Effect of NPSB on Growth, Nodulation and Yield Performance of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Varieties

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a versatile legume crop that plays a significant role in human nutrition, traditional medicine, and agricultural sustainability. It is widely valued for its high protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it an important food and feed resource. Despite its multifaceted importance, the productivity of fenugreek in Ethiopia, including the study area, remains low compared to its potential. Several interrelated factors contribute to this yield gap. Among the factors soil nutrient depletion and lack high-yielding varieties are the major factors responsible to the low yield of fenugreek. This study is designed to investigate the effects of NPSB fertilizer rates on the growth, nodulation, and yield performance of fenugreek varieties under the agro-ecological conditions of Tenta and Legambo districts in the South Wollo Zone. The experiment will be conducted during the 2026 main rainy season at Mekdela Amba University demonstration sites in Zakonat and Buso. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications will be used, involving six fenugreek varieties (Challa, Bishoftu, Burka Arganne, Jamma and local) and four NPSB fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha⁻¹). Data will be collected on growth, phenological, nodulation, yield, and yield component parameters. Statistical analysis will be performed using SAS 9.4, with treatment means compared using LSD at a 5% significance level. The total amount of grant requested in ETB will be 416,296.