS ha-1 while the lowest leaf area (1220.37 cm2) and leaf area
index (3.05) were recorded from 0 kg NPS ha-1 (Table 5).The increased leaf area and leaf area
index with increasing rates of NPS application on common bean varieties might have been due
to the progressive effect of NPS on branches formation, leaf expansion and canopy
development. This result was in line with Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) who reported
increase in leaf area and leaf area index with increased rates of NP application from 0 kg N, 0
kg P2O5 to 36 kg N, 92 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly Shubhashree (2007) reported significant
improvement in leaf area of common bean (P. vulgaris L) with nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium fertilizer. In agreement with this result Nibret and Nigussie (2017) reported that the
increased rate of nitrogen application from 0 to 46 kg N ha-1 leaf area index significantly
increased from 2.56 to 4.41.

Table 5. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on leaf area and leaf area index of
common bean

Treatment Leaf area (cm2) Leaf area index

Varieties
Awash 1 1226.55b 3.07b
Awash 2 1326.97a 3.32a
Awash Melka 1405.11a 3.51a
LSD (0.05) 89.06 0.22
NPS rates (kg ha-1)
0 1220.37c 3.05c
50 1277.51bc 3.19bc
100 1337.56ab 3.34ab
150 1341.29ab 3.35ab
200 1421.00a 3.55a
LSD (0.05) 114.97 0.29
CV% 9.02 9.02
LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.
Means in the table followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance.
 27

4.2.4. Number of total and effective nodules

The main effect of NPS fertilizer rates was highly significant (p<0.01) on total and effective
number of nodules per plant while the main effects of varieties and the interaction were non-
significant (Appendix Table 2).

Significantly highest numbers of total nodules (52.26) and effective nodules (41.39) per plant
were recorded from the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1 while the lowest numbers of total
nodules (22.04) and effective nodules (17.03) were recorded from the control (Table 6).

The increase in total and effective number of nodules at the highest NPS rate may be due to
application of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur fertilizer that stimulate nodule formation
and also enhance yield of pulse including common bean. Application of phosphorus has got
significant effect on legumes yield and agronomic parameters as phosphorus promotes the
development of extensive root systems and good nodule development. Phosphorus is also a
vital component of adenosine diphosphate and adenosine triphos phate the “energy unit”
(Cabeza et al., 2014 b) due to this the metabolic path ways such as N-fixation that occur in
bacteroids, as well as the ammonium assimilation in to amino acids and ureides that occur in
the plant cell fraction of nodules, require a large amount of P in energy transfer during nodule
functioning (Sulieman and Tran, 2015). This result was In line with Shumi (2018) who
reported that the main effects of NPS rate had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on total
number of nodules where the highest number of total nodules per plant (80.47) was recorded
from the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1 while the lowest number of total nodules (40.94) was
recorded from nil application of NPS fertilizer.

Amare et al. (2014) reported that nodule number was significantly increased with increasing
levels of phosphorus with the lowest (12.89) and the highest (31.85) numbers in common bean
obtained from the control and application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, respectively. In agreement with
this result, Yadav (2011) reported the synergistic effect of phosphorus and sulphur on number
and weight of nodules per plant with the maximum number of nodules per plant (27.8) and
(3.39 mg per plant) respectively were recorded at the highest level of phosphorus (40 kg P2O5
ha-1) along with sulphur (20 kg S ha-1) on cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetrogonoloba). Likewise,
 28

Tang et al. (2001) observed that nodule number and nitrogenous activities increased with
increase in phosphorus rates of 69 P2O5 kg ha-1 of in barrel clover (Medicago truncatula L.)
crops.

The increased number of effective nodules with the application of NPS over the control might
also be from increased sulphur application which might be due to the high dose of sulphur and
increasing its availability along with other major nutrients. In Legume plants with a high
sulfur supply show greater rates of N2 fixation and, conversely, legumes grown on sulfur poor
soils have lower nitrogenase activity and readily respond to sulfur fertilizers by increasing
yield and nitrogen content (Scherer, 2008). In nodulated legumes sulfur deficiency triggers at
least three types of effects: decrease of nodulation, direct inhibition of N2 fixation, and general
alteration of nodule metabolism in contrast to a high sulfur supply to plants which markedly
increases nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (Varin et al., 2009). In conformity with
this result, Muller et al. (1993) reported that application of nitrogen in the range of 22 to 33
kg N ha-1 enhanced both nodulation and seed yield of common bean varieties. Moreover,
Ganeshamurthy, and Sammi Reddyv (2000) found a significant increase in the number of
active nodules with the application of sulphur up to 20 kg ha-1, at which point nodule
production reached a plateau and did not increase further. Khandkar et al. (1985) also
reported that the formation of nodules in black gram was increased in response to sulphur
application up to 30 kg ha-1 which is involved in the formation of nitrogenous enzyme
known to promote nitrogen fixation in legumes.
 29

Table 6. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on numbers of total and effective
nodules per plant of common bean

Treatment Total number of nodules Effective number of nodules

Varieties
Awash 1 37.92 30.36
Awash 2 38.75 29.86
Awash Melka 38.42 31.20
LSD (0.05) NS NS
-1
NPS rates (kg ha )
0 22.04e 17.03e
50 30.00d 23.72d
100 40.25c 32.71c
150 47.27b 37.49b
200 52.26a 41.39a
LSD (0.05) 3.02 3.09
CV (%) 8.15 10.52

LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.

