MATERIALS AND METHODS

Description of the Study Area

The study was conducted in Metahara Sugar Estate of Fentale District, East Shewa
Zone, Oromia region North eastern Ethiopia, during the main growing season of 2025.
The site is geographically located 200 km northeast of Addis Ababa at latitude of 8°
50′N and longitude of 39° 50′E, with an elevation of approximately 950 meters above
sea level. The region is known for its high-temperature profile, ranging from 17.5 to
32.6 °C, with an average annual temperature of 25.1°C, and receives a mean annual
rainfall of 554 mm (Google earth). The erratic rainfall pattern in the area necessitates
careful irrigation planning. Ninety percent of the soils of the estate is clay soil and
alkaline with pH normally above 8.0.

Figure 1.Location map of the study site (Metahara Sugar Estate)

Experimental Materials

The common bean varieties, namely: Awash 2, Awash Mitin and Awash 1 were used.
The common bean varieties were obtained from the Melkasa Agricultural Research
Centre (MARC). The blended NPSB (18.9% N, 37.7% P2O5, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B)
fertilizer rates were used as sources of N, P, S, and B for the study.

Description of common bean varieties used for the study

Varieties
characteristics Awash 2 Awash Mitin Awash 1
Growth habits Determinate Determinate Semi-
determinate
Agro-ecology Lowland Lowland Lowland
Altitude (m.a.s.l) 1450-2000 1450-2000
Year of Release 2013 2017 1990
Yield Potential Research Field 2800-3100 2000-2500 2000-2400
-1
(kg ha ) Farmer’s Field 1800-2200 1900-2400 1600-1800

Seed size and color Small, white Small white Small white
Source/Maintainer MARC/EIAR MARC/EIAR MARC/EIAR
Source: MOANR (2016); masl. = Meters above sea level, MARC= Melkasa Agriculture
Research Center and EIAR = Ethiopian Institute of Agriculture Research

Soil Sampling and Analysis

One representative soil sample was taken at a depth of 0-30 cm from five randomly
selected spots in a zigzag manner across the experimental field using an auger before
planting. The collected soil samples were air-dried at room temperature under shade and
ground to pass through a 2 mm sieve for laboratory analysis. One composite soil sample
was submitted to the Wonji Agricultural Research Center soil laboratory for analysis.
The sample was analyzed for selected soil physico chemical properties mainly textural
analysis (sand, silt, and clay), soil pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity (CEC)
(cmol+ kg-1), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus(P), sulfur(S), and extracted boron
(B), using the appropriate laboratory procedures.

The soil texture was carried out using the hydrometer method (pages, 1982). Soil pH
was determined at 1:2.5 soils water ratio using a glass electrode attached to a pH digital
meter (Van Reeuwijk, 1992). Organic carbon was determined by using the Wakley and
Black method (Wakley and Black, 1934). Organic matter (OM): The value of organic
carbon (OC) was multiplied by 1.732 to obtain Organic Matter content. The Cation
exchange capacity (CEC) was determined by using the 1N ammonium acetate (NH4-
AOc) method as described by Cottenie, (1980). Total nitrogen was determined by using
the Kjeldahl method (Jackson, 1962). Available phosphorus was determined by Olsen’s
method using extraction with sodium bicarbonate (Olsen, 1954). Available sulfur was
measured using a turbid metric method (Ethio SIS, 2014). Extracted boron was
determined by Dilute HCL methods.

Treatments and Experimental Design

A total of eighteen (18) treatments were arranged in factorial combinations of six

blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha -1) and three common
bean varieties (Awash 2, Awash Mitin and Awash 1) were evaluated. The experiment
was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
The gross plot area was 2.4 m×2.0 m (4.8 m 2) consisting of 6 rows of 2 m length. The
spacing between plots and between blocks was 0.5 m and 1 m, respectively. The one
outer most row from each side and one plant from both ends of each row were
considered as a border and one row was used for destructive sampling to determine the
nodulation parameters and aboveground dry biomass at physiological maturity. Thus,
the net plot size was 1.2 m x 2 m (2.4 m 2) with 3 net rows. The four central rows were
used for data collection.

Rates of Blended Fertilizers and their nutrient contents kg ha-1

Blended NPSB Fertilizer rates (kg Nutrient contents (kg ha-1)

ha-1)
N P2O5 S B
0
50 9.45 18.85 3.475 0.05
100 18.9 37.7 6.95 0.1
150 28.35 56.55 10.425 0.15
200 37.95 75.4 13.9 0.2
250 47.4 94.25 17.375 0.25

Treatment Combinations

(NPSB) Fertilizer
rates(kg ha-1) (NPSB) Fertilizer rates and
Treatmen Varieties Varieties Combination
t
1 0 Awash 2 Awash 2 without fertilizer
2 50 Awash 2 Awash 2 with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
3 100 Awash 2 Awash 2 with 100 NPSB kg ha-1
4 150 Awash 2 Awash 2 with 150 NPSB kg ha-1
5 200 Awash 2 Awash 2 with 200 NPSB kg ha-1
6 250 Awash 2 Awash 2 with 250 NPSB kg ha-1
 7 0 Awash mitin Awash mitin without fertilizer
8 50 Awash mitin Awash mitin with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
9 100 Awash mitin Awash mitin with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
10 150 Awash mitin Awash mitin with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
11 200 Awash mitin Awash mitin with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
12 250 Awash mitin Awash mitin with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
13 0 Awash 1 Awash 1 without fertilizer
14 50 Awash 1 Awash 1 with 50 NPSB kg ha-1
15 100 Awash 1 Awash 1 with 100 NPSB kg ha-1
16 150 Awash 1 Awash 1 with 150 NPSB kg ha-1
17 200 Awash 1 Awash 1 with 200 NPSB kg ha-1
18 250 Awash 1 Awash 1 with 250 NPSB kg ha-1

Experimental Procedure and Crop Management

The experimental field was ploughed three times and harrowed once with a tractor to a
depth of 25-30 cm and the plots were levelled and ridges were made manually.
Treatments were assigned to each plot randomly. The spacing between rows and plants
were 40 cm and 10 cm, respectively. Two seeds per hill at the specified spacing were
sown at a depth of about 25 cm to ensure adequate emergence. NPSB fertilizer was
hand drilled in rows at the time of sowing. The plants were thinned to one plant per hill
10 days after emergence. Irrigation water was used in the whole growing period. Furrow
irrigation was used as water distribution system in the field. The first irrigation was
made at sowing and irrigation was made eleven times with six days interval. Weeding
and cultivation were done as per the recommendation for the crop. The crop was
harvested manually by hand when 90% of the leaves and pods turned pale green. Grain
yield obtained from each net plot area was adjusted to a moisture content of 12.5% and
measured using electronic balance. The weight of grain and straw were recorded
treatment-wise and converted into kg ha-1.

