Quality fodder production and economics of dual-purpose pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) under different fertility levels and nitrogen scheduling

A field trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2011 and 2012, to evaluate the pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] variety ‘AVKB 19’ for different purpose, viz. grain, fodder and both grain and fodder, under low, medium and high soil fertility levels for yields and fodder quality. Crop grown for dual purpose recorded 42.0 and 31.5% higher green fodder-equivalent yield over grain and fodder purpose respectively. Similarly, net returns (31,700/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.0) were also maximum under dual-purpose pearlmillet. The benefit: cost ratio under fodder purpose pearlmillet was almost equal to dual purpose. Application of 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded significantly higher green fodder equivalent yield (53.75 t/ha) and crude protein yield (696 kg/ha), being 9.3 and 17.4% higher over 100% RDF. This treatment also improved crude protein content of fodder as well as stover. Splitting of N fertilizer improved yields and quality of fodder and resulted in higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio. Energy balance (200 × 10³ MJ/ha) and energy-use efficiency (28.5) were the highest with dual-purpose followed by grain-purpose pearlmillet. Application of 125% RDF and splitting of N fertilizer improved energy balance, while energy-use efficiency was maximum in 75% RDF.