Means in the columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level
of significance.

4.2.5. Plant height

Main effects of NPS fertilizer rate had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on the plant height
of the crop (Appendix Table 2). However the main effect of varieties and the interaction
effect of the two were not significant on the plant height of common bean.

The tallest plant height (53.21 cm) was recorded from 200 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate which
was followed by 150 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate (50.52 cm) while the shortest plant height
(43.25 cm) was found from the control (Table 7). The increase of plant height with the
increment of the rates of NPS fertilizer might be due to the fact that nitrogen, phosphorus
and sulfur nutrients are involved in vital plant functions and contribute to enhanced growth
in the height of the crop. Moreover, the increase in plant height with the increased NPS
 30

application rate indicates maximum vegetative growth of the plants under higher N and S
availability and P also, plays a pivotal role in early root proliferation that might increase the
nutrient up take of the plant consequently resulted in increased vegetative growth.

In conformity with this result, Moniruzzaman et al. (2008) found that plant height
increase with the application of N and P2O5 (120 and 160 kg ha-1) respectively. Similarly, Taj
(1996) reported an increase in plant height of mungbean in response to nitrogen and
phosphorus application (20 kg N ha-1 and 69 kg P2O5 ha-1). Jawahar et al. (2017) also
showed that sulphur level of 40 kg ha -1 was found to increase the plant height of
blackgram (Vigna mungo). In contrast, Meseret and Amin (2014) reported that P rate at
0 to 40 kg ha -1 had no significant effect on plant height in common bean

4.2.6. Number of primary branches per plant

Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilize rate had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on
number of primary branches per plant of the crop (Appendix Table 2). But, the interaction
effect of the factors had no significant effect on number of primary branches per plant of
common bean. The highest number of primary branches per plant (4.04) was recorded from
variety Awash melka whereas the lowest number of primary branches per plant (3.37) was
recorded from the variety Awash 1 and it was statistically at par with Awash 2 (3.39)
(Table 7). This difference among the varieties might be due to genetic differences of varieties
for plant growth, branch sprouting and growth of primary branches. In line with this result
Endrias (2017) reported that the main effects of varieties of common bean were highly
significant (P<0.01) on the number of primary branches per plant, with the highest number
from Nasir and lowest number of from Red Wolaita. Similarly Asrat (2013) reported that
number of primary and secondary branches was significantly different among the chickpea
varieties at Debre-Zeit with the Desi variety Natoli had significantly higher number of primary
and secondary branches than the Kabuli variety Acos Dubie.

The highest number of primary branches per plant (4.03) was recorded from 200 kg NPS ha-
1
and it was statistically at par with 150 kg NPS ha-1 and 100 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer rate,
whereas the lowest number of primary branches per plant (3.04) which at par with 50 kg
 31

NPS ha-1 was recorded from the control (Table 7). The increase of number of primary
branches per plant with the increment of the rates of NPS fertilizer might be that nitrogen;
phosphorus and sulfur nutrients are involved in vital plant functions and contributed to
enhanced growth in the height of the crop. Moreover, the increase in number of primary
branches per plant in response to the increased NPS application rate indicates maximum
vegetative growth of the plants under higher N and S availability and P also, plays a pivotal
role in early root proliferation that might increase the nutrient up take of the plant
consequently resulted in increased vegetative growth. In line with this result, Moniruzzaman
et al. (2008) reported that the number of branches per plant increased significantly with the
increase of N up to 120 kg ha-1 on common bean. Similarly, Shumi (2018) reported that NPS
fertilizer rates had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on number of primary branches per
plant where increasing rates of NPS fertilizer from 0 to 250 kg ha-1 showed progressive
increase in the number of primary branches per plant. The increased primary branches
observed under blended fertilizer might be attributed to readily available form of S that
enhanced uptake of nutrients even at the initial stage of crop growth. The result was also in
agreement with the finding of Jawahar et al. (2017) who reported that application of 40 kg S
ha-1 recorded highest number of branches per plant (7.75) in blackgram (Vigna mungo).
 32

Table 7. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on plant height and number of
primary branches per plant of common bean

Treatment Plant height (cm) Number of primary branches per plant

Varieties
Awash 1 47.89 3.37b
Awash 2 48.34 3.39b
Awash Melka 48.89 4.04a
LSD (0.05) NS 0.35
NPS rates (kg ha-1)
0 43.25d 3.04b
50 46.52c 3.15b
100 48.37c 3.89a
150 50.52b 3.90a
200 53.21a 4.03a
LSD (0.05) 1.92 0.45
CV (%) 4.12 12.94
LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.
Means in the columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level
of significance.

4.3. Yield Components and Yield

4.3.1. Stand Count

The number of plants at harvest compared to the initial count (stand count after thinning) was
highly significant (p<0.01) due to the main effects of NPS fertilizer. However, the main
effects of varieties and interaction of both factors were non-significant (Appendix Table 3).
Among the different NPS levels, the highest stand count rate (96.03%) was exhibited from
highest dose of NPS (200 kg ha-1), which was statistically at par with 150 kg of NPS ha-1
(95.79%) while the lowest plant stand count (91.8%) was obtained from plots which receive
no NPS fertilization (Table 8).
 33

The highest stand count at the highest NPS rate might be due to that increased NPS level that
improves plants growth and development by better up take of all nutrients, increased
translocations photosynthetic materials and reduce the mortality of plants. The result of this
experiment was in line with the studies of Endrias (2017) who reported highly significant
main effect of NPS rate on the stand count at harvest of common bean where the highest stand
count of plant (222222 plants ha-1) was recorded from the application of 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate
while the lowest stand count (205440 plants ha-1) was recorded from the application of NPS at
the rate 0 kg ha-1. Likewise, Paulos (2016) reported highest mortality (10.0%) of common
bean at the rate of 0 kg P2O5 ha-1 while the lowest mortality rate (5.9%) was recorded at the
rate of 46 kg P2O5 ha-1.

