Direct and residual effect of Zinc and FYM on quality and uptake of N, P, and K in pearl millet-wheat cropping system

Different doses of Zinc (kg/hectare) and FYM (ton/hectare) were applied in pearl millet-wheat sequence to assess the uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in two consecutive years. The maximum values of nitrogen content in pearl millet grain and stover was recorded at 7.5 kg Zn + 5 t FYM/ha treatment in both crop seasons. The maximum values of N content in wheat grain and straw were recorded under 5 t FYM/ha + 10 kg Zn/ha treatment in both crop seasons. Application of 5t FYM/ha increased the P content in grain and stover over control in both the years. The phosphorus content in crop was further improved with combined application of FYM and zinc. The maximum values of P content in pearl millet grain and stover were recorded under 5 t FYM/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha whereas in case of wheat it was at 5 t FYM/ha + 7.5 kg Zn/ha. in both crop seasons. The various levels of zinc in combination with 5 t FYM/ha resulted in significantly higher uptake of K in the crop in both crop seasons over zinc alone. The highest uptake of K (15.5 kg/ha in grain and 189*.7 kg/ha in stover) was recorded under 5 t FYM/ha + 7.5 kg Zn/ha treatment in pearl millet. The effect of this combination was found to be statistically at par with 5 t FYM/ha+ 5 kg Zn/ha treatment. In case of wheat the uptake of Potassium almost similar pattern was observed at 5 kg Zn + 5 t FYM/ha and 7.5 kg Zn + 5 t FYM/ha doses. The direct applications of Zn along with FYM and its residual amount improved the yields of pearl millet and wheat as well as uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphors and Potassium in both crops.