Synergistic Effects of Farmyard Manure and NPK (17-17-17) Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Northern Rwanda
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of inorganic fertilizers (NPK 17-17-17) and farmyard manure (FYM) at different doses on the agronomic performance of Irish potato in Busogo sector, Northern Rwanda. A field experiment was conducted during season A (January-April 2025) at UR-CAVM model farm using a randomized complete block design with five treatment: T0 (control), T1 (NPK only), T2 (high dose of FYM at 4.05 kg/plot), T3 (low dose of FYM at 2.025 kg/plot), and T4 (combined NPK+FYM). Growth parameters (plant height, leaf numbers, stem diameter) were measured at 50, 65, and 80 DAP. Yield component included tuber weight. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments with the T4 producing the highest growth and yield. Combined application of NPK+FYM significantly increased plant height (85.1cm), stem diameter (1.03 cm) and tuber weight (11.5 kg/plot), highlighting synergistic effect of integrating organic-inorganic nutrient sources. The findings support integrated nutrient management as sustainable strategy for optimizing Irish potato production. The study recommends applying FYM at 30 ton/ha and NPK at 300 kg/ha for maximum yield under similar agro-ecological conditions. These results can inform fertilizer guidelines and promote sustainable intensification of potato farming system in Rwanda and other highland regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
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