DEPARTEMENT OF CROP PRODUCTION

EFFECT OF UREA FERTILIZER RATE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF

BARLEY IN KARCH DISTRICT WEST SHOA ZONE, OROMIA

B.Sc. RESARCH PROPOSAL

BY

IDOSA TURI
ID: ATTC/129/21
ADVISOR: BIRANU MESELE (Msc)

JUNE, 2022

HARAR, Ethiopia
 Contents
Acknowledgement......................................................................................................................................iii
List of abbreviation.....................................................................................................................................iv
List of table.................................................................................................................................................iv
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................v
1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................1
1.2. Statement of problem and Justification.............................................................................................2
1.3 Objectives..........................................................................................................................................2
1.4. Research Questions..........................................................................................................................2
1.6. Significance of the study...................................................................................................................3
2. LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................................4
2.1 The origin and Distribution of Barley.................................................................................................4
2.2 Soil and Agro-climatic conditions for the Barley..............................................................................5
2.3. Barley production in Ethiopia...........................................................................................................5
2.4 The Challenge's influencing the growth of barley..............................................................................7
2.5. Role of urea in plant nutrition...........................................................................................................8
2.6 Importance of Nitrogen to Barley growth and development..............................................................9
2. 7 Effect of urea fertilizer on growth and yield components of Barley...............................................10
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS...........................................................................................................11
3.1. Description of the Study Area.........................................................................................................11
3.1.1 Location of study area..............................................................................................................11
3.1.2 Climate......................................................................................................................................11
3.1.3 Geology and Soil.......................................................................................................................11
3.1.4 Land Use and Land Cover..........................................................................................................11
3.1.5 Vegetation.........................................................................................................................12
3.1.6 Economic Activities Of The Study Area.....................................................................................12

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 3.1.7 Population................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Research Method and type...............................................................................................................12
3.4 Land preparation..............................................................................................................................13
3.5 Treatment and experimental design.................................................................................................13
3.6 Data to be collected......................................................................................................................14
3.6.1 Growth parameter of barley......................................................................................................14
3.7 Statistical Analysis........................................................................................................................15
4. WORK PLAN AND BUDGET.............................................................................................................16
Table 1: Schedule of activity.....................................................................................................................16
4.1 Logistics and budget........................................................................................................................17
5. REFERENCES......................................................................................................................................18

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 Acknowledgement
Most of all, I thank my God for being with me through all the ups and downs. Next I would like
to thank Menschen Fuer Menshchen Foundation Agro Technical and Technology College Grain
Production Department for organizing such kind of learning activities

My special thanks also go to my advisor Biranu Mesele (M.Sc.) for his unreserved advice and
frequent supervision in the entire work of our research proposal writing.

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List of abbreviation

ANOVA Analysis of variance

FAO Food Agricultural organization

Ha hectare

LSD Least significance difference

RCBD Randomized complete block design

Trt. Treatment

Kg Kilogram

Km. Kilometer

M.a.s.l. Meter above sea level

M meter

USDA. United State Department of Agricultural

List of table

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Table 1: work plan…………………………………………………………………18

Table 2: personal cost……………………….……………………………………..19

Table 3: equipment and supplies cost……………………….……………………19

Table 4: stationary cost………………………………….…………..…………….19

Table 5: budget summary………………………………………….………………19

List of figure

Figure 1: Experimental field layout---------------------------------------------------------14

Abstract
vi
Soils in highland of Ethiopia usually have low level of essential plant nutrients and low organic
matter especially low availability of nitrogen that will be demonstrated to be the major
constraint to cereal crop production. Nitrogen fertilizer application is among the most critical
decision for barley production due its large impact on growth, development and yield of the
crop. Therefore, the experiment will be conducted at Karcha District with objective to determine
the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application rates on growths and yield of barley
(hordeumvulgare L). The experiment will be laid out in randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with four replications having four nitrogen levels (0, 23, 46, 69 kg N per ha) as a
treatment.

