Response of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) varieties to irrigation schedules

Abstract

The experiment was conducted with twelve treatment combinations of four irrigation levels and three varieties in a strip plot design and replicated thrice. The results indicated that foxtail millet growth parameters and yield attributes were significantly higher in four irrigations at sowing, 15 DAS, 35 DAS and 55 DAS which was on par with three irrigations at sowing, 15 DAS and 35 DAS. Grain and straw yields were also significantly higher with four irrigations at sowing, 15 DAS, 35 DAS and 55 DAS. Monetary returns like gross and net returns were also recorded higher values with four irrigations at sowing, 15 DAS, 35 DAS and 55 DAS followed by three irrigations at sowing, 15 DAS and 35 DAS. Among varieties, Renadu (SiA 3223) recorded higher grain, straw yield and monetary returns. However, four irrigations at sowing, 15 DAS, 35 DAS and 55 DAS recorded higher soil moisture content (%) values at 0-30 cm soil depth and higher water use efficiency at one irrigation at sowing.