Synergistic effect of iron and zinc on growth, yield, and economics of little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) in the Chitrakoot region

Abstract

A field trial was managed during the Kharif season of 2024 at Research of MGCGV Agriculture Farm, Satna (M.P.) to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management using iron and zinc on little millet (var. 'JK-4'). The research was conducted under RBD through all nine treatments and three replications, combining three levels of iron (0, 2, and 3 ppm as foliar spray) with three levels of zinc (0, 20, and 30 kg ha⁻¹). The results demonstrated that treatment T₉ [3 ppm Fe + 30 kg Zn ha⁻¹ + 5.0 t FYM] produced significantly superior growth (plant height: 104.37 cm at 60 DAS, tillers: 11.2 m⁻¹ at 60 DAS) and yield attributes (dry matter: 4.11 kg, test weight: 7.4 g), culminating in the highest grain yield (12.44 q ha⁻¹). This treatment also registered the maximum net return (₹ 27,655 ha⁻¹). The application of 3 ppm Fe + 0 kg Zn ha⁻¹ + 5.0 t FYM (T₇) resulted in the most favorable benefit-cost ratio (2.02). It is concluded that the combined foliar application of iron and soil application of zinc, along with farmyard manure, is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the productivity and profitability of little millet in the micronutrient-deficient soils of the Chitrakoot region.