Effect of tillage practices, organics and nitrogen levels on growth components, dry-matter accumulation and physiological parameters in foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

A field experiment was conducted during 1997–98 and 1998–99 at Agricultural Research Station, Hanumanamatti, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, to know the effect of tillage practices, organics and nitrogen levels on growth components, and dry-matter accumulation and yield in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) during the rainy season. Among tillage practices, medium tillage and ridging recorded significantly higher height (92.26 cm) at harvest, absolute growth rate (AGR), total dry-matter accumulation (8.783 g/ha) and grain yield (1, 307 kg/ha), followed by medium tillage with flat bed sowing. Among organics, enriched FYM + Azospirillum recorded higher plant height (86.35 cm), total dry-matter accumulation and grain yield (1, 395 kg/ha). Application of 60 kg N/ha recorded significantly higher plant height (91.36 cm), AGR (0.241 g/plant/day), total dry-matter production (9.228 g/plant) and grain yield (1, 407 kg/ha), followed by 30 kg N/ha and 0 kg N/ha.