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 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study

Barley (hordeumvulgare L.) is one of the main cereal crops produced in the world. It ranks
fourth in the world in production after wheat, maize, and rice(FAO, 2013).Global barley
production is estimated about 141.7 million tons(USDA, 2017).Globally European Union,
Russia, Canada, USA and Argentina the top five largest barley producers where, European
Union produces the greatest quantities of barley with an estimated of 20.5 million tons followed
by Russian federation with a production of about 8 millions tons, whereas Canada, USA and
Argentina barley production was estimated 7.3,3.1,and 2.8 million tons respectively (USDA,
2017).Ethiopia is the second largest Barley producer, in Africa next to Morocco accounting for
about 25% of the total barley production in the content(FAO,2016).
Barley is a fast growing, cool season annual grain crop, that can be used as forage, as well as
cover crop to improve soil fertility (Ghanbari et al., 2012).Barley grows up to 120-150 cm and
tillers freely. It has adventitious root system and erect type of stem. The plant bears 5-10
alternate and simple leaves per Culm. They have spikelets containing 10-30 nodes. ovary. The
seedling emerges from soil 5-6 days. Barley predominantly self pollinated and there is 10 %
chance of cross pollination. The grain matures within 3-4 months and ripens in 20-40 days
(Mulugeta, 2010).

Traditionally, barley was one of the dominant food grains but has been surpassed by rice and
wheat in many countries. Barley is still an important food grain in several regions of the world
including Morocco, India, China and Ethiopia (OECD, 2004). For example barley flatbread or
porridge is widely consumed in North Africa and parts of Asia. Food barley is generally found in
regions where other cereals do not grow well due to altitude low rainfall or soil salinity (FAO,
2002).The crop is used for preparing various types of traditional food such as Kita, Kolo, Beso,
and Enjera.

Barley adapted to fertile and well drained silt to clay loam soils and warm dry climates (Mishra and
Shivakumar, 2001). In Ethiopia, barley is grown best at an altitude ranging from 2000 to 2800 meters
above sea level (m.a.s.l) with average annual rainfall between 700 and 1000 mm (ANRS Bureau of
Agriculture, 2000).

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Barley is used for local and industrial beverages. The straw is the second preferred animal feed
next to teff straw. Stem stubs of barley are also used for roof thatching (MoARD, 2007).

1.2. Statement of problem and Justification

Despite its long history of cultivation and wide range of uses by different communities, the
productivity of the crop, at the national level, was estimated at 21.57 q ha-1 (CSA, 2017/2018)
compared to the world average 5.87 to 6.31 ton ha-1, (Benton, 2003). The main limiting factors
are poor soil fertility (Minale, et al.2001).low levels of chemical fertilizer usage and low pH
(Berhane et al., 1996). Since the major barley producing areas of the country are mainly located
in the highlands, severe soil erosion, continuous mono-cropping, lack of appropriate soil
conservation practices and lack of appropriate crop rotation system (Alemu, 2001; Minale et al.,
2001) have resulted in soils with low fertility and PH. Therefore in area where barley producing
today are highly affected by deficiency of nitrogen element, due to this reason appropriate use of
nitrogen fertilizer rate is very crucial. Based on this the study will be conducted with the
following objectives;-.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1. General objective

√To identify effect of urea fertilizer rate on growth and yield of barley in Karcha District Guji
Zone Oromia region.

1.3.2. Specific objectives

√ To determine the optimum dose of urea fertilizer rate on growth and yield of barley.
√ to understand the effect of urea fertilizer on growth and yield of barley.

