Assessment of nitrogen content, uptake, quality and economics of finger millet (Eleusine coracana G.) as influenced by nitrogen levels and selected varieties

Abstract

A field study was conducted using FRBD with three finger millet varieties (GN-8, GNN-7 and Local) and three nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 60 kg N ha⁻¹) comprising nine treatment combinations and three replication were used. Results showed that GN-8 recorded significantly higher protein content (7.08%), nitrogen content in grain and straw (1.68% and 0.48%) and total nitrogen uptake (67.43 kg ha⁻¹). GN-8 also achieved the highest net returns (₹ 59,954.11 ha⁻¹) and B: C ratio (2.53). Increasing nitrogen levels significantly improved protein content, nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake by grain and straw. Application of 60 kg N ha⁻¹ significantly increased protein content (7.10%), total N uptake (73.82 kg ha⁻¹), net returns (₹ 60,825 ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (2.56). Overall, the combination of variety GN-8 with 60 kg N ha⁻¹ proved most effective in enhancing grain quality, nitrogen uptake and economic profitability of finger millet under semi-arid conditions.