Enhancing Amaranth Grain Quality Through Integrated Nutrient Management: A Study in Abshige Woreda, South Central Ethiopia

The current study assessed the effects of integrated nutrient management on nutrient content of naturally grown amaranth ( Amaranthus spp.) seeds in South Central Ethiopia. The application of farmyard manure (FYM), in comparison to an unfertilized control, has been explored with NPS fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. A field experiment in Abshige Woreda has used amaranth seedlings treated with varying quantities of NPS fertilizer together with a fixed rate of FYM. Laboratory analysis was carried out to establish the proximate composition of the seeds that includes protein, ash, crude fat, carbohydrate, and moisture, besides mineral content comprising Mn, Cu, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn. According to the results, the nutritional profile of amaranth seeds from fertilized plots showed notable changes. Increased NPS fertilization significantly enhanced the value over that of the control for protein content from 17.58 to 19.08%, ash from 2.72 to 3.38%, crude fat from 7.67 to 7.75%, and moisture from 10.02 to 10.05%. Mineral analysis also showed an increase in magnesium of as high as 257.19 mg/100 g, copper 0.37 mg/100 g, potassium 385.25 mg/100 g, calcium 197.39 mg/100 g, iron 5.29 mg/100 g, and zinc 24.98 mg/100 g under increased application rates. Hydration characteristics and the quantity of carbohydrates remained constant across treatments. These findings indicate that the application of NPS fertilizer increases the nutritional and mineral quality of amaranth seeds, particularly when integrated with organic amendments. Further studies are recommended to optimize economical NPS/FYM treatment ratios and understand the implications in the long run on soil health and crop productivity.