Assessment of different approaches of fertilizer application on nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency and economics of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in central dry zone of Karnataka

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi-2023 at Farmer’s field, Chillahalli, Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district, to evaluate the different approaches of fertilizer application on nutrient uptake and economics of Finger Millet. In order to evaluate the various approaches of fertilizer recommendation, in this study we applied fertilizers on the basis of package of practice (T2), LMH (Low Medium High) approach (T3), Farmer’s practice (T4), STCR approach based on actual soil test values (ASTV) (T5-T8) and STCR approach based on Dhartimitra app based value (T9-T12). The experiment was laid out in RCBD design consisting of twelve treatments replicated thrice. Results of the experiment indicated that significant total nutrient uptake of nitrogen (213.92 kg ha-1), phosphorous (27.10 kg ha-1) and potassium (137.16 kg ha-1) was recorded in treatment T8 receiving fertilizers on the basis of STCR target yield of 35 q ha-1 based on actual soil test value using organic and inorganic sources. Agronomic nutrient use efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency and partial factor productivity of major nutrients was recorded significantly higher in STCR treatments compared to other approaches of fertilizer application. Treatment T1 (absolute control) recorded higher value for internal utilization efficiency of N (19.83 kg kg-1), P (55.10 kg kg-1) and K (33.98 kg kg-1). Treatment T8 also recorded highest for yield response (1489 kg ha‒1) and showed least fluctuation (1.96) below the targeted yield. While response yard stick was observed highest (4.18) in treatment T12 receiving fertilizers as per STCR target yield of 35 q ha-1 using organic and inorganic sources based on Dhartimitra app based value. Benefit cost ratio was recorded significantly highest in treatment T11 (3.03) where fertilizers were applied for target yield of 35 q ha-1 using only inorganic sources based on Dhartimitra app based value.