Effect of moisture conservation and nutrient management practices on growth and yield of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) under rainfed conditions

An experiment was conducted for 2 years (2001 and 2002) at Dryland Research Farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to evaluate the effect of moisture conservation and nutrient management practices on growth and yield of pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br, emend. Stuntz.]. Moisture conservation treatments comprised paired row (PR) + legume as mulch and PR + crop residue mulching (wheat straw @ 5 tonnes/ha) in main plots and nutrient management treatments comprised control, FYM @ 5 tonnes/ha FYM @ 5 tonnes/ha in combination with 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha, FYM @ 5 tonnes/ha + biofertilizer (Azospirillum + PSB) and its combination with 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha and recommended dose of N (60 kg N/ha) in subplots were laid out in split-plot design with 3 replications. The total rainfall received during the rainy (kharif) season 2001 and 2002 was 522 mm and 300 mm respectively. During 2002, monsoon was delayed by 1 month, therefore, pearlmillet seed was sown on 2 August. The yield of pearlmillet increased significantly due to moisture conservation (mulching) and combined application of FYM, biofertilizer and fertilizer N. The grain yield increased with increase in nitrogen levels. Application of FYM and FYM + biofertilizer also resulted significantly higher yield over the conrol. The seed inoculation with biofertilizer (Azospirillum + PSB) resulted an increased grain yield over uninoculated treatment.