Data Collection and measurements

Phenological parameters

Days to 50% flowering: This was recorded when 50% of the plants in each plot
produced flowers.

Days to physiological maturity: This was recorded when pods in 90% of the plants in
each plot turned to yellow.
Leaf area (cm2) and leaf area index: it was recorded by taking a destructive sample of
five plants from the destructive sampling row. Leaf area was measured just before
flowering using pictorial method. Then the leaf area index was calculated as the ratio of
total leaf area of the five plants to the respective ground area occupied by the crop.

Plant height (cm): This was measured average heights from the ground level to the
apex of 10 randomly taken plants at physiological maturity.

Number of nodules: It was determined by counting from five plants at 50% flowering.
Roots are carefully exposed to the bulk of root mass and nodules were separated from
the soil by washing and the total numbers of nodules are determined by counting.

Effective nodules: They were separated by their colors were a cross-section of an

effective nodule showed a pink to dark red color.

Number of primary branches per plant: It was determined by counting of primary

branches on the main stem from randomly taken 10 plants from the net plot area.

Yield and yield components

Stand count: The plant stand count was taken from net plot areas during harvesting
time.

Pod length (cm): was measured from ten randomly selected plants from net plot area at
physiological maturity.

Number of pods per plant: It was determined by counting the number of pods per
plant of 10 randomly taken plants from each net plot area at harvest and the average was
recorded as number of pods per plant.

Number of seeds per pod: It was recorded from 10 randomly taken pods from each net
plot at harvest and the average was recorded as number of seeds per pod.

Hundred seeds weight (g): It was determined by weighing 100 randomly sampled
seeds and adjusting to a 10% moisture level.

Total above-ground dry biomass (kg ha-1): At physiological maturity, the above-
ground dry biomass of randomly ten plants was taken and it is measured after sun
drying up to get constant weight. For obtaining the total aboveground dry biomass, the
dried biomass per plant thus obtained is multiplied by the total number of plants per net
plot and it is converted into kg ha-1. This is also used to calculate the harvest index.

Grain yield (kg ha-1): It was determined after threshing the seeds harvested from each
net plot. The seed yield adjusted to a 10% moisture level and converted to kg ha-1.

Harvest index (HI): It is computed as the ratio of seed yield (kg ha -1) to total above-
ground dry biomass (kg ha-1).

Agronomic Efficiency

The NPSB fertilizer agronomic efficiency was calculated using the procedure described
Gf −Gu
by Craswell and Godwin (1984) as: AE(NPSB)= where; AE stands for
NDa
agronomic efficiency, Gf and Gu for grain yield in fertilized and unfertilized plots,
respectively, and Na for quantity of NPSB fertilizer applied.

Statistical Analysis

The data collected from the experimental field for each variable were analyzed by the
analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure using the SAS statistical software (SAS,
2007). Interpretations were made following the procedure described by Gomez and
Gomez (1984). The significant difference among treatment means was evaluated using
the least significant difference (LSD) at p< 0.05.

Economic Analysis

To streamline the statistical analysis of the agronomic data, a partial budget analysis
was conducted for each treatment. Economic evaluations included calculations for total
variable cost, gross yield benefit, net benefit, and marginal rate of return ratios, using
the methodology outlined by (CIMMYT, 1988). Initial estimated costs for analysis
comprised the cost of NPSB fertilizer (70 ETB kg−1), the cost of NPSB application (500
ETB ha−1), and the current open market price of common bean grain (60.00 ETB kg −1).
Following the procedure outlined by CIMMYT (1988), farmers were assumed to
achieve yields 10% lower than those obtained in the experiment; thus, the mean
common bean grain yield was adjusted in the economic analysis by subtracting 10%
from the actual yield. The total variable cost (TVC) was determined as the sum of all
variable costs, including the cost of chemical fertilizer and labor costs for fertilizer
application. The gross field benefit (GFB) was calculated by multiplying the adjusted
total grain yield kg ha-1 for each treatment by the current open market price of common
bean grain (60.00ETB kg−1). The net benefit (NB) was obtained as the deference
between the GFB and the TVC, and the marginal rate of return (MRR %) was computed
(MRR (%) = (ΔNB/ ΔTVC * 100) as the change in net benefit over the change in total
variable cost between any pair of treatments.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Days to 50% Flowering
The number of days to 50% flowering was high significantly (P< 0.01) affected by the
application of blended fertilizer rates as compared to the control plots while there was
no significant among varieties and their interaction (Table). Increasing the rate NPSB
rate from 0 NPSB to 250 kg NPSB ha -1 delayed the days needed to attain at half
flowering from 38 to 45.11 days. (Table). Thus, the maximum number of days to 50%
flowering (45.11) was recorded at the highest rate of application of (200 kg NPSB) ha -1.
While the minimum number of days to 50% flowering (38.0) was recorded from the
control plots.This might be due to the fact that excessive supply of N promotes luxuriant
and succulent vegetative growth, dominating the reproductive phase. This result is
agreed by that of Atnafu (2020) who investigated that common bean with 200 kg NPSB
ha-1 needed more number of days to 50% flowering. Similarly Chala et al. (2025)
showed that the maximum number of days (41.3 days) to reach flowering was recorded
at the highest amount of 150 kg NPSB ha-1 was applied, while the earliest days to
flowering (37.7) was recorded from control plots. In contrast to the findings of this
study, Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) found that the earliest days to 50 percent
heading (42.5) were recorded from the highest treatments of both N and P of (36 and 96
kg ha-1) respectively whereas the longest days to 50 percent heading, (45.83), were
recorded from the control plots of common bean varieties.

