Economic evaluation of nutrient omission trials under different landscape positions and major crops in Northeastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Effective soil nutrient management remains a critical determinant of agricultural profitability among smallholder farmers. This research evaluates the economic viability of fertilizer trials for teff and sorghum crops under different landscape positions in the dryland areas of northeastern Ethiopia. The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising nine treatments across three districts. Data from 855 experimental plots were analysed using a linear mixed-effects model (LMEM) across the slope gradients of foot slope, mid slopes, and hill slopes. Partial budget analysis, value-to-cost ratios (VCRs), and sensitivity analysis were employed to evaluate the economic feasibility of nutrients. The result from the LMEM revealed that fertilizer treatments, crop type, and slope position significantly affect net benefits. The results also showed that profitability declined progressively from the foot slope to the mid slope and further to the hill slope. The mixed model results indicated that the NP fertilizer has substantially increased net benefits relative to other treatments. Moreover, the partial budget, VCR, and sensitivity analyses also confirmed that NP fertilizer produced the highest economic return for both crops. A sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the NP fertilizer under the price fluctuation scenarios of inputs (fertilizer and both crops). Therefore, the NP is an economically viable fertilizer for both teff and sorghum producers. Strategic soil and nutrient management practices tailored to different landscape positions will further enhance farm profitability in the study areas.