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Pre-Extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based Recommended P-Fertilizer Rate for Bread Wheat at Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Received: 8 August 2025     Accepted: 26 August 2025     Published: 23 September 2025
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Abstract

Wheat is a major crop grown in the highlands of Ethiopia, especially in the study area, which is a key food source. In 2020, a pre-extension demonstration was carried out in Gechi district of Buno Bedele Zone to show how soil testing can help decide the right amount of phosphorus fertilizer for bread wheat. The study aimed to look at how much wheat is produced and how profitable it is when using phosphorus fertilizer based on soil testing results, and to teach farmers about using fertilizer rates that are specific to their fields. Two types of fertilizer plans were tested: one based on general recommendations that farmers usually follow, and another based on soil testing results. The improved bread wheat variety called Liban was used. The demonstration took place on one FTC and 10 fields owned by farmers, with each treated area being 12 meters by 20 meters. The rows were spaced 20 cm apart and the right amount of seeds and nitrogen fertilizer was used as recommended for the area. A field visit was held for 59 people when the wheat was ready to be harvested. The best yield came from the method that used soil test results, giving more than a 49.54 increase in grain production compared to the general recommendation. Also, the economic analysis showed that, the highest average profit was made with the soil testing method, earning 40,112.7 Ethiopian birr. Therefore, it is important to start scaling up the use of soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for bread wheat in the study area, and similar agro ecology.

Published in World Journal of Applied Chemistry (Volume 10, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13
Page(s) 66-70
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Pre-Extension Demonstration, Bread Wheat, Soil Test, Blanket Recommendation

1. Introduction
Bread wheat is one of the main crops grown by small farmers in the highlands of Ethiopia, mostly without irrigation . In terms of food, wheat is the second most important crop in the country after maize . However, Ethiopian farming is still not very productive. Farmers use few outside inputs, follow traditional methods, and have trouble dealing with changes in the environment . Shiferaw says that most Ethiopian soils lack the nutrients needed for crops to grow well. Phosphorus is especially important because many soils in the highlands are low in phosphorous . So, cops in these areas need fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorous. But the amount used depends on many things like soil type, environment, how farmers feel about fertilizers, and what resource they have. Despite this, most of the fertilizer recommendation given to farmers is the same for everyone. These blanket recommendation ignore the type of soil, climate and nutrients already . Kenea et al. say that the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development set the same recommendation for all farmers 100 kg per hectare of DAP and 100 kg per hectare of Urea. This can lead to using too much or not enough fertilizer, which can harm crops by causing either too much or too little of essential nutrients . Because of this, fertilizer recommendations should take into account the nutrients already in the soil.
But for many years, no much research has been done on making recommendations that fit each place. To help, a study was done in Gechi District. They tested how much phosphorous and nitrogen fertilizers work best for wheat, and they found good results. That’s this trial was done to show farmers how using soil tests to choose the right amount of phosphorous fertilizer can improve their crops.
2. The Objectives of the Study
1) To look at how well different levels of phosphorous fertilizer work and how profitable they are for farmers.
2) To help farmers understanding the value of choosing the right fertilizer rate based on their own soil type and crops.
3) To get feedback on how much wheat grows when using soil test-based phosphorous fertilizer recommendations under real farming conditions.
3. Methodology
3.1. Description of the Study Areas
Gechi District is located in Buno Bedele Zone of Oromia Region, south western Ethiopia. It lies at coordinates 8º27ˈN 36º21ˈE and 8.450ºN 36.350ˈE, and is about 462 km by road from Addis Ababa to the southwest. The area’s altitude ranges from 1500-2100m above sea level, and it has humid agro ecology. The average yearly rainfall is between 1000 to 1200 mm and the minimum and maximum daily temperatures are 13°C and 18°C respectively. The district has various economic activities. The most common ones are farming and raising animals. The main crops grown here include maize, tef, sorghum, barley, wheat, legumes, and coffee.
