Sustainable pearl millet production through nano urea and FYM: A comprehensive review for South Haryana

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) serves as a cornerstone cereal crop in South Haryana's dryland agriculture due to its exceptional drought tolerance and adaptability to nutrient-poor sandy loam soils. This comprehensive review synthesizes current research on the synergistic effects of nano urea and farm yard manure (FYM) on diverse pearl millet cultivars under semi-arid conditions. Nano urea's nanoscale particle size (20-50 nm) enhances nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) through optimized foliar absorption and reduced volatilization losses, while FYM improves soil organic carbon, water retention, and microbial biomass. Integrated application demonstrates cultivar-specific yield improvements of 15-25% in elite hybrids like HHB 67 Improved and HHB 234, alongside significant enhancements in panicle weight, grain protein content (12-14%), and nitrogen assimilation. Critical constraints include variable FYM quality and knowledge gaps in nano-organic interactions, warranting long-term studies on soil microbiology and precision delivery systems. The integrated nutrient management (INM) approach reduces synthetic nitrogen requirements by 30%, lowers production costs by 20-30%, and supports climate-resilient farming through carbon sequestration. Strategic adoption of these technologies, coupled with policy support for smallholder access, can transform pearl millet productivity while advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals for zero hunger and responsible resource management in water-stressed agroecosystems.