Maize ( Zea mays L.) production in acidic soils is severely constrained by poor soil fertility, which directly impacts food security. To address this challenge, this study investigated the synergistic effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and lime on maize growth, yield, and soil health in the Angacha District of Central Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, evaluating five rates of FYM (0, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 t·ha −1 ) combined with three rates of lime (0, 2.9, and 5.8 t·ha −1 as CaCO 3 ). The results unequivocally demonstrate that the integrated application of lime and FYM significantly improved soil properties and maize performance. The maximum grain yield was achieved with the combination of 5.8 t·ha −1 of lime and 15 t·ha −1 of FYM (5.41 t·ha −1 ), representing a 116.4% increase over the untreated control. This superior treatment also optimized plant growth parameters, including plant height (266.33 cm), and accelerated physiological maturity. From an economic perspective, the combination of 5.8 t·ha −1 of lime and 10 t·ha −1 of FYM was the most profitable, yielding a net benefit of 99,980 ETB. This research establishes that the integrated use of lime and FYM is an agronomically effective and economically viable strategy for sustainable soil fertility management and enhancing maize productivity in the acidic soils of this region. This approach offers a critical pathway for improving local farmer livelihoods and contributing to regional food security. Further validation studies are recommended to refine the optimal application rates.
Habdollo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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