Response of direct-seeded and transplanted pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) to nitrogen, phosphorus and biofertilizers in intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 1999 and 2000, at New Delhi, to study nutrient management in pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz.]. Hybrid ‘Pusa 23’ in sole and intercropping system with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.] Variety ‘Pusa Komal’ under direct-seeded and transplanted conditions. The crops were grown with varying levels of < P₂O₅ along with biofertilizers (Azospirillum culture + VAM). The treatments comprised 4 main plot treatments with 2 methods of planting pearlmillet with and without intercrop and 7 levels of fertilizers. The transplanting of pearlmillet was on a par with direct seeding. Although the transplanted crop had lower grain weight/ear and shorter ear length, it had more ears/m² and greater 1, 000-grain weight than direct-seeded crop which led to similar yield under both the conditions. The grain yield of pearlmillet with application of 40 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅/na along with biofertilizers was at par with recommended dose of 60 kg N + 45 kg P₂O₅/ha indicating saving of 20 kg N and 15 kg P₂O₅ through biofertilizers. There was no effect of cowpea intercropped with pearlmillet in both the years.