Evaluation of different fertilizer sources for sustainable carrot production in Tehuledere district, northern Ethiopia

Abstract

The demand for organic agriculture has been growing due to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of chemical-intensive farming. The study aimed to investigate the effects organic fertilizers on carrot (Nantes) growth and yield in Tehuledere district. The experiment was conducted at two sites (Gobeya and Libannos) using four fertilizer types (vermicompost, conventional compost, mixture of the two, and inorganic fertilizer) and a control. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications, and data were analyzed using R-software. The study analyzed various growth (emergence percentage, plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, and dry weight of leaves), and yield (root length, root diameter, fresh weight of roots, marketable root yield, unmarketable root yield, and total root yield) parameters. Generally, fertilizer application improved (p < 0.001) growth and yield compared to the control. Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (NPSB) showed similar results (p > 0.001) but the highest values (p < 0.001) for most of the parameters (marketable yield was 41.7 t/ha±0.76 for vermicompost and 42.5 t/ha±1.14 for NPSB). However, NPSB could pose negative environmental impact that could not result in sustainability if used in excess and inappropriate (method and time) in particular. Therefore, carrot production using vermicompost is recommended for farmers of Tehuledere district and similar agroecological areas to enhance productivity while contributing to sustainable agriculture. The results have implications for policy makers, researchers, and farmers interested in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable carrot production.