Table 8. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on Stand count percent at harvest of
common bean

Treatment Stand count (%)

Varieties
Awash 1 94.13
Awash 2 93.73
Awash Melka 94.60
LSD (0.05) NS
NPS rates (kg ha-1)
0 91.8 c
50 93.36 c
100 93.78bc
150 95.79ab
200 96.03 a
LSD (0.05) 2.12
CV% 2.33
LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.
Means in the columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level
of significance.
 34

4.3.2. Number of pods per plant

Main effects of varieties, NPS fertilize rates and the interaction of both factors had highly
significant (p<0.01) effect on number of pods per plant (Appendix Table 3). Variety Awash
Melka with 200 kg NPS ha-1produced significantly the highest number of pods per plant
(28.40), which was statistically at par with the application of 150 kg NPS ha-1and 100 kg
NPS ha-1 with the same variety (Table 9). In contrast, variety Awash 1 with 0 kg NPS ha-1
rate gave the lowest number of pods per plant (13.71). The highest number of pods per plant
for variety Awash Melka might be due to varietal characteristics as individual varieties have
different growth. Moreover, the supply of adequate nutrients might have facilitated the
production of primary branches, and plant height which might in turn have contributed for the
production of higher number of pods per plant. This highest number of pod at the highest
rates of NPS might be attributed to the fact that NPS enhanced establishment of common
bean, promoted the formation of nodes, canopy development and pod setting. Also it
increased the number of pods with these levels might be due to various enzymatic activities
which controlled flowering and pod formation. The increment of number of pods per plant
due to the increased application of P might be due to the function of P fertilizer that promotes
the formation of nodes in legumes and various enzymatic activities which control flowering
and pod formation.

In lined with present result, Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) reported increase in
number of pods per plant with increased levels of NP fertilization from 0 kg N; 0 kg
P 2 O 5 to 36 kg N; 92 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 and the highest number of pods per plant (31.37)
was reported from the application of 36 kg N; 92 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 whereas the lowest
number of pods per plant (14.58) was reported from the no fertilizer plot in common
bean. Likewise, Abdela et al. (2018) also reported that Average pod weight for common
bean showed significantly increase from 3.64 to 5.59 and 4.31 to 5.45 gram per plot with
increasing levels of NP kg ha-1 from 0 to 82 and 0 to 92 respectively. Similarly, Shumi
(2018) reported the highest number of pods per plant (18.52) at application rate of 250
kg NPS ha -1 whereas the lowest number of pods per plant (8.7) from the unfertilized
plot of common bean. Shubhashree (2007); and Shanka et al. (2015) reported significant
 35

increase in number of pods per plant on common bean due to increased P fertilization up to 69
kg P2O5 ha-1 and 92 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 , respectively.

Table 9. Interaction effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on number of pods per plant
common bean

NPS (kg ha-1)

Varieties 0 50 100 150 200

Awash 1 13.71g 18.61f 18.63f 21.69de 23.26dc

Awash 2 14.55g 19.20ef 19.82ef 25.50bc 25.66bc
Awash Melka 14.21g 20.92def 26.51ab 27.01ab 28.40a
LSD (0.05) 2.52
CV (%) 7.12
LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.
Means in the table followed by the same letters are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance.

4.3.3. Number of seeds per pod

Main effects of varieties, NPS fertilize rate and the interaction of both factors had highly
significant (p<0.01) effect on number of seeds per pod (Appendix Table 3).

Variety Awash Melka at 200 kg NPS ha-1 produced significantly the highest number of seeds
per pod (6.59), which was statistically at par with the application of 150 and 100 kg NPS
ha-1 with the same variety (Table 10). On the other hand, variety Awash 1 with 0 kg NPS ha-
1
gave the lowest number of seeds per pod (4.08). The variety Awash Melka gave highest
number of seed per pod over Awash 1 and Awash 2 varieties (Table 10). The variation in
the number of seed per pod among the varieties might be related to the genotypic
variation of the cultivars in producing seed. Similarly, Wondwosen and Tamado (2017)
reported that variety Awash Melka gave highest number of seed per pod (4.65) over Awash
1 (4.55).
 36

The increment in number of seeds per pod with increasing NPS fertilizer application rates
might be due to the fact that P is essential component in seed formation. Phosphorus plays
key role in protein synthesis, phospholipids and phytin all of which are important in the seed
formation and development (Rahman et al., 2008). Likewise, Meseret and Amin (2014)
reported that the number of seeds per pod of common bean was increased from 3.14 to 4.2
with increased levels of P from 0 to 92 kg P2O5 ha-1.