1.4. Research Questions

To address the stated problem and objectives, the study will attempt to answer the following
questions:

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 1. What is the optimum dose of urea fertilizer rate on growth and yield of barley in Karcha
District?
2. Do you know the effect of urea fertilizer on growth and yield of barley in study area?
3. Effects of urea fertilizer on growth and development of barley crops are recommended in
study area?
4. 1.5. Scope and Limitation of the study
Karcha district is selects out 18 district zone purposively based on Agro-Ecology condition that
presence of where Effect Urea rate on Growth and yield of barley research objective. The rural
kebele of Karcha is Uniform temperature and suitable to management. It is possible to limit
scope size and to take the representative sample size of study area manage the scope of study.

1.6. Significance of the study

The study to assess the minimized Effect of Urea fertilizer rate on growth and yield of barley in
Karcha districts this study may uses as a source information regarding the gaps that barley crop
production increase in suitable manner.

The study may add a new idea to already existed experimental barley production and it also used
as abased of further research on Effect of Urea fertilizer rate on growth and yield productivity.
the finding expected to contribute knowledge about sustainable barley production practice which
are more adopted and contributed reduce the impact of Urea fertilizer rate on growth and yield
production.

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 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 The origin and Distribution of Barley

Barley was one of the first agricultural domesticates together with wheat, peas & lentils dating
from about 10,000 years. Barley will be first used as human food but evolved primarily into a
feed, malting and brewing grain due in part to the rise in prominence of wheat and rice
(Badretal., 2000).

Barley played a vital role in the establishment and growth of the Old World. According to
multiple sources, there is overwhelming evidence proving that barley was very important crop,
reaching back thousands of years. In the Bible barley is listed along with wheat, emmer, spelt,
millet and sorghum (Newman et al, 2006). Ancient Hebrews revered barley as a very special
plant along with grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and others. In 2800 B.C., the Chinese also
saw barley as a very important crop similar to rice. Spreading to Europe, barley’s uses increased.
In Greece, the traditional breads were made of both wheat and barley (Andrew, 2004).Ethiopia is
the second-most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 96.5 million, and
population growth rate of 2.5% in 2014 (WB, 2015) Agriculture dominates the Ethiopian
economy. It is the major supplier of raw materials to food processing, beverage and textile
industries. It accounts for more than 85% of the labor force and 90% of the export earnings
(MOFED 2005).

Cereal production and marketing are the means of livelihood for millions of households in
Ethiopia and is the single largest sub-sector within Ethiopia’s agriculture, far exceeding all others
in terms of its share in rural employment, agricultural land use, calorie intake, and contribution to
national income (Shahidur, 2010).

Barley is the fourth most important cereal crop in the world after wheat, maize, and rice, and is
among the top ten crop plants in the world (Akar et al. 2004). Globally, European Union,
Russian Federation, Ukraine, Turkey and Canada are the top five largest world Barley producers
where, European union produce the greatest quantities of barley with an estimated production of

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nearly 60 million tons followed by Russian federations with a production of about 20 million
tons according to Untied state of Agricultural institute estimate in 2014.On the African continent,
,Morocco Ethiopia ,Algeria, Tunisia and south Africa were the top five largest barley producers
for the year 2014 with estimated production of approximately 2.1 million tones,1.7 million
tones,1.3 million tones,0.9 million tones and 0.307 million tons respectively.

Barley is an important grain crop in Ethiopia and has diverse ecologies being grown from1800 to
3400 m altitude in different seasons and production systems (Muluken, 2013)and makes Ethiopia
being the second largest producer in Africa, next to Morocco, accounting for about25% of the
total barley production in the continent (FAO, 2014) and recognized as one of the world’s most
ancient food crop, which is believed to have first domesticated about 10,000 years ago from its
wild relatives in the Fertile Crescent of the Near East and center of diversity in Ethiopia.
According to the 2014/2015 forecasts from Ethiopia’s Central Statistics Authority,

2.2 Soil and Agro-climatic conditions for the Barley

Barley can successfully on a wide variety of soil ranging from Sandy to heavy loam in texture. It
is also grown in well drained, moderately fertile loam or light soil. However, highly fertile soil
can causes lodging with excess of Nitrogen content in the grain, which is in comfortable for
malting in beverage industry.

