DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjavs.2026.v13i01.003

Pages: 12-21

Declining soil fertility and rising input costs have challenged sustainable maize production in Ethiopia. Vermicompost, an organic fertilizer derived from earthworm activity, has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional inorganic fertilizers. This study aimed to compare the agronomic performance, economic returns, and soil fertility effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers in maize production systems. The study was conducted during the 2023/2024 cropping season in selected districts of West Wollega and Kellem Wollega Zones, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. On-farm trials were established using two treatments: (1) recommended rate of NPS + Urea and (2) vermicompost applied based on nutrient equivalence. Soil samples were collected before and after harvest for key fertility parameters (pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and organic matter). Grain yield and benefit-cost analysis were calculated. Participatory technology evaluations were also carried out using farmer-defined criteria, including grain yield, soil improvement, labor demand, and sustainability. Maize grain yield was about 10% higher in plots treated with inorganic fertilizer than vermicompost. However, vermicompost significantly improved post-harvest soil organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, and soil PH. Economic analysis showed that vermicompost plots had a higher net return and benefit-cost ratio due to lower input costs. Farmers favored vermicompost based on its contribution to long-term soil health, affordability, and environmental sustainability, despite noting its labor-intensive application. While inorganic fertilizers produced slightly higher yields, vermicompost improved soil fertility and offered better economic returns over the cropping season. The participatory evaluation also confirmed the practical acceptability of vermicompost by smallholder farmers. The study recommends integrating vermicompost into local maize production systems through scaling up farmer demonstratio