Productivity and water-use efficiency of rainfed pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) as influenced by planting patterns and integrated nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2001 and 2002 a the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the effect of planting patterns and nutrient management on growth, yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency of rainfed pearmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. Emend. Stuntz.]. Modified planting patterns, viz. ridge and furrow (RF), paired row (PR) and paired rows + intercrop (PR+1 system), recorded significantly higher growth, yield, nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency of pearlmillet than uniform row (UR) system of planting. The maximum grain yield and water-use efficiency (WUE) were recorded with PR system of planting. Nutrient management caused remarkable improvement in growth, yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency of pearlmillet. The performance of nutrient management treatments in term of grain yield and WUE followed the order of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)>1/2 RDF + Azospirillum + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) > 1/2 RDF + Azospirillum >1/2 RDF + PSB > 1/2 RDF > control.