Table 10. Interaction effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on number of seeds per pod
of common bean

NPS (kg ha-1)

Varieties 0 50 100 150 200

Awash 1 4.08d 4.35d 4.45cd 4.53bcd 4.61bcd

Awash 2 4.13d 4.21d 4.58bcd 4.96bc 5.1b
Awash Melka 4.34d 4.63bcd 6.04a 6.27a 6.59a
LSD (0.05) 0.57

CV (%) 7.00

LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.

Means in the table followed by the same letters are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance.

4.3.4. Hundred Seeds weight

Main effects of varieties had highly significant (p<0.01) and NPS fertilizer rates had
significant (p<0.05) effects on hundred seed weight while the interaction effect was non-
significant (Appendix Table 3). The highest hundred seed weight (21.67 g) was recorded
from variety Awash melka whereas the lowest hundred seed weight (16.20 g) was recorded
from variety Awash 1 (Table 11). Variation in hundred seed weight might have occurred due
to the presence of difference in seed size among the common bean varieties as hundred seed
weight increases with increase in the seed size. In line with this result Daniel et al. (2014)
reported that common bean varieties had a significant variation among each other for thousand
seed weight. The authors indicated that variety Gobe Rasha produced the highest seed weight
(539.52 gm), while variety Awash 1 was the least in seed weight (151.95). Similarly Amare et
al. (2014) stated that there were highly significant differences in 1000 seed weight with the
 37

value of 388.67 g for Ibbado and 174.90 for Dume varieties of common bean. Wondwosen
and Tamado (2017) also obtained highly significant difference in hundred seed weight among
the common bean varieties where the highest hundred seed weight (21.78 g) was reported for
variety Red Wolayita whereas the lowest hundred seed weight (18.19 g) was obtained for
variety Awash 1.

With respect to the effect of NPS rate, the highest hundred seeds weight (20.05 g) was
recorded at 200 kg of NPS ha-1application, which was statistically at par with the application
of 150 kg of NPS ha-1 19.5 g and 100 kg of NPS ha-1 19.05 g while the lowest hundred seeds
weight 18.00 g was recorded from plots which were not fertilized with NPS (Table11). As the
level of NPS increased the hundred seed weight was increased proportionally which might be
because nutrient use efficiency by crop was enhanced at optimum level of NPS since
hundred seed weight indicates the amount of resource utilized during critical growth periods
and also adequate supply of phosphorus that increased the formation of seed. This result is in
line with that of Olofintoye (2007) who reported increased hundred seed weight this to the
influence of phosphorus on cell division, phosphorus content in the seeds and the formation of
fat in the seed of common bean. Similarly Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) obtained the
highest 21.18 g and the lowest 9.10 g hundred seed weight from the application of 36 kg N
with 92 kg P2O5 ha-1 and no fertilized plot of common bean, respectively. Amare et al. (2014)
also observed significant increase in thousand seed weights of common bean from 253.17 g to
253.67 g as a result of phosphorus application up to 40 kg ha-1.

4.3.5. Aboveground dry biomass

Main effects of vari eties and NPS fertilizer rates had highly significant (p<0.01) effects on
the aboveground dry biomass of common bean while the interaction effects of both factors had
non-significant effect (Appendix Table 4).

Varity Awash Melka had the highest total aboveground dry biomass (7230.2 kg ha-1 ) whereas
the variety Awash 1 was the lowest in the total aboveground dry biomass (6257.5 kg ha-1)
(Table 11). These variations on the above ground dry biomass might be attributed to
genotypic differences of common bean varieties in plant height and number of branches per
 38

plant. In line with this result, Amare et al. (2014) reported that dry matter of common bean
was significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of variety where variety Nasir
produced the highest total dry matter while variety Ibbado gave the lowest. Similarly Daniel et
al. (2014) were reported the highest total biomass from Nasir followed by Dimtu and the
lowest biomass was from Batu .

The result also revealed an increase in aboveground dry biomass production when NPS
application rates increased from the lowest to the highest rate. The highest dry biomass yield
(7419.0 kg ha-1) was produced at the rate of 200 kg NPS ha-1which was statistically at par
with 150 kg NPS ha-1(7221.4 kg ha-1) while the lowest dry biomass yield (6076.8 kg ha-1)
was obtained at 0 kg NPS ha-1 (control) (Table 11). This increment in the aboveground dry
biomass with application of NPS fertilizer might be due to the adequate and balanced supply
of N, P and S that might have increased the number of branches per plant and leaf area which
in turn increased photosynthetic area and number of pods per plant there by dry matter
accumulation. In agreement with this result, Girma (2009) found a significant increment in
biomass weight of common bean (from 2807 to 5 0 2 5 kg ha-1) with increased rates of NP
fertilizers from 0 N kg + 0 kg P2O5 to 36 kg N + 92 kg P2O5 ha-1respectively. Likewise Fazli
et al. (2008) reported that lack of S limits the efficiency of added N; therefore, S addition
becomes necessary to achieve maximum efficiency of applied nitrogenous fertilizer and
nitrogen helps to increases shoot dry biomass, which is positively associated with seed yield in
cereals and legumes (Fageria, 2008). Sulphur, being major nutrient, might have played an
important physiological role by enhancing cell multiplication, elongation, expansion and
chlorophyll biosynthesis which, in turn, increased the assimilate production (Dubey and Khan,
1993).

