Maximizing Mung Bean Productivity With Optimum Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application Rates in the Dryland Areas of Abergelle District, Wag Himra Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted during the 2023 and 2024 main cropping seasons in the dryland areas of Abergelle District to determine the optimum rate of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers for maximizing mung bean yield. The factorial combined treatments of four rates of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha −1 ) and three rates of nitrogen (30, 41, and 52 kg ha −1 ) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. An improved variety of mung bean known as “Rasa” was used as a treatment material. The results showed that the phenological, growth, yield, and yield‐related parameters of mung bean were significantly affected by the main and interaction effects of nitrogen and phosphorus rates. The highest pods per plant (14.16), grains per pod (15.73), above‐ground dry biomass yield (9250.00 kg ha −1 ), and grain yield (2050.80 kg ha −1 ) were obtained from the interaction of 52 × 90 kg ha −1 nitrogen and phosphorus application. Based on economic analysis, the highest net benefit (153,004.78 birr ha −1 ) and marginal rate of return (6474.79) were observed under the interaction of 52 kg ha −1 nitrogen and 90 kg ha −1 phosphorus rates and 41 kg ha −1 nitrogen and 90 kg ha −1 phosphorus rates, respectively. While the combination of 52 kg ha −1 nitrogen and 90 kg ha −1 phosphorus produced the highest agronomic yields, the application of 41 kg ha −1 nitrogen and 90 kg ha −1 phosphorus provided the best economic return (highest MRR %). The result clearly showed that, with optimum application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, it is possible to produce maximum and economically feasible yield of mung beans. As a result of this, a 41 kg ha −1 nitrogen and 90 kg ha −1 phosphorus fertilizer combination can be recommended as an efficient and economical mung bean production to be used for smallholder farmers in the dryland areas of Abergelle District, Wag Himra Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia.