Influence of phosphorus application on yield, yield components, and quality of linseed

Abstract

Soil fertility depletion coupled with improper fertilization is one of the major constraints limiting linseed production in Ethiopia. Experiment was conducted in 2014/2015 on Nitisol in southeastern Ethiopian highlands to study the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilizer rate on yield, yield components, and oil content of linseed. It comprised of six levels of P fertilizer (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg P ha⁻¹) arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that P fertilization brought significant effect on biomass yield, harvest index, plant height, number of capsules per plant, and kernel size. However, it didn’t significantly increase seed yield and oil content on linseed. Considering its influence on increasing biomass yield and improving yield components, application of 5 kg P ha⁻¹ has been recommended for replenishing the extracted P, maintaining soil fertility and improving linseed production on Nitisols of southeastern Ethiopian highlands and other similar agro-ecologies.

Keywords:

• linseed
• nitisol
• oil content
• phosphorus
• yield and yield components

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center/Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research for the provision of funding and logistics for the execution of this research activity. All members of Land and Water Resources Research team of Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center are greatly acknowledged for their unreserved efforts in field, crop and data management. The management and laboratory technician of Holeta and Debrezeit Agricultural Research Centers are also warmly acknowledged for the provision of analytical services.