Effect of integrated nitrogen management on transplanted pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen management on performance of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. Emend. Stutz) under rainfed conditions. Integrated nitrogen management (INM), significantly increased the growth parameters viz., plant height, dry matter production, effective tillers per plant and chlorophyll content and yield attributes and yield viz. weight of grains per ear head, test weight, grain, stover and biological yields and harvest index as compared to control. Among the INM treatments applications of 50% RDN through FYM + 50% through urea and 80% RDN through vermicompost + 20% through urea being at par were found superior over 100% RDN through urea, 100% RDN through FYM, 75% RDN through FYM + 25% through urea and 25% RDN through FYM + 75% through urea. Under seedling inoculation treatment, treatment with Azotobactor and Azospirillum recorded significantly highest grain weight per ear head as compared to control. Application of N through organic sources improving soil organic carbon and nitrogen balance in soil over N through inorganic sources.