Physiological Maturity Date

The main effects of varieties and NPSB fertilize rates had highly significant at (p<0.05)
and (p<0.01) effects, on days to 90% physiological maturity but, their interaction was
not significant (Appendix Table1). Varity Awash 1 had the longest days to reach 90%
physiological maturity (79.94 days) and it was statistically at par with Awash 2
(79.5days), whereas the variety Awash Mitin was the earliest to reach 90%
physiological maturity (78.78 days) (Table 4). These variations might be attributed by
genotypic differences of the respective varieties as phenological characteristics are
genetically controlled. This result was in line with Taminaw (2019) who reported that
Common bean varieties showed highly significant (p<0.01) difference on days to 90%
physiological maturity and he reported that variety Awash 1 was the earliest (80.78
days) to 90% physiological maturity while Awash Melka and Awash 2 were the late
maturing variety (85.05 and 83 days) respectively. Similarly, Endrias (2017) reported
that varieties Nasir and Hawassa Dume were early maturing which required 78.56 and
80 days than Red Wolaita which matured on 82.56 days after planting.
Maximizing the rates of NPSB from 0 kg NPSB ha -1 to 250 kg NPSB ha -1 prolonged the
number of days needed to attain at physiological development from 75 days to 84.56
days (Table 2). The longest number of days required to physiological maturity was
(84.56 days) recorded with 250 kg NPSB ha-1 while the shortest (75 days) was recorded
in control. The results indicated that days to maturity in most cases were prolonged in
increased NPSB rates that promoted vegetative growth. The results showed that days to
maturity were generally delayed in response to elevated levels of blended NPSB, which
can be attributed to the sulfur nitrogen and boron in the mixed fertilizer, which stimulate
enzymatic activity, cell division and elongation and chlorophyll formation, which
increases the amount of solar radiation intercepted, factors that influence growth
parameters, foster plant development, and consequently lengthen days to physiological
maturity. In line with this result, Israel et al (2023) reported that expanding NPS rate
from 0 kg NPS ha-1 to 150 kg NPS ha-1 expanded the quantity of days needed to arrive at
physiological development from 83.3 days to 93 days. Similarly, Chala et al (2025)
obtained the highest days of physiological maturity at the application of 150 kg NPSB
ha-1. This result was also in line with the findings of Shumi (2018) and Arega and
Zenebe (2019) who conducted experiments on common bean varieties under different
N, P, and S levels and N, P, K, S, and B fertilizer at high rates significantly delayed on
phenological traits and particularly N, prolonged the growth period and resulted in
delayed flowering and physiological maturity.

Main effect of NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties on phonological parameters of

common bean at Fentale wereda, during the main growing season of 2025
treatments Days to 50% flowering Days to 90% physiological
maturity
NPSB rate (kg ha-1)
0 38.00d 75.00e
d
50 38.56 76.78d
100 38.89d 77.78d
c
150 41.11 79.89c
200 43.22b 82.44b
a
250 45.11 84.56a
LSD (0.05) 1.28 1.19
varieties
Awash 2 40.61 79.50ab
Awash Mitin 40.78 78.78bc
Awash 1 41.06 79.94a
LSD (0.05) NS 0.84
CV (%) 3.28 1.57
Means in column with the same letters are not significantly different at 5% probability
level; CV=Coefficient of Variation; NPSB=Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron;
LSD=least significant difference.

Growth parameters

Leaf area and leaf area Index

Main effects of varieties and NPSB fertilizer rates had highly significant (p<0.01)
effects, on leaf area and leaf area index while their interaction among them were not
significant (appendix). Variety Awash 2 had the highest leaf area (1426.29 cm 2) and leaf
area index (3.57) while variety Awash mitin had the lowest leaf area (1240.26 cm 2) and
leaf area index (3.19) and it was statistically at par with Awash 1 (1276.76 cm 2 and
3.10) leaf area and leaf area index respectively (Table). These variations might be due to
genotypic differences of common bean varieties on leaf expansion, and growth of plant.
In agreement with this result, Wondwosen and Tamado (2017) reported the highest leaf
area (2570 cm2) and leaf area index (6.421) for Awash 1common bean variety.

The result also showed that increasing NPSB fertilizer rates from 0 kg ha -1 to 250 kg ha-
1
increases leaf area and leaf area Index. The highest leaf area (1578.10 cm 2) and leaf
area index (3.95) were recorded at the highest application rate of 200 kg NPSB ha -1 and
it was statistically at par with 250 kg NPSB ha -1 (1546.93 cm2 and 3.87) leaf area and
leaf area index respectively while the lowest leaf area (1023.01 cm2) and leaf area
index (2.56) were recorded from 0 kg NPSB ha -1 (Table).The increased leaf area and
leaf area index with increasing rates of NPSB application on common bean varieties
might have been due to the progressive effect of NPSB on branches formation, leaf
expansion and canopy development. The present study revealed that blended fertilizer
had a positive impact on the leaf area and leaf area index of common bean varieties.
This result is in line with Desta and Ermias (2019) who reported that the leaf area index
of common bean increased significantly from 1.5 to 2.8 due to increasing fertilizer rate
from zero to 200 kg NPSB ha -1. This result was also agrees with Taminaw (2019) who
reported increase in leaf area and leaf area index with increased rates of NPS blended
fertilizer application from 0 kg NPS ha-1.to 200 kg NPS ha-1. Similarly Wondwosen and
Tamado (2017) reported significant improvement in leaf area of common bean (P.
vulgaris L) with nitrogen and phosphorus from 0 kg N, 0 kg P 2O5 to 36 kg N, 92 kg
P2O5 ha-1. In agreement with this result Nibret and Nigussie (2017) reported that the
increased rate of nitrogen application from 0 to 46 kg N ha -1 leaf area index significantly
increased from 2.56 to 4.41.