Veeresh (2003) also reported that total dry matter production per plant of common bean
(Phaseolus vulgaris L.) increased significantly from 12.0 to 16.03 g due to increased nitrogen
application from 40 to 120 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Prajapati et al. (2003) reported that
application of 120 kg N ha-1significantly increased the dry weight per plant (13.06 g) in
common bean during the winter season. The combination of nitrogen and phosphorus
 39

increased the aboveground dry biomass which could be due to the cumulative effect of NP in
root, vegetative and reproductive growth and development of beans.

4.3.6. Seed yield

The main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer had highly significant (p<0.01) effects on
seed yield while the interaction of both factors was not significant (Appendix Table 4). The
highest seed yield (2909.60 kg ha-1) was recorded from variety Awash Melka whereas the
lowest seed yield (2535.80 kg ha-1) was recorded from the variety Awash 1 and it was
statistically at par with variety Awash 2 (2594.93 kg ha-1) (Table 11). Variation in yield might
be due to genetic variation on number of branch per plant, number of pods per plant number of
seed per pod, and hundred seed weight among the common bean varieties studied. In
conformity with this result, Gebre-Egziabher et al. (2014) reported significant variation among
common bean varieties in their response to grain yield with the highest yield recorded from
the variety Chore under irrigation 2450 kg ha-1. While Awash-Melka was the highest yielder
under rain fed growing condition (1900 kg ha-1).

Similarly, Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) reported highly significant (p<0.01) difference in
Seed yield among common bean varieties with the highest seeds yield 3127.00 kg ha-1 was
recorded for variety Awash Melka with 27 kg N: 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 whereas the lowest value of
seeds yield 574.00 kg ha-1 obtained from variety Awash 1. In line with this result Daniel et
al. (2014) also reported a significance variation (p<0.001) among common bean varieties in
their response to seed yield. The highest yield also reported from the varieties Nasir and Dimtu
with the values of 2866.8 and 2709.3 kg ha-1, respectively. On the other hand the lowest
yielder with the value of 678.2 kg ha-1 was Batu. Similarly, Shanka et al. (2015); and Mourice
and Tryphone (2012) reported significant variations in grain yield for common bean due to
genotypic variations for P use efficiency which may arise from variation in P acquisition and
translocation and use of absorbed P for grain. According to these reports cultivars which
produced higher grain yield might have either better ability to absorb the applied P from the
soil solution or translocate and use the absorbed P for grain formation than the low yielding
cultivar.
 40

The result also showed that the highest seed yield 3145.00 kg ha-1 was obtained at 200 kg NPS
ha-1which was statistically at par with the application of 150 kg NPS ha-1 3135.56 kg ha-1
while the minimum seed yield 2085.22 kg ha-1 was recorded from plots which were not
fertilized with NPS (control) (Table 11). The increase in seed yield with NPS application
might be related to higher primary branch per plant, number of pods per plant, number of
seeds per pod and 100 seed weight. The increase in grain yield due to higher rates of NPS
fertilizer clearly indicates the need of balanced fertilizer to achieve maximum grain yield;
which is consistent with the basic principles of plant nutrition (Marschner, 1995).

In conformity with this result, Girma (2009) found a significant increment in seed yield of
common bean (from 786 to 1207 kg ha-1) with increased rates of NP fertilizers from 0 N kg +
0 kg P2O5 to 27 kg N + 69 kg P2O5 ha-1respectively. In agreement with this result, Mozumder
et al. (2003) showed that increase of nitrogen up to 40 kg N ha-1increased seed yield of
mungbean (1743 kg ha-1). Khan et al. (1999) also reported that, N application directly
increased the plant protein content and it helps to make plants to become green and plays a
major role in boosting crop yield Similarly, Gebre-Egziabher et al. (2014) reported that P
application at the rate of 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 gave highest grain yield (21.9 qt ha-1) as compared to
unfertilized plots in common bean (21.6 qt ha-1). This result might be also due to increased
levels of S, its availability along with major nutrients and higher uptake of crop and
influencing growth and yield components of the crop, which ultimately lead to effective
assimilate partitioning of photosynthates from source to sink in post-flowering stage and
resulted in highest seed yield. In line with this result, application of S recorded significantly
higher seed yield up to 40 kg S ha-1 on chickpea (Shivakumar, 2001) and on blackgram
(Jawahar et al., 2017).

Seed yield may also be highly dependent upon plant height, number of secondary branches
and pods per plant both under drought and normal field conditions (Parveen et al., 1999),
and it might be that both N and P play key role on these traits, in the fact that, phosphorus is
an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, which stimulates blooming and seed
formation.
 41

4.3.7. Harvest index:

Harvest index is useful in measuring nutrient partitioning in crop plants, which provides an
indication of how efficiently the plant utilized acquired nutrients for grain production. So the
highest harvest index also implies higher partitioning of dry matter in to grain. The main
effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer application rate had highly significant (p<0.01) effect
on harvest index of the crop while the interaction effect was not significant (Appendix Table
4).

Variety Awash 1 had the highest harvest index (40.17%), and it was statistically at par with
Awash Mela (40.1%) whereas the variety Awash 2 had the lowest harvest index (36.44%)
(Table 11). These variations might be attributed by genotypic differences of the common
bean varieties on seed yield and above ground dry biomass. In conformity with this result,
Endrias (2017) reported the highest harvest index (40.40%) for variety Nasir while the lowest
harvest index (34.57%) was for variety Red Wolaita (34.57%). Similarly Daniel et al. (2014)
reported the highest harvest indices for the common bean varieties Beshbesh (0.50) and Nasir
(0.48).

