Influence of crop geometry and plant growth regulators on yield and economics of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Abstract

During the summer of 2024, a field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to evaluate the "Influence of Crop Geometry and Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Economics of Pearl Millet". The experimental plot consisted of sandy loam soil with a pH of 7.8, indicating slightly alkaline conditions suitable for pearl millet cultivation (Sambo & Odion, 2015). The soil's organic carbon content was measured at 0.72 percent, reflecting a moderate level of organic matter that contributes to soil fertility and structure. Nutrient analysis revealed the availability of essential macronutrients per hectare: 178.48 kg of nitrogen (N), 27 kg of phosphorus (P), and 233 kg of potassium (K). These levels provide a baseline for understanding the soil's inherent fertility and the potential need for nutrient supplementation to optimize pearl millet yield. To ensure the reliability and validity of the experimental results, the study was designed as a Randomized Block Design. This statistical design involved ten different treatments, each of which was replicated three times to account for variability within the experimental field Viz. T1: Control 80:40:40 (NPK Kg/ha), T2: 35 cm x 15 cm + Brassinolide-0.3 mg/l, T3: 35 cm x 15 cm + Gibberlic acid-40 mg/l, T4: 35 cm x 15 cm + NAA-50 mg/l, T5: 45 cm x 15 cm + Brassinolide-0.3 mg/l, T6: 45 cm x 15 cm + Gibberlic acid-40 mg/l, T7: 45 cm x 15 cm + NAA-50 mg/l, T8: 55 cm x 15 cm + Brassinolide-0.3 mg/l, T9: 55 cm x 15 cm + Gibberlic acid-40 mg/l, T10: 55 cm x 15 cm + NAA-50 mg/l. The results obtained that 45 cm×15 cm along with NAA 50 mg/l was recorded significantly higher earhead/m2 (22.67), grains/ear head (1449.20), grain yield (2.90 t/ha), stover yield (8.48 t/ha), harvest index (25.49%), net return (Rs. 84,601.67 INR/ha), gross return (Rs. 1,21,067.87 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.32).