Research Article
Evaluation of Vermicompost Integrated with Chemical Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Tef in Dugda District of East Shoa Zone, Oromia
Kasahun Kitila Hunde*
,
Mekonnen Workineh Lindi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
14-21
Received:
12 March 2026
Accepted:
31 March 2026
Published:
27 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.bio.20261402.11
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Abstract: The Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is to maintain soil health and crop production. A study was carried out in East Shewa Zone, Dugda District, on farmers’ fields to evaluate the combined effects of vermicompost (organic fertilizer) and NPS (inorganic fertilizer) on soil chemical properties and Tef production. Integrated soil fertility management, involving the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers, aims to sustain soil fertility and enhance crop yields. Although analysis of variance revealed no significant differences (p≥ 0.05) in Tef grain yield, panicle length, plant height, and harvest index among treatments, the highest grain yield of Tef (1750.33 kg ha-1) was recorded in the treatment where 50% of the Nitrogen requirement was supplied through vermicompost. Composite soil samples collected before fertilizer application and after harvest were analyzed to assess the residual effects of vermicompost on soil physicochemical properties. Results showed that soil pH was not significantly influenced (p≥ 0.05) by vermicompost application. However, soil organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available phosphorus (P), and total nitrogen (TN) significantly improved (P≤0.05) with vermicompost use. Initial soil tests indicated low levels of SOC, CEC, available P, and TN, highlighting the positive residual impact of vermicompost on soil fertility. A partial budget analysis identified the economically optimal treatment as the one combining 50% vermicompost with NPS fertilizer, yielding the highest net benefit of 202,540 Birr per hectare. Therefore, the study concludes that integrating 50% vermicompost (1.725 t/ha) with 46 kg ha-1 P2O5 (100kgDAP) fertilizer enhances Tef productivity and soil fertility in the study area and similar agro-ecological zones.
Abstract: The Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is to maintain soil health and crop production. A study was carried out in East Shewa Zone, Dugda District, on farmers’ fields to evaluate the combined effects of vermicompost (organic fertilizer) and NPS (inorganic fertilizer) on soil chemical properties and Tef production. Integrated soil fertility ...
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Research Article
Local Family Poultry Production System and the Main Constraints to Its Sustainable Development in the Ouaddaï Province in Eastern Chad
Oumar Bada Algom*,
Issa Youssouf Adoum
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
22-31
Received:
8 May 2026
Accepted:
22 May 2026
Published:
29 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.bio.20261402.12
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Abstract: The objective of this study is to characterize the family poultry production system and to identify certain management constraints that could undermine farm operations and hinder their sustainable development in the Ouaddaï Province of eastern Chad. Random and retrospective cross-sectional surveys conducted in 40 family farms. Socioeconomic characteristics revealed farms managed equally by men and women (50% each), with 92.5% of the farms managed by married parents. Family poultry farming is a secondary activity, a form of adaptation, as the farmers were originally engaged in agriculture and gardening (31.9%) and the condiment trade (22.8%). These poultry farmers provided rudimentary sheds made of straw and wood (31.9%) and banco (22.8%). Investments in chicken housing are very low (4.5%). In 50% of farms, free-range chickens receive a handful of millet or red sorghum, millet bran and about a third of a liter of water as a supplement to their feed. According to the poultry farmers surveyed, diseases (58.3%), animal and theft (37%), and feed costs (4.7%) appear to be the main constraints faced by producers, leading to mortality. 90% of family farms impacted by the lack of chicken vaccination practices. 52.5% of poultry farmers have resorted to using traditional medicine and local ethno-veterinary knowledge. Furthermore, 53.4% of sales were of chickens at a unit price of 2,809 FCFA, and 46.6% of egg sales at 125 FCFA. 20% of the chickens and 14% of the eggs are intended for family consumption. Whatever, family poultry farming faces several constraints, yet most poultry-farming families report being satisfied with their net monthly profit margins of 15,350 FCFA. This indicates that local chicken production plays a significant socioeconomic role. It is therefore undeniable that improvements in management and health systems could help improve performance and revenue for the development of sustainable family poultry farming in this Sahelian Province of Chad.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to characterize the family poultry production system and to identify certain management constraints that could undermine farm operations and hinder their sustainable development in the Ouaddaï Province of eastern Chad. Random and retrospective cross-sectional surveys conducted in 40 family farms. Socioeconomic charact...
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