Effect of tillage, organics, nitrogen and their interactions on yield attributes and yield of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) under shallow Alfisols during rainy season

A field experiment was conducted during 1997–98 and 1998–99 at Agricultural Research Station, Hanumanamatti, Dharwad, to know the effect of tillage practices, organics, nitrogen levels and their interactions on growth components and dry-matter accumulation in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) during the rainy season. Medium tillage and ridging recorded significantly higher yield attributes at harvest. Ear length, mean panicle weight, yield/plant, grains/panicle, 1, 000-seed weight, threshing (%) and grain yield were significantly superior in medium tillage and ridging treatment. Among organics, enriched FYM + Azospirillum recorded significantly higher yield parameters, followed by Gliricidia green manuring. Application of 60 kg N/ha enhanced the yield parameters over 30 and 0 kg N/ha. Medium tillage and ridging with enriched FYM + Azospirillum + 60 kg N/ha recorded significantly higher yield components. Next best was medium tillage and ridging with Gliricidia green manuring + 60 kg N/ha.