Total number of nodule and effective number of nodules

Main effects of varieties and NPSB fertilizer rates had highly significant (p<0.01)
effects, on total and effective number of nodules per plant while their interaction were
non- significant (Appendix Table 2). Variety Awash mitin had the highest total number
of nodule (45.11) and effective number of nodule (40.68) which was statistically par
with Awash 2 varieties (36.67) and the lowest total number of nodules were recorded
from Awash 1 (38.62) it was statistically par with Awash 2 (39.58) and the lowest
effective nodules were recorded from Awash 1 variety (35.8) which was statistically par
with Awash 2 varieties (36.67) (Table). These variations might be due to common bean
genotypes exhibit significant variation to form effective nodules. This result was agrees
with Agegnehu et al. (2018) common bean varieties show differential responses
rhizobial inoculation with local varieties and improved cultivars being superior in terms
of nodulation and yield response.

Significantly highest numbers of total nodules (54.09) per plant was recorded from 250
kg NPSB ha-1 which was statistically in par with 150 and 200 kg NPSB ha -1 and
effective nodules (50.98) per plant was also recorded from 250 kg NPSB ha -1 which was
statistically at par with the application of 50 and 100 kg NPSB ha -1 while the lowest
numbers of total nodules (26.91) were recorded from the control and it was statistically
in par with 50 and 100 kg NPSB ha -1 (Table) and effective nodules (23.6) per plant were
recorded from control it was statistically in par with 50 and 100 kg NPSB ha -1. The
increase in total and effective number of nodules at the highest NPSB rate may be due
to application of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and boron fertilizer that stimulate nodule
formation and also enhance yield of pulse including common bean. This result was in
line with Shumi (2018) who reported that the main effects of NPS rate had highly
significant (p<0.01) effect on total number of nodules where the highest number of total
nodules per plant (80.47) was recorded from the application of 200 kg NPS ha -1 while
the lowest number of total nodules (40.94) was recorded from control plots. Similarly
Amanuel et al. (2018) reported that the maximum nodule number per plant (114.8) was
recorded from 69 kg P2O5 ha-1, while the minimum nodule number per plant (21.8) was
recorded at 0 kg P2O5 ha-1. Amare et al. (2014) also reported that nodule number was
significantly increased with increasing levels of phosphorus with the lowest (12.89) and
the highest (31.85) numbers in common bean obtained from the control and application
of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, respectively.
Main effect of NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties on growth of common bean at Fentale
wereda, during the main growing season of 2025

Growth parameters
treatments LA LAI TNN ENN NPBP PH (cm)
NPSB rate (kg
ha-1)
0 1023.01c 2.56c 26.91c 23.6d 2.67c 54.18b
50 1237.54b 3.09b 29.69bc 27.16cd 3.07b 55.82b
100 1247.80b 3.10b 35.44bc 33.02c 3.21b 55.16b
150 1259.22b 3.15b 49.51a 43.9b 3.82a 59.33a
200 1578.10a 3.95a 50.96a 47.64ab 3.72a 59.92a
250 1546.93a 3.87a 54.09a 50.98a 3.94a 61.27a
LSD (0.05) 156.28 0.39 6.59 5.89 0.28 2.16
varieties
Awash 2 1426.29a 3.57a 39.58b 36.67bc 3.56a 59.64a
Awash Mitin 1240.26b 3.10b 45.11a 40.68ab 3.38ab 58.62a
Awash 1 1276.76b 3.19b 38.62b 35.83c 3.28bc 54.59b
LSD (0.05) 110.51 0.28 4.67 4.16 0.197 1.53
CV (%) 12.41 12.41 16.75 16.3 8.57 3.91
Means in column with the same letters are not significantly different at 5% probability
level; CV=Coefficient of Variation; LA= Leaf area, LAI= Leaf Area Index, TNN= Total
number of nodules; ENN= Effective number of nodules; NPBP= Number of primary
branches per plant; PH= Plant height; NPSB=Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron;
LSD=least significant difference.
Number of primary branch

Main effects of varieties and NPSB fertilize rate had highly significant (p<0.01) effect
on number of primary branches per plant of the crop (Appendix Table 2). But, the
interaction effect of the factors had no significant effect on number of primary branches
per plant of common bean. The highest number of primary branches per plant (3.6) was
recorded from variety Awash 2 which was statistically par with Awash mitin (3.38)
whereas the lowest number of primary branches per plant (3.28) was recorded from the
variety Awash 1 and it was statistically at par with Awash mitin (3.38) (Table 7). This
difference among the varieties might be due to genetic differences of varieties for plant
growth, branch sprouting and growth of primary branches. In line with this result
Endrias (2017) reported that the main effects of varieties of common bean were highly
significant (P<0.01) on the number of primary branches per plant, with the highest
number from Nasir and lowest number of from Red Wolaita. Similarly Taminew
(2019) reported that number of primary branches was significantly different among the
common bean varieties and Awash melka variety had significantly higher number of
primary branch than Awash 1 variety. Desta and Erimias (2019) also reported that the
highest number of primary branches per plant (4.9) obtained from Hawassa dume; while
the lowest number of primary branches (4.3) was recorded for variety Nassir.

Concerning the effect of fertilizer, highest number of primary branches per plant (3.94)
was recorded at the highest rate of NPSB application (250 kg ha -1) and it was
statistically par with 150 and 200 kg NPSB ha -1 (3.82 and 3.72) respectively while, the
lowest number of primary branches per plant (2.67) was recorded from the control plots
(Table 6). Increasing rates of blended NPSB fertilizer from 0 to 250 kg ha -1 showed a
progressive increase in the number of primary branches per plant. The increase in the
number of primary branches per plant in response to the increased rate of blended NPSB
application indicates higher vegetative growth of the plants under higher N, P, S, and B
availability. The maximum number of primary branches per plant at 250 kg NPSB ha -1
might also be due to that legumes require phosphorus for optimizing symbiotic
performance since there was a close relationship between phosphorus level and
symbiotic mechanism in legumes. In agreement with this result, Atinafu (2020) and
Gezahegn, (2024) reported that the maximum number of primary branch per plant could
be obtained with the highest rate of NPSB fertilizer. Similarly, Desta and Erimias
(2019) reported the highest number of primary branches per plant (5.2) was recorded at
the highest rate of NPSB fertilizer application (200 kg ha -1) and lowest number of
primary branches per plant (3.8) was recorded from the control.
Likewise, Bereket et al. (2024) reported that NPSB at the rate of 100 kg ha -1 produced
maximum primary branches. Similarly, Amanuel (2017) reported that the application of
P showed (46.4%) increments on number of primary branch from the rate of 69 kg P 2O5
ha-1 as compared to control plot.

