Effect of nutrient-management practices on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

An experiment was conducted for 2 years (2002 and 2003) at Dryland Research Farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to evaluate the effect of nutrient-management practices on growth and yield of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz.]. Nutrient-management practices comprised the control, 30 kg N/ha + 20 kg P₂O₅/ha, 60 kg N/ha + 40 kg P₂O₅/ha, 5 tonnes FYM/ha + bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter + vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae), 10 tonnes FYM/ha + bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter + VAM), 30 kg N/ha + 20 kg P₂O₅/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha + bio-fertilizer, 30 kg N/ha + 20 kg P₂O₅/ha + 10 tonnes FYM/ha + bio-fertilizer and 60 kg N/ha + 40 kg P₂O₅/ha + 10 tonnes FYM/ha + bio-fertilizer in randomized block design with three replications. The total rainfall received during kharif season of 2002 and 2003 was 405.5 mm and 823.0 mm respectively. Application of 60+40 kg/ha of N + P₂O₅ along with 10 t FYM/ha and biofertilizer gave significantly higher grain yield and N, P uptake by pearlmillet than control and FYM (5 or 10 t/ha) + biofertilizers use.