Figure 1. Map of Gechi District.
3.2. Site and Farmers’ Selection
A purposive sampling method was used to choose Gechi District from the Buno Bedele Zone based on its wheat production potential and previous calibration and verification studies. From the district, three representative kebeles were chosen based on road access and production potential. Two well represented farmers training centers were selected to make the demonstration process easier and involve more farmers and stakeholders during technology extension activities.
Farmers were chosen based on the availability of suitable and enough land for trials, their willingness to provide land, closeness to roads for easy access, their commitment to implement the activity well, good field management practices, and their willingness to explain the technology to others. In each kebele, one farmer research group (FRG) with 10-12 members including the host farmers, was formed in collaboration with community leaders, Das and subject matter specialist (SMS). The experiment was conducted on one farmers training center (FTC) and 10 farmer’s fields, (three hosting farmers per kebele), which are used as replication.
3.3. Field Design and Materials
The trial was done on soil test crop response using the recommended phosphorous fertilizer rate for bread wheat (Liban). Each treatment had an experimental plot size of 12 meters by 20 meters. The spacing between rows was 20cm, and the seed rate was 125 kg per hectare. Surface composite soil samples were collected from the experimental fields at a depth of 0-20cm using an auger to check available phosphorous and pH levels, following standard lab procedure before planting.
The phosphorous fertilizer rate was calculated using the formula (kg P/ha) = (Pc-Po)*Pf, where: Pc = Critical Pvalue, Po = Initial P value at the site, and Pf = P requirement factor based on the soils initial phosphorous levels. The recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate was 92 kg per hectare, applied in two parts: one third at planting time and two-thirds one month after planting, with appropriate agronomic practices. The experimental fields were prepared using oxen plow, following conventional farming methods used by the local community. Hosting farmers were responsible for preparing the fields. The activity like planting, first and second weeding, harvesting and threshing were handled by FRG members, under close supervision from the researchers.
3.4. Technology Demonstration Approaches
Training sessions and field visit were organized at the selected site to encourage learning and experience sharing among farmers. FRG members and other stakeholders were encouraged to participate in these extensions events. Field visit were arranged for farmers, DAs and experts to raise awareness about the soil test based fertilizer application technology.
3.5. Data Collected
The data on wheat yield and the number of farmers who took part in field visit and training were recorded. The data on costs and profits were also collected.
3.6. Methods of Data Analysis
Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze the numerical data. Qualitative data were explained through narrative descriptions. Economic data were analyzed using gross margin analysis.
4. Results and Discussions
4.1. Yield Performance of Wheat Technologies
Using site-specific phosphorous fertilizer recommendations and the right amount of nitrogen fertilizer led to better yields than using a general fertilizer recommendation or the farmer’s usual practices. Applying fertilizer based on soil tests corrected nutrient imbalances according to the crops needs, which increases production and makes fertilizer use more efficient. Farmers visited different experimental sites and liked the performance of the wheat technologies. The participants shared their feedback, saying that using soil test based fertilizer recommendation gave higher returns and yields than general recommendations. This is because there are differences in how treatments performed at the demonstration sites.
Soil testing is the most dependable method for making economic and environmental decision about fertilizers. It helps in using urea and phosphorous fertilizers more effectively. The trial in Gechi showed that using soil-test based fertilizer recommendations increased wheat grain yield more than using general recommendations. In Gechi, the average bread wheat grain yield went up from 21.6 quintals per hectare (general recommendation) to 32.3 quintals per hectare (soil-test based phosphorous fertilizer recommendation).
Table 1. Yield data collected from each site.

