Organic and inorganic fertilizer application enhances the effect of Bradyrhizobium on nodulation and yield of peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) in nutrient depleted and sandy soils of Ethiopia

Purpose An investigation was carried out to evaluate theeffect of the integrated application of organic and inorganicfertilizer effect on Bradyrhizobium effectiveness on nodulationand yield of peanut at the major growing areas ofEastern Ethiopia, Babillae and Fedis sites.Methods Systemic combination of compost, manure,Bradyrhizobium inoculation and NP application was laidout in Randomized Complete Block Design with threereplications.Results The result showed that Bradyrhizobium integratedwith organic inputs significantly improved the nodulenumber at Babillae while Bradyrhizobium when appliedwith DAP resulted in a significant increase of nodulation atFedis site. The highest total biomass and total pods weightat both sites were found to record when Bradyrhizobiumintegrated with manure and compost. Integration ofBradyrhizobium, manure and compost at Fedis andBradyrhizobium with manure at Babillae was found toincrease the kernel yield by 44 and 66.6% over the controlcheck, respectively. Integration of Bradyrhizobium, manureand compost at Babillae and Bradyrhizobium withstarter N at Fedis significantly increased plant N accumulation.The effect of organic and inorganic application onsoil N and organic carbon content was not significant atFedis, but the slight increase was observed in Babillae site.A significant increase in the soil available P by organicand/or DAP application was found in either of the experimentalsites.Conclusion Organic fertilizer when integrated with StarterN and DAP is better in improving the effectiveness ofBradyrhizobium, nodulation and yield of peanut in either ofthe sites.