Plant height per plant (cm)

The main effects of NPSB rate and varieties highly significantly (p<0.01) influenced
plant height. Conversely, their interaction did not show a significant influence on plant
height (table). Likewise, there was adequate variation imitated by three common bean
varieties and six different rates of NPSB with respect to plant height (table). The tallest
plants were recorded from Awash 2 variety (59.64 cm) which was statistically similar
with Awash Mitin variety (58.62) while the shortest plant was recorded from Awash 1
variety (54.59 cm) (table). The difference of plant height between the varieties might be
due to genetic variation among the cultivars as common bean varieties have high
diversity in their physiological growth characters.

In terms of fertilizer application, NPSB fertilizer application rates had a significant

effect on plant height. Plant height increased as NPSB fertilizer rates increased from 0
to 250 kg·ha-1. The tallest plant height (61.27 cm) was recorded when NPSB fertilizer
rate of 250 kg·ha-1 added and statistically similar with NPSB fertilizer rate of 150 and
200 kg·ha-1 while, the shortest plant height was recorded from control plot (54.18 cm)
and it was statistically at par with NPSB fertilizer rate of 50 kg·ha -1 (Table 4). The rise
in plant height in response to NPSB fertilizer could be due to increased availability of
N, P, S, and B from blended NPSB, which triggered vegetative growth and cell division,
resulting in increased plant height (Mesfin et al., 2007). This result is in line with those
of Tarekegn et al. (2021) who found that the combined effects of 189 kg NPS +72 kg
urea top dressing ha-1 resulted in an increase in common bean plant height (82.50cm).
Similarly, Tesfaye (2017) results show that plant height has highly significant variation
at (P>0.01) observed among the studied fertilizer rates and he recorded the longer plant
height from (92/69 kg N P2O5 ha-1 fertilizer (48.067cm) while, the shortest plant height
(17.233cm) at control plot.
In addition, Awene et al. (2022) observed an increasing tendency in plant height as the
dose of blended NPSB fertilizer rates was increased. Furthermore, Turuko and
Mohammed (2014) and Wondimu and Tana (2017) also reported that P rate at 0 - 40 kg
ha-1 had a significant effect on plant height in common bean.

Yield and yield components parameters

Stand count

The main effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rate had highly significant (P<0.01) effect
on stand count while, the main effect of variety and interaction of variety with blended
NPSB fertilizer rate had no significant effect on stand count (Appendix table 2).

The highest stand count at harvest (52.33) was obtained at an applied blended NPSB
fertilizer rate of 250 kg ha-1 which was statistically at par with 200 and 150 kg NPSB
fertilizer ha-1, whereas, the lowest stand count at harvest (48.56) was recorded from the
control plots being at par with 100 and 50 kg NPSB ha-1 .
This might be due to sulfur in blended fertilizer play a great role in controlling certain
soil borne diseases and providing tolerance to heavy metal toxicity in plants. In other
cause, a sufficient amount of nitrogen has a greater influence on the growth and yield of
crop plants because it plays a pivotal role in many physiological and biochemical
processes in plants. Nitrogen is also a structural constituent of cell walls promotes rapid
vegetative growth and regulates the uptake of other nutrients. Moreover, an adequate
amount of phosphorus enhances root development, which improves the uptake of other
nutrients and water to the growing parts of the plants, resulting in an increased
photosynthetic area, and thereby in more dry matter accumulation. It plays a beneficial
role in legumes by promoting extensive root developments and thereby increasing
yields, enhancing nitrogen fixation, and ensuring a good quality seed. The result of this
experiment was in line with the studies of Endrias (2017) and Atinafu (2020) who
reported highly significant main effect of NPS rate on the stand count at harvest of
common bean. Likewise, Paulos (2016) reported highest mortality (10.0%) of common
bean at the rate of 0 kg P2O5 ha-1 while the lowest mortality rate (5.9%) was recorded at
the rate of 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly, Fatima et al. (2007) reported that inadequate P
restricts root growth, the process of photosynthesis, translocation of sugars, and other
such functions that directly influence the growth and development of the crops.
Pod length (cm)
The main effect of blended NPSB rate and varieties had highly significant (P<0.01)
effect on pod length while, the interaction of variety with blended NPSB rate had no
significant effect on pod length (Appendix table 2).

The longest pod (8.49cm) was produced with application of 250 kg NPSB ha -1 which
was at statistically similar with 150 and 200 kg NPSB ha -1 but, the shortest pod length
(7.37cm) was obtained from the control plot and statistically similar to 50 kg NPSB ha -1
(Table). In agreement with this result, Gemechu and Solomon, (2021) reported that the
longest pod length (11.43cm) could be obtained with the highest rate of 150 kg NPSB
fertilizer ha-1 and the shortest pod length (9.7cm) was from the control plot. Longer pod
formation at higher rates of NPSB might be due to more availability of P, which plays
an important role in cell division and, thus, in improvement of growth attributes
(Samago et al., 2018). In line with this, reported significant effect of P application on
pod length of common bean varieties (Nurzyńska-Wierdak et al., 2019). Similarly,
Dereje et al. (2016) who reported that significant effect of P application on pod length
of common bean cultivars.

In terms of varieties, Awash 2 cultivar produced the longest pod length (8.47) which
was statistically par with Awash Mitin (8.31) whereas, the smallest pod length was
recorded from Awash 1 cultivar (6.98) (Table 7). The difference of pod length between
the varieties might be due to genetic variation among the cultivars as common bean
varieties have high diversity in their physiological growth characters.