Trial farmers

BR yield qt/ha

STCRBF yield qt/ha

1

20

28.4

2

8.4

16.8

3

16.8

26

4

24.4

27.2

5

36.2

42.4

6

28

39.2

7

18

50

8

20.4

31.6

9

21.6

32.3

10

22

28.8

Total

215.8

322.7

Mean Yield

21.6

32.3

4.2. Yield Advantage of the Wheat Was Calculated Using by Formula
Where, STCRBFR = Soil test crop response based p- fertilizer recommendation.
Yield advantage % = Yield of STCRBFR (qt/ha) - Yield of FP (qt/ha) X 100 Yield of FP (qt/ha) FP = Farmers’ practice.
Table 2. Yield advantage of STCRBFR over farmers’ practice.

Treatments

Mean grain yield (qt/ha)

Yield advantage (%) over Farmers’ practice

Farmers’ practice

21.6

-

Soil test crop response based fertilizer recommendation

32.3

49.54

As seen in Table 2 STCRBFR is more effective in increasing farmer production. Farmers participating in the trial gained more than 49.54% in yield from using soil-test based fertilizer recommendations compared to blanket recommendations.
Table 3. Economic analysis for bread wheat technologies.

Treatments

Parameters

Farmers practice

STCRBFR

Yield obtained (qt/ha)

21.6

32.3

Unit price (ETB/qt)

1500

1500

Total variable cost (ETB/ha)

4028.51

8337.3

Gross return

32400

48450

Net return (GR-TVC)

28371.5

40112.7

Source: Own computing Data, 2020
Note: STCRBFR = soil test crop response based P-fertilizer recommendation, ETB = Ethiopian Birr
4.3. Economic Analysis
Economic analysis was done using gross margin analysis, based on the prevailing market praises of the grain and inputs during the growing season. Only the costs that changed were used for the calculation. All costs and benefits were calculated on hectare basis in Ethiopian birr (ETB/ha). Accordingly, inputs that vary like NPS, N-fertilizer and labor price were 1622 ETB/qt, 1581.51 ETB/qt and 75/day whereas; bread wheat grain output was 1500 ETB/qt at farm gate price. The economic analysis result shows that the highest net income (40112.7 ETB) was obtained from soil test based fertilizer recommended rate at Gechi district.
4.4. Training and Field Visit
Training was given to the participants on the concepts of FRG establishment, role and responsibility of FRG members in executing the trial, importance and method of soil sampling and significance of soil test based crop response P-fertilizer recommendation. A total of 36 farmers’ (27 Male and 9 Female), 9 DAs (7 Male and 2 Female) and 9 Experts (7 Male and 2 Female) were participating on training. In addition to the training, participatory field visit was arranged in Gechi districts of Buno Bedele Zone for a total of 59 participants with the aims of sharing experiences especially on how to practice the trial and as all FRG members practice on their own farm.
Table 4. Gender composition stakeholders participated on field visit.

District

Participants

Male

Female

Total

Gechi

Farmers

29

7

36

DAs

5

4

9

Other stakeholders

12

2

14

Total

46

13

59

Source: Own Data, 2020
Farmers’ Feedback
On the exchange visit demonstration site, the participants exchanged their views, opinions and shared their experience. During this time an assessment was made to know how the farmers perceived the technology. Result of the assessment revealed that soil test crop response based fertilizer recommendation was appreciated by farmers in terms of its efficient use of fertilizers and advanced yield advantage over blanket recommendation. Farmers ‘requests for soil laboratories accessibility with affordable charge and they also ask technical support to be benefitted from technologies.
5. Conclusion and Recommendation
The pre-extension demonstration on bread wheat in the study areas showed that using soil-test based fertilizer recommendations gave the highest average wheat yield, with more than 49.54% higher yields compared to blanket recommendation. The net return from soil-test based phosphorous fertilizer recommendation was also more profitable. Farmers expressed that using soil test is a more effective way to use fertilizers compared to blanket recommendations. Therefore, the soil laboratory at Bedele Agricultural Research Center (BeARC) should be more functional with free cost, so that farmers can easily test their soil. BeARC, Zonal and District agricultural bureau should work together to transfer this technology to farmers. As a result, the pre-scaling up of soil-test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendation for bread wheat should be carried out to further spread the technology in the study area and similar agro-ecology.
Abbreviations

BeARC

Bedele Agricultural Research Center

BR

Blanket Recommendation

DA

Development Agent

DAP

Di-Ammonium Phosphate

EB

Ethiopian Birr

FAO

Food and Agricultural Organization

FP

Farmer Practices

FRG

Farmers Research Group

FTC

Farmers Training Center

GR

Gross Return

ha

Hectare

Pc

P-critical

Pf

P-requirement factor

Po

P-initial

qt

Quintal

SMS

Subject Matter Specialist

STCRBFR

Soil Test Crop Response Based Fertilizer Recommendation

TVC

Total Variable Cost

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
[1] Abreha Kidanemariam and Yesuf Assen. (2008). Recommendation on phosphorus fertilizer based on soil test and response of Tef to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
[2] Agegnehu, G., Nelson, P. N., Bird, M. I., & van-Beek, C. (2015). Phosphorus Response and fertilizer recommendations for wheat grown on Nitisols in the central Ethiopian highlands. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 46(19), 2411-12.
[3] Agegnehu G; Nelson PN; Bird MI. (2016). The effects of biochar, compost and their mixture and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of barley grown on a Nitisol in the highlands of Ethiopia. Sci Total Environ.
[4] Amante AD; Negassa W; Ilfata FG; Negisho K. (2014). Optimum NP fertilizers rate for wheat production on Alfisols of Arjo and Shambu Highlands, Western Ethiopia, 1(2): 87–95.
[5] Assefa A; Tadese T; Liben M. (2013). Influence of time of nitrogen application on productivity and nitrogen use efficiency of rain-fed lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Vertisols of Fogera plain, Northwestern Ethiopia, VI(1): 25–31.
[6] Bishawa, Z & Alemu, D. (2017). Farmers' perceptions on improved bread wheat varieties and formal seed supply in Ethiopia. Int J Plant Prod., 11(1): 117-130.
[7] Brady, N. C. & Weil, R. R. (2008). The nature and properties of soils. Pearson Prentice: New Jersey, USA.
[8] FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization), (2014). Crop Production Data. Rome: FAO.
[9] KeneaYadeta, Getachew Ayele and Workneh Negatu. (2001). Farming Research on Tef: Small Holders Production Practices. In: Hailu Tefera, Getachew Belay and M. Sorrels (eds.), arrowing the Rift: Teff Research and Development. Proceeding of the International Work shop on tef genetics and improvement, 16-19 October, 2000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pp 9-23.
[10] Shiferaw, H. (2014). Digital soil mapping: Soil fertility status and fertilizer recommendation for Ethiopian agricultural land (Conference paper). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[11] Taye Bekele, Verkuijl, H., Mwangi, W. and Tanner, D. (2000). Adoption of Improved Wheat Technologies in Adaba and Dodola Woredas of the Bale Highlands, Ethiopia. Second National Maize and Wheat Workshop. 12-16 November 2000; Addis Ababa. International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) and Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EARO). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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    Mengistu, D., Aman, S. (2025). Pre-Extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based Recommended P-Fertilizer Rate for Bread Wheat at Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. World Journal of Applied Chemistry, 10(3), 66-70. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13

