Effect of organic nutrient management on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)” was conducted during the kharif season of 2024-25 at the National Agricultural Research Project, Chh. Sambhajinagar. The experimental soil was clayey in texture, low in available nitrogen (170 kg ha⁻¹) and alkaline in reaction (pH 8.21). The region experienced 580.5 mm rainfall over 36 rainy days, which supported optimal vegetative and reproductive crop development. The trial was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) comprising eight treatments and three replications, comparing organic and inorganic nutrient sources. Treatments included RDN through FYM (6 t ha⁻¹), vermicompost (3 t ha⁻¹), poultry manure (1.5 t ha⁻¹), with and without biofertilizer (200 ml ha⁻¹), along with RDF (60:30:30 NPK Kg ha-1) and control. Sowing was done manually by dibbling at a spacing of 45 × 10 cm2 to ensure uniform crop establishment and spacing. Among the treatments, RDF (T8) produced the highest grain yield (2628 kg ha⁻¹) while RDN through poultry manure + biofertilizer (T7) was statistically at par, achieving 2338 kg ha⁻¹ grain yield. These results demonstrate the potential of organic nutrient management strategies to enhance productivity and profitability in pearl millet cultivation under semi-arid conditions.