Influence of organic amendments and PPFM on enhancing the productivity of foxtail millet Setaria italica L. under rainfed condition

Abstract

Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystsem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. Millets are better adapted to dry infertile soils than most other crops often cultivated under extremely harsh conditions. Laboratory and Field experiments were conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur to evaluate the effects of organic amendments on the productivity of organic foxtail millet under rainfed condition with the application of PPFM (Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph) @ 500 ml/ha on 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing Panchakavya @ 3% on 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing, arbuscular mycorrhiza @ 50 kg/ha as basal, weed mulching @ 5 t/ha and in-situ composting. The maximum grain yield was recorded with the application of PPFM @ 500 ml/ha with 1802 (kg/ha) followed by the application of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza @ 50 kg/ha as basal with 1345 (kg/ha). The minimum grain yield was recorded with the application of control with 433 (kg/ha).