With respect to the effect of NPS, the highest harvest index (43.57%) was registered from
150 kg NPS ha-1which was statistically at par with 200 kg NPS ha-1(42.46%) while the
lowest harvest index (34.37%) was recorded from plots with no NPS fertilization, which
was statistically at par with 50 kg NPS ha-1 (35.38%) (Table11). This result might be due to
different response of common bean for NPS fertilizers on seed yield and above ground dry
biomass. The result of this study was also in agreement with Fageria (2008) who reported
significant improvement of common bean in harvest index within the range of 0.44 to 0.74
due to nitrogen application up to 50 kg ha -1. Similarly Dhanjal et al. (2001) stated that in the
increase of harvest index values from 31.60, to 33.86% was due to increasing N level zero
to 60 and 120 kg N ha -1, respectively on common bean.
 42

Table 11. Main effects of varieties and NPS fertilizer rates on hundred seed weight,
aboveground dry biomass, seed yield, and harvest index of common bean

Treatment Hundred seed Aboveground dry Seed yield Harvest

weight (g) biomass (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) index (%)
Varieties
Awash 1 16.20c 6257.5b 2535.80 b 40.17a
Awash 2 19.17b 7112.1a 2594.93 b 36.44b
Awash Melka 21.67a 7230.2a 2909.60 a 40.1a
LSD (0.05) 0.96 326.2 113.51 0.02
NPS rates (kg ha-1)
0 18.00c 6076.8d 2085.22 d 34.37c
50 18.48bc 6634.7c 2341.22 c 35.38c
100 19.05abc 6981.0bc 2693.56 b 38.75b
150 19.50ab 7221.4ab 3135.56 a 43.57a
200 20.05a 7419.0a 3145.00 a 42.46a
LSD (0.05) 1.24 421.13 146.55 0.03
CV% 6.74 6.35 5.66 7.07
LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.
Means in the columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level
of significance.

4.4. Agronomic Efficiency

Agronomic efficiency is the amount of additional yield obtained for each additional kilogram
of nutrient applied. There was significant (<0.05) difference among the ratio of total seed yield
to rate of NPS fertilizer with three varieties of common bean (Appendix Table 5).

The highest agronomic efficiency (7.67:1) was recorded in treatment combination of 150 kg
NPS ha-1 fertilizer and Awash Melka variety which was at par with 100 and 150 kg NPS ha-1
with Awash 1 variety, and 150, 50 and 100 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer with Awash 2 variety. The
lowest agronomic efficiency as ratio of total seed yield to rate of NPS fertilizer (4.15:1) was
recorded for treatment combination of 50 kg NPS ha-1 with Awash Melka variety which was
statistically at par with 200 kg NPS ha-1 for all three common bean varieties, 100 kg NPS ha-1
 43

with Awash Melka variety, and 50 kg NPS ha-1 with Awash1 variety. The result of agronomic
efficiency for rates of NPS fertilizer showed the highest value at the application of 150 kg
NPS ha-1 fertilizer with Awash Melka variety which was at par with 100 and 150 kg NPS ha-1
with Awash 1 variety, and 150, 50 and 100 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer with Awash 2 variety. This
result showed that there is an opportunity to attain higher agronomic efficiency of NPS
fertilizer rate with all varieties by using optimum NPS fertilizer rate. It might be due to
appropriate level of both macro and micro nutrient for common bean varieties. The agronomic
efficiency was low due to the lower rate of NPS (50 kg ha-1) fertilizer with Awash Melka
variety which was statistically at par with 200 kg NPS ha-1 for three of common bean varieties,
100 kg NPS ha-1 with Awash Melka variety, and 50 kg NPS ha-1 with Awash1 variety which
might be due to the existence of shortage or excess of nutrients beyond common bean
requirements.

In agreement with this result, Anteneh et al. (2015) stated that the highest AE of nitrogen in
common bean was observed in soil having fertile soil with moderate N content while the
lowest AE of nitrogen was observed in soil having high soil fertility with high N content.
Similarly Alemu et al. (2018) reported that Agronomic efficiency (AE) was significantly
affected by P rates. In their report, the highest AE was obtained when it was grown at
application of 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 while the lowest was recorded from 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. Lower
levels suggest changes in management could increase crop response or reduce input costs up
to the optimum level (Fixen et al., 2015).
 44

Table 12. Agronomic efficiency as ratio of seed yield to NPS fertilizer rates with three
common bean varieties.

NPS (kg ha-1)

Varieties 50 100 150 200

Awash 1 5.08cd 6.97ab 6.96abc 5.37bcd

Awash 2 6.13abc 6.10abc 6.38abc 5.12bcd

Awash Melka 4.15d 5.18bcd 7.67a 5.41bcd
LSD (0.05) 1.88
CV (%) 18.90
LSD (0.05) = Least Significant Difference at 5% level; CV (%) = Coefficient of variation.
Means in the table followed by the same letters are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance.

