Abstract
Ensete (Ensete ventricosum W. Cheesm.) is a root crop which stores starch in the root and in the lower part of the stem. It is grown in the southwest of Ethiopia and due to its drought resistance, it is of outstanding importance for the supply of food to the local population. Until now virtually nothing is known about the response of Ensete to fertilizer application. Field trials carried out on three representative soils in Ethiopia showed that Ensete biomass yields were increased significantly on all three soils by nitrogen and phosphorus application. Potassium had only marginal effect on biomass growth but favourably influenced starch production. Sulfate application had no major impact on growth and starch yield. The yield response was well related to the level of available nutrients in the soil, as determined by electroultrafiltration (EUF). Leaf analysis provided preliminary evidence that optimum levels of N, P, and K may be 3.8%, 0.3%, and 4.8%, respectively.
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Uloro, Y., Mengel, K. Response of ensete (Ensete ventricosum W.) to mineral fertilizers in southwest Ethiopia. Fertilizer Research 37, 107–113 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00748551
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00748551