Barley is a crop of temperate climate like wheat, even though may be grown under sub - tropical
climatic condition. It thrives best in areas having cool dry winter with low Rain fall. The crop
can with stand cool humid and warm dry climate but not humid climate, humidity disfavor
mainly, due to disease prevalence. Rain during the period of results in good quality of crop but
rain at maturity causes discoloration of the grains .The uniform moisture supply and bright sun
shine at ripening are important for the production of bright kernel required by the malting
industry. The Barley requires temperature range of about 12°c-150°c during growing period.

2.3. Barley production in Ethiopia

Barley is one of the oldest crops in the Ethiopia and known as early as 3000 BC
(HaikuandVanleur, 1996)

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Ethiopia is ranked twenty-first in the world in barley production with a share of 1.2 percent of
the world’s total production (USDA, 2014). According to USAD reports on assessments of
commodity and trade, Barley cultivation is widely distributed across the country on over one
million hectares of land and by more than four million small holder farmers. Currently, it is
grown exclusively for the domestic market and is neither imported nor exported. Barley is a
high-opportunity crop, with great room for profitable expansion, particularly when connected
with the country’s commercial brewing and value-added industries. It is the fifth most important
cereal crop in Ethiopia after teff, wheat, corn, and sorghum. According to Shahidur et.al (2015),
Ethiopia is the second largest producer of barley in Africa next to Morocco, accounting for about
26 percent of the total barley production in the continent. According to these authors, about 4.5
million smallholder farmers grew barley on more than 1 million Maher hectares of land. The
total production has been increasing steadily over the past decade it has increased from 1.1
million metric tons in 2003/4 to 1.9 million tons in 2013/14, which is equivalent to an annualized
growth rate of 6 percent per year.

At national level it is the third most important crop after Sorghum and Teff which is cultivated
from as high as 3000m above sea level to low rainfall areas with altitude up to 1500 m.a.s. Belg
Barley is produced in parts of Wello, Shewa, Bale and Some parts of Arsi. Barley grain is used
as a major food item while the Straw is used in the building of House Walls with mud. In most of
the high lands, Barley accounts for over 60% of the total plant food of the inhabitants
(Zemede,1989).The major determination of barley profitability is yield. To maximize yield, it is
important to ensure that the crop has every chance to succeed several a biotic and biotic factors
that have contributed to this low productivity.

Some of the constraints are poor crop management practices, new introduced barley varieties are
susceptible to mildew, barley yellow dwarf virus, net blotch and scald diseases and the limited
availability of the very few improved cultivars released, weeds, insects and the inherently low
yield potential of the prevalent local varieties (Bayehe&Stefania, 2011).

It is considered as dependable food security crop for the majority of highland farmers because it
is grown in marginal areas where the choice if cereal is limited. In comparison with other cereals.

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Barley is harvested early and provides relief from food Shortages during the long rainy season
(CSA,2008).

2.4 The Challenge's influencing the growth of barley

According to CSA, 2013 Post Harvest Survey data, shows, the storage of farm households. At
the regional level shows, an overwhelming majority of barley growers store their barley; the
primary reason for storage is for future consumption, which implies limited commercialization.
For example, consider the case of Oromia, where 89percent of the farmers store their barley
immediately after harvest. However, 93percentof the households reported that the primary reason
for storage was for consumption and the secondary reason was seed (82percent). Only
14percentof the farmers reported having stored their barley to sell at a later time for a higher
price. At the national level, 92percentof the farmers reported that the primary reason for storage
was for consumption; and the main secondary reason was for seed (81percent) and future sale
(14percent), respectively second, responses to the methods of storage indicate that farmers use
very primitive storage facilities.