4.5. Partial Budget Analysis

The partial budget analysis of the 15 treatments is shown in (Table 13). Based on this result,
the highest net benefit of 53947.80 Birr ha-1 with MRR of 1364.17% was obtained from
the treatment combination of 150 kg NPS ha-1application rate for variety Awash Melka.
According to CIMMYT (1988), the minimum acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR %)
should be above 100%. Therefore, the most attractive NPS fertilizer application rate for
producers or farmers with higher net return was 150 kg NPS ha-1fertilizers application rate. In
agreement with this result, Shumi (2018) obtained highest net benefit (34167.56 Birr ha-1)
with the application of 150 kg NPS ha-1 for common bean. Similarly, Islam et al. (2011)
reported that the c o m b i n e d a p p l i c a t i o n of phosphorus and sulphur on chick pea
resulted in higher value cost ratio for sulfur as compared to phosphorus. They have also noted
among different P and S combination, sole p application and combination of higher rate of
phosphorus with different S level in value cost ratio less than two. Therefore, the best
alternative return, the above mentioned fertilizer rate are recommended as best economically
rewarding treatment rate for the study area (Table 13).
 45

Table 13. Summary of partial budget analysis of the response of common bean varieties to the
application of NPS fertilizer

Treatment Adjusted Gross TVC Net MRR (%)

Combination seed yield Benefit (Birr ha-1) Benefit
(kg ha-1) (Birr ha-1) (Birr ha-1)
Variety + NPS (kg ha-1)
Awash 1 + 0 1729.80 31136.40 0.00 31136.40 384.00
Awash 1 + 50 1958.40 35251.20 850.00 34401.20 384.09
Awash 1 + 100 2357.10 42427.80 1550.00 40877.80 925.23
Awash 1 + 150 2669.10 48043.80 2250.00 45793.80 702.29
Awash 1 + 200 2696.70 48540.60 2950.00 45590.60 -29.03 ( D )
Awash 2 + 0 1814.10 32653.80 0.00 32653.80 438.54
Awash 2 + 50 2089.80 37616.40 850.00 36766.40 483.84
Awash 2 + 100 2362.80 42530.40 1550.00 40980.40 602.00
Awash 2 + 150 2674.80 48146.40 2250.00 45896.40 702.29
Awash 2 + 200 2735.70 49242.60 2950.00 46292.60 56.6 (D)
Awash Melka + 0 2086.20 37551.60 0.00 37551.60 296.31
Awash Melka + 50 2273.10 40915.80 850.00 40065.80 295.79
Awash Melka + 100 2552.70 45948.60 1550.00 44398.60 618.97
Awash Melka + 150 3122.10 56197.80 2250.00 53947.80 1364.17
Awash Melka +200 3059.10 55063.80 2950.00 52113.80 -262.0 ( D )
MRR (%) = Marginal Rate of Return; Fertilizer application cost = 150 Birr ha-1; NPS
cost =14.00 Birr kg-1; Common bean grain local selling price =18 Birr kg-1; TVC = Total
variable cost; D= Dominated Treatment
 46

5. SUMMARY AND CONCULUSION

Common bean is one of the most important cash crops and source of protein for farmers in
many lowlands and mid-altitude zones of Ethiopia. The management of fertilizer is an
important factor that greatly affects the growth and yield of the crop. However, appropriate
management practice that combines high yielding varieties with balanced fertilizers are
lacking in the study area. Thus, field experiment was conducted to assess effects of NPS
fertilizer rates on growth, yield components and yield of common bean varieties and to
evaluate the cost-benefit of NPS fertilizer rates for production of common bean varieties at
Gewane, North-Eastern Ethiopia under irrigation from November, 2018 to February, 2019.

Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three common bean varieties (Awash 1,

Awash 2, and Awash Melka) with five NPS fertilizer rates (0, 50,100,150 and 200 kg ha-1)
laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications.

The results of the experiment revealed that main effect of varieties showed highly
significant (p<0.01) effects on the days to 50% flowering, days to 90% physiological
maturity, leaf area (cm2), leaf area index, number of primary branches per plant, hundred seed
weight (g), aboveground dry biomass (kg ha-1), seed yield (kg ha-1), and harvest index. The
highest days to 50% flowering (45.41 days), days to 90% physiological maturity (85.05 days),
leaf area (1405.11 cm2), leaf area index (3.51) number of primary branches per plant (4.04),
hundred seed weight (21.67 g), aboveground dry biomass (7230.2 kg ha-1) and seed yield
(2909.60 kg ha-1) were recorded from variety Awash Melka while the highest harvest index
(40.17%) was recorded from variety Awash 1.

Days to 50% flowering, total number of nodules, effective nodules, plant height, number of
primary branches per plant, stand count, aboveground dry biomass (kg ha-1), seed yield (kg ha-
1
), and harvest index(%) were also highly significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effect of
NPS fertilizer rates. The highest days to 50% flowering (46.67 days), total number of
nodules per plant (52.26), effective nodules per plant (41.39) , plant height (53.21 cm),
number of primary branches per plant (4.03), stand count (96.03%), aboveground dry biomass
 47

(7419.0 kg ha-1) and seed yield (3145.00 kg ha-1) were recorded from 200 kg NPS ha-1
fertilize rate while the highest harvest index (43.57%) was recorded from 150 kg NPS ha-1.

Similarly, the main effect of the NPS fertilizer rates were significant (p<0.05) on days to 90%
physiological maturity, leaf area, leaf area index and hundred seed weight. The highest days to
90% physiological maturity (85.43 days), leaf area (1421.00 cm2), leaf area index (3.55) and
hundred seed weight (20.05 g) were recorded from the application of 200 kg NPS ha-1.

Agronomic efficiency (kg seed kg-1 of NPS) as ratio of seed yield to NPS fertilizer rates with
three common bean varieties showed significant (p<0.05) effects with the highest value (7.67
kg seed kg-1 of NPS) in treatment combination of 150 kg NPS ha-1 fertilizer and Awash Melka
variety.