Number of pod per plant

The main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates and common bean varieties had highly
significant (P<0.01) effect on number of pod per plant. But, the interaction of variety
with blended NPSB rate had no significant effect on number of pods per plant
(apendixTable 8).
The highest number of total pods per plant (29.44) was recorded at application rate of
250 kg NPSB ha-1 which was statistically at par with 150 and 200 kg NPSB ha -1 whereas
the lowest number of total pods per plant (18.84) was obtained from the unfertilized plot
(Table 9). The increase in number of pods per plant with the increased NPSB blended
fertilizer rates might possibly be due to adequate availability of N, P, S and B which
might have facilitated the production of primary branches and plant height which might
in turn have contributed for the production of higher number of total pods. In
conformity with this result, Moniruzzaman et al. (2008) reported significant effect of N
fertilizers on pod production per plant of French bean with the maximum number of
pods per plant (25.49) obtained at 120-120-60-20-4-1 kg of N-P 2O5-K2O-S-Zn-B.
Similarly, Vence (2001) stated that, phosphorus application increased nutrient levels,
causing the plants to produce more pods per plant because phosphorus promotes
flowering and pod production. Meseret and Amin (2014) also found that applying
phosphorus at a rate of 20 kg P ha -1 resulted in a higher number of pods per plant
(48.16) of common bean. Besides, Girma et al., 2014) reported that the application of
phosphorus at 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 produced the maximum significant number of pods per
plant (19.11).

In this study, varieties also exhibited highly significant (P<0.01) difference in the
number of pods per plant. Variety Awash 2 produced the highest number of pods per
plant (26.89) while the lowest number of pods per plant (22.89) was recorded for variety
Awash 1 which was statistically similar with Awas Mitin varieties (Table 9). The
variation in the number of pods per plant among the varieties might be related to the
genotypic variation of the cultivars in producing pods. In line with the results of the
present study, different authors reported significant variations in the number of pods per
plant for common bean varieties (Mourice and Tryphone, 2012, Gebre-Egziabher., et
al., 2014 and Shumi, 2018).
Number of seed per plant
The number of seeds per pod was highly significantly (P<0.01) affected by the main
effects of NPSB rate and cultivars but their interaction effect had not significant effect
on number of seeds per plant (apendixTable 8).
Considerably highest number of seeds per pod (6.13) was observed from the Main effect
of NPSB rate at 250 kg ha-1 which was statistically par with 150 and 200 kg NPSB ha -
1
while the lowest number of seeds per pod (5.07) was recorded from the unfertilized
plot (Table 7). The increase in seeds per pod with NPSB fertilizer application up to the
optimum level could mean that the NPSB fertilizer contains ample nutrients for nodule
formation, protein synthesis, fruiting, and seed formation. In line with this result,
Gezagn (2024) found that the highest number of seeds per pod (5.38) at 200 kg NPSB
ha-1 whereas the lowest number of seeds per pods (3.81) was obtained from the control
plot. Similarly, Endrias and Maguje (2023) reported that at a NPS rate of 100 kg ha -1,
the maximum number of seeds per pod (7.5) was obtained while the lowest number of
seeds per pod (5.7) was recorded from control plot. Besides, Atinafu (2020) reported
that the highest number of seeds per pod (5.47) at 200 kg NPSB ha -1 whereas the lowest
number of seeds per pods (3.47) was obtained from the control plot.
Concerning to the main effects of varieties the highest number of seeds per pod (6.01)
was recorded from variety Awash 2, which was statistically at par with the number of
seed per pod obtained from Awash Mitin (5.89), whereas the least number of seeds per
pod (5.24) was recorded for variety Awash 1 (Table 8). The important difference among
the varieties for seed number pod per pod might be attributed to their genetic difference
than the management (Fageria and Santos, 2008). Consistent with the results of this
study, Abdi (2020) observed significant variations in number of seeds per pod among
haricot varieties and NPS. Hence, the result was similar with the work of Mourice and
Tryphonne (2012) that showed significant variations in number of seeds per pod among
haricot bean varieties.

Hundred seed weight (g)

Above-ground dry biomass yield

The above-ground dry biomass yield of common bean was significantly (P<0.05)
affected due to blended NPSB fertilizer application rates. However, the interaction
effect between common bean varieties and blended NPSB application rates was not
significant (Appendix 2). The maximum above-ground dry biomass (7161 kg ha-1) was
recorded from 250 kg NPSB ha-1 which was statistically at par with 200 kg NPSB ha -1
while the minimum (4497.3 kg ha-1) was obtained from the control plot (Table 6). . In
line with this result, Gezegn (2024) reported that the maximum above ground dry
biomass (7767.9 kg ha-1) obtained from application of 200 kg NPSB ha -1 whereas the
minimum above-ground biomass of (6889.9 kg ha-1) was obtained from plots received
control treatments. Likewise, Shumi (2018) and Atinafu (2020) reported that the highest
above ground dry biomass yield due to the application of highest rate of blended NPS
fertilizer.

The increment in dry matter yield with the application of blended NPSB fertilizer might
also be due to the adequate supply of P from the NPSB that could be attributed to an
increase in the number of branches per plant, which increased photosynthetic area and
the number of pods per plant. Consistent with these results, Veeresh, 2003 and Dereje et
al. (2016) reported significant increases in biomass yield in response to P application.

Concerning to the main effects of varieties, the highest above-ground dry biomass (6210
kg ha-1) was recorded for the variety Awash 2; while the lowest (5836.5 kg ha -1) was
recorded for the variety Awash Mitin which was statistically similar to Awash 1 variety
(Table 7). In a similar study, Mourice and Tryphone (2012) reported that common bean
cultivars produced different dry matter at different P level.

Grain yield

Grain yield was highly significantly (p < 0.01) affected by both the main effect of
different NPSB fertilizer rates and common bean varieties but, their interaction did not
have a significant effect (abendix Table 3).

