Research Article
Integrated Use of Coffee Husk Compost and Inorganic Fertilizer Enhances Soil Properties, Coffee Growth and Yield in West Wollega, Ethiopia
Bikila Takala, Gemechu Chali
Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science; 1-8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/merjafs.2025.v05i01.001
Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is an important practice to sustainably manage and replenish plant nutrients in agricultural soils. However, determination of the optimum combination of these resources based on soil type and requirement of the crop species and variety is necessary. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Haru research center to assess the effect of coffee husk compost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties, and growth and yield of a released coffee variety (Manasibu) for the area. The treatments consisted of nine combinations of different rates of coffee husk compost and NP fertilizers, and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were taken and analyzed for selected physicochemical properties following the standard laboratory procedures. All relevant soil and agronomic data were collected and subjected to Analysis of Variance using SAS package and treatment means were compared at 0.05 probability level using least significant difference test. Results of the study showed that application of coffee husk compost increased soil pH. Moreover, application of coffee husk compost along with inorganic fertilizers increased the contents of organic matter, soil moisture content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and CEC. Combined application of higher doses of coffee husk compost and NP fertilizer significantly improved growth of coffee plants. Similarly, combined application of 7.5 t ha-1 of coffee husk compost and 50% of the recommended NP (86 and 38 Kg ha-1 NP respectively) significantly increased clean coffee yield up to 1.78t ha-1. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of 7.5 t ha-1 coffee husk compost and 50% of the recommended NP (86 and 38 Kg ha-1 NP respectively), can be the best integrated soil fertility management option or optimum coffee production in the study area. Nevertheless, in order to come up with a conclusive recommendation, further studies are needed for different soil types and coffee varieties.