Traditional Knowledge on Teff (Eragrostistef) Farming Practice and Role of Crop Rotation to Enrich Plant Growth Promoting Microbes for Soil Fertility in East Showa: Ethiopia

Of the 54 Eragrostis species listed in Ethiopia, 14 (or 26%) are endemic Teff is a self-pollinated, annual, warm season grass that is used throughout the world as grain for human consumption and as forage for livestock. Teff grain is found widely in most part of the country mainly grown under diverse agro-ecological conditions in the altitude ranging from 1800 to 2100 meters above sea level. The major Teff producing areas are Amhara, Oromia, Tigray and South nation and nationality regional people of Ethiopia. In Ethiopia there are several varieties of teff, each unique to specific growing condition About 2,730,272.95 hectares of land is assumed to be covered by teff in the country Teff is grown mainly in Amhara and Oromiya, which Abstract Teff (Eragrostis tef) supports more than 60-75% of Ethiopia's population as staple and co-staple food. Interest in teff has increased noticeably due to its very attractive nutritional profile and gluten-free nature of the grain. Teff farming practice varies in different growing areas. Study objective was to assess and document farmer's traditional knowledge of teff farming and utilization practice. Data was collected using structured, semi-structured questionnaire from 172 listed elder informants. Teff farming steps and farming area preparation, cultivated teff variety, the role of crop rotation, type of agroforestry, traditional threshing, type of crop used for rotations, role of microbes in soil fertility, farming equipment, storage and piling practice were described. Among the respondents 91.86% were male and 8.14% female. Teff variety currently cultivated by many farmers are Magna, Sergegna, Bunign, kuncho, Qoreta, Bost, Package, Oromia, Shenkore, Cross37, Kora. 96% of respondent used cop rotation for teff farming and productivity. These are Lathyrus sativus, Phaseolusvulgaris, Pistum stvium, Lensculinaris, Cicer arietinum, Zeamays, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, Allium cepa, Trigonella foenum-graecum. Teff productivity differed in the type of crop used for rotation, in average 3000Kg/hectar, 2625Kg/hektar, 2230Kg/hektar, 1700-2000Kg/hektar is obtained from crop rotated by Onion, Common bean, Chickpea and Lentil respectively. This traditional knowledge in using of legume & cereal plant for crop rotation in teff productivity confirms that farmers indirectly enrich plant growth promoting microbes. These are, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Bacillus,