Due to the main effects of fertilizer rates Maximum grain yield (2972.74 kg ha -1) was
recorded when applied 250 kg NPSB ha-1 which was statistically the same results were
recorded with fertilizer rates of 200 NPSB (2868.02 kg ha -1). But, the minimum grain
yield 1299.88 kg ha-1 was obtained from the control treatment (Table 4). The increase in
grain yield in response to the increased blended NPSB application rate might be because
of macro and micronutrients in blended fertilizers rate. In agreement with this result,
Alemayehu et al. (2025) reported that high seed yield 1574.9 kg ha -1 were obtained from
100 kg NPSB ha-1 and it was the same with 150 kg NPSB ha -1 and the minimum
(1176.09) kg ha-1were from control plot. Likewise, Arega and Zenebe (2019) obtained
high seed yield (2923.8 kg ha-1) were recorded from the maximum rate of blended
NPKSB rate (61.5: 69: 60: 10.5: 0.15 kg NPKSB ha-1) applied.

Concerning the varieties due to the main effects of fertilizer the maximum (2431.94 kg
ha-1) and minimum (2115.36 kg ha-1) grain yield was obtained from variety Awash 2 and
Awash Mitin, respectively (Table 5). The significant difference among the varieties
could be associated with the difference reported for yield components such as plant
height (r=0.22*), number of pod per plant (r=0.83**), number of seed per pod
(r=0.53**) and 100 seed weight (r=0.43**). Gobeze and Legese (2015) reported
significant variations in seed yield among common bean varieties.

Harvesting Index

The analysis of variance showed that harvest index was significantly (p<0.05) affected
due to common bean varieties and blended NPSB fertilizer application rate. However,
the ANOVA showed no significant effect of interaction between common bean varieties
with blended NPSB fertilizer application rates (Appendix 2). The maximum harvest
index (38.76%) was recorded from Awash 2 which was statistically similar results with
Awash Mitin while, the minimum harvest index (35.35%) was recorded from Awash 1.
A significant difference in harvest index among varieties was documented by (Girma et
al., 2014). The increment in harvest index with rates of fertilizer agrees with the
findings of Desta and Ermias (2021) who also reported the difference in harvest index
of common bean varieties from 35.3 to 56 % due to genetic variation among varieties.
Regardless of blended NPSB fertilizer, the mean comparison showed that highest
harvest index (41.92%) was recorded at application of 200 kg NPSB ha -1, which was not
statistically different from 250 and 150 kg NPSB ha -1 whereas, the lowest value of
harvest index (28.9) was observed from no NPSB fertilizer application (Table 9). This
might be due to the high influence of higher fertilizer rates on vegetative growth than
nutrient translocation from plant biomass to seed while; the highest mean of harvest
index indicates biological success in partitioning assimilated fertilizer to the harvestable
product (Li et al., 2003). This finding is in agreement with Girma et al. (2025) who
reported that maximum harvesting index (64%) was obtained from 150 kg NPSB ha -1
whereas, the minimum (44%) was from control plot. Similarly, Amanuel (2019)
reported that significant increase in harvest index of common beans were due to P
fertilizer application.
Agronomic Efficiency

Main effect of NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties on yield and yield components of
common bean at Fentale wereda, during the main growing season of 2025

Yield parameters
treatments SC PL (cm) NPP NSPP HSW AGDBM GY (kg ha- HI
(g) (kg ha-1) 1
)
NPSB rate
(kg ha-1)
0 48.56c 7.37c 18.84c 5.07d 4497.3d 1299.88d 28.90c
50 49.00c 7.48c 21.71b 5.34cd 5295.6c 1831.69c 34.59b
100 49.20c 7.69bc 22.41b 5.61bc 5443.9c 1914.22c 35.16b
150 51.33ab 8.26a 28.61a 6.13a 6599.8b 2736.41b 41.46a
200 51.78a 8.22ab 27.92a 5.98ab 6841.1ab 2868.02ab 41.92a
250 52.33a 8.49a 29.44a 6.13a 7161.0a 2972.74a 41.51a
LSD (0.05) 0.85 0.56 2.78 0.43 386.94 153.27 2.62
varieties
Awash 2 50.67 8.47a 26.89a 6.01a 6210.8a 2431.94a 38.76a
Awash 50.28 8.31a 24.69b 5.89a 5836.5b 2115.36c 37.71a
Mitin
Awash 1 50.17 6.98b 22.89b 5.24b 5871.5b 2264.19b 35.35b
LSD (0.05) NS 0.396 1.96 0.31 273.6 108.38 1.85
CV (%) 1.76 7.39 11.66 7.9 6.76 7.05 7.34
Means in column with the same letters are not significantly different at 5% probability
level; CV = Coefficient of Variation; SC= Stand count, PL= Pod length, NPP= Number
of pod per plant, NSPP= Number of seed per pod; HSW= Hundred seeds weight; GY=
Grain yield, AGDBM= Above-ground dry biomass, NPSB = Nitrogen, phosphorus,
sulfur, boron, LSD =least significant difference.

Appendices

1 .Mean square of analysis of variance for phonological, growth, yield components and
yield of common bean varieties as influenced by rates of blended NPSB fertilizer at
Fentale Wereda in 2025

Mean squares
Source of Df DFF DNM LA LAI TNN ENN NPB PH
variation
Replication 2 0.518 26.96 102634.1 0.65 108.18 71.28 0.74 1.32
NPSB 5 7.9** 116.92* 400930.3 2.5** 1260.2* 1159.65 2.27** 76.9**
fertilizer * ** * *
rates
varieties 2 0.9N 6.24NS 174895.2 1.09* 220.66* 120.86N 0.37* 128.46*
S ** * S *
Fertilizer*v 10 1.46n 0.73ns 18569.9 0.12n 29.76ns 17.26ns 0.055n 51.8ns
arieties s s s
Error 34 1.79 1.55 26610.78 0.17 47.39 37.8 0.085 5.07
CV% 3.28 1.57 12.4 12.41 16.75 16.29 8.57 3.91
2 .Mean square of analysis of variance for yield components and yield of common bean
as affected by varieties and NPSB fertilizer rates