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    Mengistu, D.; Aman, S. Pre-Extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based Recommended P-Fertilizer Rate for Bread Wheat at Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. World J. Appl. Chem. 2025, 10(3), 66-70. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13

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    AMA Style

    Mengistu D, Aman S. Pre-Extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based Recommended P-Fertilizer Rate for Bread Wheat at Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. World J Appl Chem. 2025;10(3):66-70. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13

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  • @article{10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13,
      author = {Dechasa Mengistu and Suleiman Aman},
      title = {Pre-Extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based Recommended P-Fertilizer Rate for Bread Wheat at Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    },
      journal = {World Journal of Applied Chemistry},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {66-70},
      doi = {10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjac.20251003.13},
      abstract = {Wheat is a major crop grown in the highlands of Ethiopia, especially in the study area, which is a key food source. In 2020, a pre-extension demonstration was carried out in Gechi district of Buno Bedele Zone to show how soil testing can help decide the right amount of phosphorus fertilizer for bread wheat. The study aimed to look at how much wheat is produced and how profitable it is when using phosphorus fertilizer based on soil testing results, and to teach farmers about using fertilizer rates that are specific to their fields. Two types of fertilizer plans were tested: one based on general recommendations that farmers usually follow, and another based on soil testing results. The improved bread wheat variety called Liban was used. The demonstration took place on one FTC and 10 fields owned by farmers, with each treated area being 12 meters by 20 meters. The rows were spaced 20 cm apart and the right amount of seeds and nitrogen fertilizer was used as recommended for the area. A field visit was held for 59 people when the wheat was ready to be harvested. The best yield came from the method that used soil test results, giving more than a 49.54 increase in grain production compared to the general recommendation. Also, the economic analysis showed that, the highest average profit was made with the soil testing method, earning 40,112.7 Ethiopian birr. Therefore, it is important to start scaling up the use of soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for bread wheat in the study area, and similar agro ecology.
    },
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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    T1  - Pre-Extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based Recommended P-Fertilizer Rate for Bread Wheat at Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    
    AU  - Dechasa Mengistu
    AU  - Suleiman Aman
    Y1  - 2025/09/23
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    T2  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
    JF  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
    JO  - World Journal of Applied Chemistry
    SP  - 66
    EP  - 70
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2637-5982
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjac.20251003.13
    AB  - Wheat is a major crop grown in the highlands of Ethiopia, especially in the study area, which is a key food source. In 2020, a pre-extension demonstration was carried out in Gechi district of Buno Bedele Zone to show how soil testing can help decide the right amount of phosphorus fertilizer for bread wheat. The study aimed to look at how much wheat is produced and how profitable it is when using phosphorus fertilizer based on soil testing results, and to teach farmers about using fertilizer rates that are specific to their fields. Two types of fertilizer plans were tested: one based on general recommendations that farmers usually follow, and another based on soil testing results. The improved bread wheat variety called Liban was used. The demonstration took place on one FTC and 10 fields owned by farmers, with each treated area being 12 meters by 20 meters. The rows were spaced 20 cm apart and the right amount of seeds and nitrogen fertilizer was used as recommended for the area. A field visit was held for 59 people when the wheat was ready to be harvested. The best yield came from the method that used soil test results, giving more than a 49.54 increase in grain production compared to the general recommendation. Also, the economic analysis showed that, the highest average profit was made with the soil testing method, earning 40,112.7 Ethiopian birr. Therefore, it is important to start scaling up the use of soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for bread wheat in the study area, and similar agro ecology.
    
    VL  - 10
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

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  • Abstract
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  • Document Sections

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. The Objectives of the Study
    3. 3. Methodology
    4. 4. Results and Discussions
    5. 5. Conclusion and Recommendation
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  • Conflicts of Interest
  • References
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