At the national level, no farmers used metallic storage facilities for their cereals; 58percent of the
farmers store their barley in bags on the floor, with the proportion ranging from 78percentin
Oromia to 28percentin Amhara; and 29percentuse other means of storage within their home.
Finally, unless the storage constraints are alleviated, commercialization will not take root and the
country will continue to be dependent on barley imports. However, this does not mean that each
farmer requires storage facility of their own to address the liquidity constraints and to reduce
market volatility. There can be an alternative institutional mechanism—such as community
storage that can address the farm level constraints.
Generally, according to the study on barley value chain in Ethiopia, studied by Shahidur et.al
2015, suggest that storage is a pervasive and systemic problem at all levels of the value chain. In
most of the kebeles and woredas, the largest storage facilities are owned by the cooperatives; and
neither retailers nor whole seller reported to have large storage facilities. Moreover, many traders
reported that grain storage is discouraged by the government. Storage is a serious constraint in
Ethiopia’s grain markets in general and malt barley in particular.

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This constraint is unlikely to be alleviated through market forces, implying that deliberate policy
action may be needed. Instead private investment in storage should be encouraged and bolstered
b appropriate and transparent rules and regulations. According to the study by Kaleb Kelemu,
et.al, (2014), the following are major constraints identified as factors that affect Barley Value
Chain. These includes: Shortage of supply of disease resistant and high yield varieties ,Weed and
pest occurrence ,Low soil fertility and low soil pH, Poor soil drainage ,Frost and
drought ,Diseases, such as scald, net blotch, spot blotch and rusts, Rising costs of
transport ,Market price fluctuation and others. According to this author, most farmers are not
able to access pesticide and fungicide in the nearby market. Problems of adulteration and selling
after expiration dates were often mentioned. At present cooperatives are providing fertilizers but
often at unaffordable price

In the highlands of Ethiopia, particularly the uplands and the hillsides soils become shallow and
stony as a result of severe soil erosion and nutrient depletion. As much farmland is now not used
for production farmers also recognize poor soil fertility as a factor constraining barley yield. Soil
fertility is the most limiting factor for barley production in highlands of Ethiopia. Therefore the
use of fertilizer significantly increases the plant height and the stand of the plant (Getachew et al,
2003). As a result, the production and productivity of barley in Ethiopia is low as compared to
international average. This problem arises from the lack of application of appropriate nitrogen
(urea) fertilizer to the plant.

2.5. Role of urea in plant nutrition

Nitrogen is the most abundant mineral nutrient in plants. It constitutes 2-4 percent of plant dry
matter. Nitrogen is the key nutrient input for achieving higher yields of barley. Barley is very
sensitive to insufficient nitrogen and very responsive to nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen plays a
central role in plant biochemistry. Alma et al. (2007) indicated that the most important role of
nitrogen in the plant is its presence in the structure of protein and nucleic acids, which are the
most important building and information substances from which the living material or
protoplasm of every cell is made. In addition, nitrogen is also found in chlorophyll, the green
coloring matter of plants.

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Nitrogen is an indispensable elementary constituent of numerous organic compounds of general
importance; amino acid, proteins, nucleic acids, and hormones (Mengle and Kirkby, 1996). It is
involved in all major processes of plant growth and development and yield formation. Besides, a
good supply of nitrogen to the plant stimulates root growth and development as well as uptake of
other nutrients (Brady and Weil, 2002). Nitrogen is responsible for the dark green color of the
stem and leaves, vigorous vegetative growth, branching/tillering, leaf production, size
enlargement, and yield formation (FAO, 2006).

Nitrogen deficiency in plants results in a marked reduction in growth rate. A deficiency of N

limits cell division and expansion, chloroplast development, chlorophyll concentration and
enzyme activity (FAO, 2006). N-deficient plants have a short and spindly appearance. Tillering
is poor, and leaf area is small. As N is a constituent of chlorophyll, its deficiency appears as a
yellowing or chlorosis of the leaves. This yellowness usually appears first on the lower leaves
while upper leaves remain green as they receive some N from older leaves (Tsidaleet al., 1993).
The effects of N toxicity are less evident than those of its deficiency. They include prolonged
growing (vegetative) period and delayed crop maturity (FAO, 2006). High ammonium in
solution can be toxic to plant growth, particularly where the solution is alkaline. The toxicity
results from ammonia (NH3), which is able to diffuse through plant membranes and interfere
with plant metabolism.