Source of Mean squares

variation
D NPP NSP ADBY HSW GY HI PL SC
f
Replicatio 2 82.25 0.35 1381624.88 211207. 12.8 1.17 4.24
n 56 9
NPSB 5 173.8** 1.77** 9850895.22 4191929 257. 1.95 23.85
fertilizer * .59** 05** ** **
rates
varieties 2 72.44** 3.07** 769176.44* 451549. 54.9 12.0 1.24n
29** 8** 2** s
Fertilizer* 1 6.52ns 0.12ns 158551.1ns 40959.0 13.7 0.32 1.55n
varieties 0 3ns 7ns ns s
Error 3 8.37 0.2 163136.65 25596.1 7.49 0.34 0.79
4 3
CV% 11.66 7.9 6.76 7.05 7.34 7.39 1.76
NS, *, and ** = nonsignificant at 0.05, significant at 0.05, and highly significant at 0.01
level of probability respectively, DF= degree of freedom, PH = plant height (cm);
NPP= number of Pods per plant; NSP= number of seeds per pod; HSW= hundred-seed
weight (g); ADBY= aboveground dry biomass yield (kg·ha −1); GY= grain yield
(kg·ha−1); HI = harvest index (%), PL= Pod length (cm), SC= Stand count
1 .Mean square of analysis of variance for phonological, growth, yield components and
yield of common bean varieties as influenced by rates of blended NPSB fertilizer at
Fentale Wereda in 2025

Fertilizer*
NPSB Error(34 CV
parameters Rep(2) variety(2) variety(10
fertilizer(5) ) (%)
)
Days to 50%
0.518 7.9** 0.9ns 1.46ns 1.79 3.28
flowering
Days to 90%
physiological 26.96 116.92** 6.24ns 0.73ns 1.55 1.57
maturity
Leaf area at nearest 26610.7
102634.1 400930.3** 174895.2** 18569.9ns 12.4
to flowering 8
12.4
Leaf Area Index 0.65 2.5** 1.09** 0.12ns 0.17
1
Total Number of
16.7
Nodule at 50% 108.18 1260.2** 220.66* 29.76ns 47.39
5
flowering
Effective Number of 16.2
71.28 1159.65* 120.86ns 17.26ns 37.8
Nodule 9
Number of primary
0.74 2.27** 0.37* 0.055ns 0.085 8.57
branch
Plant height (cm) at
physiological 1.32 76.9** 128.46** 51.8ns 5.07 3.91
maturity
Number of Pod Per 11.6
82.25 173.8** 72.44** 6.52ns 8.37
Plant at harvesting 6
Number of seed per
0.35 1.77** 3.07** 0.12NS 0.2 7.9
plant at harvesting
Above ground dry
9850895.22 158551.1 163136.
biomass at 90 % 1381624. 769176.44*
* ns 65 6.76
physiological 88
maturity
Hundred seed weight
4191929.59 451549.29* 40959.03 25596.1
Grain yield 211207.6 7.05
** * ns 3
Harvesting Index 5.97 317.2* 6.26NS 22.95** 6.9 6.94
Pod Length 1.17 1.95 ** 12.02** 0.32ns 0.34 7.39
Stand Count at 90%
physiological 4.24 23.85** 1.24NS 1.55ns 0.79 1.76
maturity
 2. Partial budget marginal rate of return analysis for response of common bean varieties
to NPSB fertilizer rates at Fentale Wereda district in 2025

NPS variety Grain ADY GFB TC TC TVC NB birr MRR MRR

B( kg yield to 10% birr ha- (birr (birr birr ha-1 %
ha-1) 1 ha-1) ha- ha-1
1)
NPS
B
0 Awash-2 1558.7 1402.8 84171. 0 0 0 84171.
33 6 6 6
50 Awash-2 1959.2 1763.3 105798 285 3500 3785 102013 4.7138 471.3
33 1 .6 .6 71 871
100 Awash-2 2162.1 1945.9 116757 285 7000 7285 109472 7.2287 722.8
7 53 .2 .2 37 737
150 Awash-2 3045.7 2741.1 164467 285 1050 10785 153682 9.9301 993.0
3 .8 0 .8 71 171
200 Awash-2 2886.0 2597.4 155847 285 1400 14285 141562 5.4658 546.5
67 6 .6 0 .6 1 81
250 Awash-2 2979.1 2681.2 160873 285 1750 17785 143088 4.2083 420.8
33 2 .2 0 .2 29 329
0 Awash- 1048.9 944.04 56642. 285 0 0 56642.
Mitin 33 4 4
50 Awash- 1735.5 1561.9 93718. 285 3500 3785 89933. 8.7956 879.5
Mitin 33 8 8 8 14 614
100 Awash- 1730.3 1557.3 93439. 285 7000 7285 86154. 8.4320 843.2
Mitin 6 24 44 44 11 011
150 Awash- 2526.0 2273.4 136407 285 1050 10785 125622 9.8543 985.4
Mitin 67 6 .6 0 .6 14 314
200 Awash- 2780.8 2502.7 150166 285 1400 14285 135881 7.5466 754.6
Mitin 67 8 .8 0 .8 1 61
250 Awash- 2908.1 2617.2 157037 285 1750 17785 139252 5.9007 590.0
 Mitin 9 .4 0 .4 14 714
0 Awash 1 1291.9 1162.7 69766. 285 0 0 69766.
67 7 2 2
50 Awash 1 1800.3 1620.2 97216. 285 3500 3785 93431. 6.2523 625.2
7 2 2 12 312
100 Awash 1 1849.5 1664.5 99874. 285 7000 7285 92589. 6.5209 652.0
3 77 62 62 77 977
150 Awash 1 2675.2 2407.6 144460 285 1050 10785 133675 9.1299 912.9
8 .8 0 .8 43 943
200 Awash 1 2937.1 2643.4 158605 285 1400 14285 144320 7.1003 710.0
33 2 .2 0 .2 81 381
250 Awash 1 3031 2727.9 163674 285 1750 17785 145889 5.4373 543.7
0 43 343

ADY: Adjusted grain yield, TC: Total cost, TVC: Total variable cost, GFB: Gross field
benefit, NB: Net benefit, MRR: Marginal rate of return, 1 kg of common bean varieties=
60 birr on current market prices and 1kg of NPSB fertilizer= 70 birr at time of sowing