Nutrient content, uptake and quality of pearl millet influenced by phosphorus and zinc fertilization (Pennisetum galaucum L.) under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Farm of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur to study the effect of phosphorus and zinc application on nutrient content, uptake and quality of pearl millet. On the basis of experimental data significant improvements were recorded in nutrient (N, P K and Zn ) content, uptake and quality of pearl millet. Nutrient N, P and K content in grain and straw significantly increased from 1.56 to 2.02, 0.773 to 1.320, 1.10 to 1.97 % and 1.11 to 1.41, 0.23 to 0.50 and 0.68 to 1.20 %, respectively. The lowest N, P and K content in grain and straw was recorded in control. The maximum N, P and K content in grain (2.02, 1.320 and 1.97 %) and straw (1.11, 0.23 and 0.68 %) was recorded with application of 30 kg P ha-1 + 20 kg Zn ha-1. The similarly results were found in uptake of N, P and K by grain and straw in pearl millet. Zn content in grain and straw ranged between 23.43 to 52.32 and 24.88 to 58.46 ppm and the lowest value (23.43 and 24.88 ppm) was recorded in control. The highest Zn content in grain and straw was recorded in the treatment 10 kg P ha-1 + 30 kg Zn ha-1. Zn uptake in grain and straw varied between 374.92 to 937.90 and 810.86 to 2109.86 g ha-1, respectively. The maximum uptake of Zn in grain and straw was recorded in 10 kg P ha-1 + 30 kg Zn ha-1, which was increased by 60 and 62 % over control. The combined effect of phosphorus x zinc were found significant for N & K content and uptake by grain and straw and protein content in grain.