2.6 Importance of Nitrogen to Barley growth and development

Nitrogen is the major plant nutrients were satisfactory level of grain and foliage production on
vertisol depend its adequate supply. Although Nitrogen requirements of crop met through
addition of Nitrogen fertilizer, it is an expensive input and these reflects its low consumption in
Ethiopia highland(Murinen, 2007).it plays vital role in all living tissue of the plant. No other
element has such an effect on promoting vigorous plant growth. Abundant of protein tends to
increase the size of the leaves accordingly, to bring about an increase carbohydrate
synthesis(Murinine,2007).Nitrogen is one of the major plant nutrients were satisfactory level of
grain and foliage production on vertsoil depend on the application of proper amount of Nitrogen
is key to obtain better crop of Barley. High Nitrogen favors the conversion of Carbohydrate into
protein which in turn promotes the formation of protoplast. N-application at 120 kg/kg has been

9
recommended by various research workers. N-application can increase spike numbers, grain
weigh and grain yield. Therefore, increases Nitrogen level can increase grain yield (Hussein
etal., 2005).

2. 7 Effect of urea fertilizer on growth and yield components of Barley

Nitrogen deficiency in cereals results in restricted root growth, poor till ring, thinner and smaller
stems, premature ripening of grains (Mishra and Shivakumar, 2005).The rate of N fertilizer
application is among the most critical decisions for malting barley production due to its large
impact on grain yield, yield components and quality (Bulman and Smith, 1993). The amount of
N to be applied depends on the difference between crop requirement and the supply of available
soil N, which depends on mineralization of organic matter and residual N from previous
applications (FAO, 2006).

Nitrogen fertilization has an important effect on the final harvest: therefore, if this element is not
available in sufficient amount yield is impaired. N deficiencies diminish grain number and yield
both in wheat and barley (Fischer, 1993; Baethgenet al., 1995). According to Dale and Wilson
(1998), an increased N does generally increases number of kernels per ear, while deficiencies of
this element can cause important reductions in this parameters estimated by these authors to be
around 40-60%. N fertilization has a crucial effect on barley yield, which results harmed by
either shortage or excess of this element ( Morenoet al., 2003) Working with influence of N
fertilizer on yield of malt barley reported that the main effect of the N dose was decisive on all
the parameters measured and the treatment without N supply was the least productive.

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 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS (METHODOLOGY)
3.1. Description of the Study Area
3.1.1 Location of study area

The experiment was conducted under the Oromia region at west guji zone in kercha woreda
agriculture office, Department of plant science Research proposal in the year 2023underwest
direction. Kercha woreda is located in the Southern part of Ethiopia which is 471 km far from
Addis Ababa and geographically located at altitude of 1800 masl, 6049’N and 370 45’ E with
annual mean temperature and rain fall of 200c and 1212 mm, respectively. The soil of the area is
clay loam with a PH of 5.9 - 6.4 (WSU student hand book 2016).

3.1.2 Climate

The climatic condition of the study area is characterized by highland agro-ecology with the
maximum and minimum temperature ranging from 18˚ - 22˚ and bimodal rainy season,
summer/ kiremt extending from June to November and spring/ belg from March to May with
rainfall ranges between1100mm to1212mm.(KWAO, 2020).