The interaction of varieties and NPS fertilization highly significantly (p<0.01) affected
number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod for common bean and the maximum
number of pods per plant (28.40) and number of seeds per pod (6.59) were recorded from
variety Awash Melka at 200 kg NPS ha-1.

The partial budget analysis also indicated that the highest net benefit/return (53947.80 ETB ha-
1
) was recorded from the variety Awash Melka with application of 150 kg NPS ha-1. This
treatment also resulted in MRR of 1364.17%, which is well above the acceptable minimum
MRR of 100%. Thus, it can be concluded from the result of present study that the use of
variety Awash Melka with application of 150 kg NPS ha-1 could be recommended to enhance
the productivity of common bean in the study area. However, the result of the present study
need to be validated and proved in the same agro-ecologies and seasons with further
experiments in order to give a comprehensive recommendation for wide range of common
bean production.
 48

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7. APPENDICES
 60

Appendix Table 1. Mean squares of analysis of variance for phenological and growth
parameters of common bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates

Means squares
Sources of variation Df DFF DPM LA LAI

Replication 2 16.09 7.48 30805.26 0.19

Variety 2 209.32** 68.47** 120173.12** 0.75**
NPS fertilizer rates 4 82.24** 23.26* 51061.06* 0.32*
Variety x NPS rates 8 0.55ns 0.54ns 3120.51ns 0.02ns
Error 28 5.02 8.00 14176.85 0.09
CV (%) 5.3 3.41 9.02 9.02
df= degree of freedom; ns= non-significant; * = Significant at 5% level of significance; **
= Significant at 1% level of significance; DFF =Days to 50% flowering; DPM = Days to
physiological maturity; LA= Leaf area; LAI= Leaf area index; TNN= Total number of
nodules

Appendix Table 2. Mean squares of analysis of variance for phenological and growth
parameters of common bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates

Means squares
Sources of variation Df TNN EN PH NPBP
Replication 2 11.28 0.48 56.39 1.09
Variety 2 2.63ns 6.88ns 3.79ns 2.18**
NPS fertilizer rates 4 1378.41** 899.75** 129.80** 1.95**
Variety x NPS rates 8 5.65ns 15.48ns 0.3ns 0.19ns
Error 28 9.77 10.27 3.96 0.22
CV (%) 8.15 10.52 4.12 12.94
df= degree of freedom; ns= non-significant; * = Significant at 5% level of significance; **
= Significant at 1% level of significance; EN= Effective nodules; NEN= None effective
nodules ; PH= Plant height; NPBP= Number of Primary branches per plant
 61

Appendix Table 3. Means squares of analysis of variance for yield components of common
bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates
Means squares

Sources of variation Df SC NPP NSP HSW

Replication 2 10.25 14.42 1.06 13.57
Variety 2 2.87ns 67.67** 5.92** 112.44**
NPS fertilizer rates 4 28.19 ** 193.24** 2.67** 5.92*
Variety x NPS rates 8 2.39 ns 8.41** 0.57** 0.32ns
Error 28 4.81 2.28 0.12 1.64
CV (%) 2.33 7.12 7.00 6.74
df= degree of freedom; ns= non-significant; * = Significant at 5% level of significance; **
= Significant at 1% level of significance; SC= Stand count; NPP= Number of pod per plant;
NSP= Number of seed per plant; HSW= hundred seed weight;

Appendix Table 4. Means squares of analysis of variance for yield components and yield of
common bean as affected by varieties and NPS fertilizer rates
Means squares

Sources of variation df AGDBM SY HI

Replication 2 356771.36 588639.022 0.0124
Variety 2 4226266.96 ** 605595.76 ** 0.0068**
NPS fertilizer rates 4 2523959.80** 2008058.72 ** 0.0152**
Variety x NPS rates 8 55714.90ns 14524.17ns 0.0002ns
Error 28 190199.71 23032.02 0.0008
CV (%) 6.35 5.66 7.07
df= degree of freedom; ns= non-significant; * = Significant at 5% level of significance; **
= Significant at 1% level of significance; AGDBM= above ground dry biomass; SY= seed
yield; HI= Harvest index
 62

Appendix Table 5. Means squares of analysis of variance for agronomic efficiency of common
bean as affected by NPS fertilizer rates with three varieties

Means squares

Sources of variation df AE
Replication 2 2.92
Treatment Combination 11 3.02*
Error 22 1.23
CV (%) 18.90
df= degree of freedom; ns= non-significant; * = Significant at 5% level of significance; **
= Significant at 1% level of significance; AE= agronomic efficiency

Appendix Table 6. Partial budget analysis summary of common bean as affected by varieties
and NPS fertilizer rates

Variable costs
Fertilizer application NPS cost (Birr ha-1) Total variable cost
Treatments cost (Birr ha-1) (Birr ha-1)
T1 0 0 0
T2 150 700 850
T3 150 1400 1550
T4 150 2100 2250
T5 150 2800 2950
T6 0 0 0
T7 150 700 850
T8 150 1400 1550
T9 150 2100 2250
T 10 150 2800 2950
T 11 0 0 0
T 12 150 700 850
T 13 150 1400 1550
T 14 150 2100 2250
T 15 150 2800 2950
Fertilization application cost = 150 Birr ha -1; NPS cost= 14 Birr kg-1