3.1.3 Geology and Soil

According to Kercha District Agricultural office (2020) unpublished report, Karcha District
topographically is mountainous rugged and broken, with many hills and ridges making it
unsuitable for agriculture. The dominant soil type is clay loam with a PH of 5.9-6.4 (KWAO
2020)

3.1.4 Land Use and Land Cover

Peoples in the study area use and classify their land through functional categorization i.e.
cultivated land, grassland and forestland. According Karcha District Agricultural Office (2020)
annual report showed from total 53,291 hectares of land: 33,047 are farmland, 5001
forestland, 1992 wetland, and 13,251 grass land. Crop production and livestock rearing are
11
the main activities of the population in the district. Different crop types are cultivated in the
District, as the Karcha District people lead their life based on crop production and livestock
rearing. The main agricultural crops are coffee, barley, wheat, maize, Soybean and Enset. In
addition, cattle, Horse, Donkey, sheep, goat and Poultry are the main livestock that reared in
the study area (KWAO, 2020).

3.1.5 Vegetation

The common vegetation’s in the study area as visualized include mostly remnants of trees in
agricultural fields, woodlands and indigenous native natural forests and plantation forests.
Largely dominating plant species in the study area are Croton macrostachys,Hagenia
abyssinica,Vermoniaamygdalina,Prunusafricana,Juniperusprocera,Celtisafricana,
Albiziagummifera,Arundinariaalpine,Cupressuslusitanica,Eucalyptus globules, Acacia
sppsh, Cordiaafricana, Ficus species, and herbaceous spps (KWAO , 2020).

3.1.6 Economic Activities Of The Study Area

Agriculture is the back bone of the economy of the district. It is characterized by mixed
farming economic activities. Most of the population bases their livelihood on Agriculture and
livestock rearing. Different crop types are cultivated in the District, as the Karcha District
people lead their life based on crop production and livestock rearing. The main agricultural
crops are coffee barley, wheat, maize, Soybean and Enset and also produce vegetables. In
addition,
cattle, Horse, Donkey, sheep, goat and poultry are the main livestock that reared in the study
area (DDFEDO, 2021).

3.1.7 Population

According to Karcha Distric Agricultural office (2020) unpublished report, the total
population of Karcha District is 115,471 of which 58,891 (51%) are males and 56,580 (49%)
are females residing in 21 kebeles. Out of the total population of the district, 96.96% are rural
dwellers and the remaining 3.04% are resided in the urban areas of the district (CSA, 2019).

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 The19 majority of the people of the study district are from the Guji Oromo Ethnic group,
Amhara and Gedeo ethnic group also residing in the area. The dominant religion is protestant
followed by Orthodox Christian and Muslims (CSA, 2019). Rural peoples of the district
completely lead their life on cropping and livestock rearing. Thus, crop production and
livestock rearing are the main activities of the population in the district.

3.2 Research Method and type

To conduct this research, quantitative research method and Experimental research type will be
employed to conduct this study.

3.3 Experimental Material

There are many materials will be used during doing this experiment. Those are
 Hand trowel
 Axe
 Rake
 Hand cultivar
 Barley seed
 Sprayer
 Sickle
 Mattock bolo
 Scythe
 Nitrogen fertilizer

3.4 Land preparation

Barley requires a smooth seed bed, which free from weed and crop residues (Kedir,2006). It is
best the land ploughed two to three times before sowing and once for seed covering. The first
ploughing should be made during the dry season to expose perennial weeds to sun light. The
weeds are allowed to germinate after this first ploughing and then destroyed by a second
ploughing (Kedir, Tilahun and Feyisa, 2006).
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3.5 Treatment and experimental design

The field experiment will be laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three
replication and four treatments. The experimental area will be divided into small homogenous
blocks and each replication contained complete set of treatment which will be allocated to plots
within each block at random. The arrangement of our block will be against concentration
gradient since concentration of gradient is perpendicular (North to South). The size of each plot
will be 2m-2m and the distance between the block will be 1 m and the distance between the plot
will be 1m. The Urea fertilizer will be at the recommended 60 kg ha-1 and Seed will be sown at
the recommended rate of 75 kg ha-1 in rows and the treatment will be used are;-

T1 T4 T3 T2

Rep 1
1m
Rep 2
T4 T2 T1 T3

Rep 3

T3 T1 T2 T4

Figure 1: Experimental field layout

 Treatment one (T1) =0kgN/ha will be used as control

 Treatment two (T2) =23kgN/ha

 Treatment three (T3) =46kgN/ha

 Treatment four (T4) = 69kgN/ha

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Total area length width 11mx8m=88m2

3.6 Data to be collected

3.6.1Growth parameter of barley

The important growth parameters will be measured from the two central rows of each plot for
growth and yield of barley

Plant height (cm): The plant height will be measured from the soil surface to the tip of spike
from five randomly selected plants and their average will be recorded.

Number of tiller per plant: The number of tiller per plant will be counted and recorded from
the five randomly selected plants and their average will be recorded.

Spike length: the spike length will be measured from base of starting spike and end of upper leaf
stem of five randomly selected spikes and the average will be recorded as spike length.

Number of grain per spike number: Number of grain per spike will be counted from the five
randomly selected plant and the average will recorded as number of grain per spike .

Hundred seed weight: hundred seed weight will be recorded for 1000 randomly selected seed
per plot.

Biomass yield: Biomass yield will be measured by weighting all harvested above ground parts
of the plants per plot.

Grain yield per plot; Grain yield will be measured by weighting grain gained per plot and
convent into quintal per ha

3.7 Statistical Analysis

The collected data will be subjected to statistical analysis using SAS software. Significant
differences between and/or among treatments will be separated by Least Significant Differences
(LSD) test. Interpretations were done following the procedures described by Gomez and Gomez
(1984).

15
 4. WORK PLAN AND BUDGET

Table 1: Schedule of activity

Activities Dec Jan Feb April May June July Aug Sept

Tittles X
Selected

Writing X X
proposal

Submit ion X

Land X X
preparation

Fertilizer X X
application

Follow-up X X X X X X X X X
&data
collection

Harvesting X

Data X
entry&
analysis

Reporting X

16
4.1 Logistics and budget

Table 2.Stationary Cost

No. Expenditure items Quantity in number Single price Total cost (ETB)

1 Notebook 1 50
50

2 Pen and pencil 1 15

15

3 Paper 25 5
125

  Total
190

17
 5. REFERENCES

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holdings for meher season 2013/14 (2006 e.c) and biotechnology, shewry, p.r. (ed.). Cab
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mozambique, 25 ‐ 26 january 2006under the african agricultural marketing project
(aamp ).
Badr, A., Muller K., Schafer-Pregl R., El Rabey H., Effgen S., Ibrahim H. H., Pozzi C., Rohde
W.,and Salamini, F. (2000).On the Origin and Domestication History of Barley
(Hordeumvulgare). Molecular Biology and Evolution, 17(4): 499–510.[Paper detailing
origin and domestication of barley].
Bayehe Mulatu and stefaniagrando (2011). Barley Research and development in Ethiopia
International center for Agriculture Research in the dry areas.
Birch, C.J. and K.E. Long, 1990.Effect of nitrogen on the growth, yield and grain protein
Content of barley.Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 30: 237-242.
BPEDORS.2000.physical and social economic profile of 180 District of Oromia region
Bulman, p and D.L. Smith, 1993.Yield and yield components response of spring barley to
Fertilizer nitrogen, Agron. J. 85: 226-231.
Corny, M.J. 1994, Comparative effect of six cultivars at four rates of N on the grain yield and
Grain quality of malting barley in relend. Journal of Agricultural Science, 122: 345-350.
CSA (2018), Agricultural Sample Survey: Report on Area and Production of Crops for Private
Peasant Holdings, Meher Season. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
CSA (Central Statistical Agency) 2014. Agricultural sample survey: area and production of
major crops, Meher season. Vol. I. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Doyle, A.D., and R.A. Shalp land, 1991.Effect of split nitrogen applications on yield and protein
Content of barley in New South Welos.Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 31:85-92.

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