Efficacy of Soil Test-Based Nutrients Application Strategies on the Agronomic and Economic Performance of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)]

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a vital staple crop in arid and semi-arid regions due to its high resilience to drought and poor soil fertility, playing a crucial role in food and nutritional security for millions of people globally. Despite its adaptability and nutritional richness, productivity remains low under traditional farming practices owing to inadequate nutrient management, particularly nitrogen and potassium. The present study was undertaken during kharif 2023 at MJRP College of Agriculture and Research, Jaipur, to evaluate the impact of varying nitrogen and potassium fertilization strategies on the yield and economic performance of pearl millet. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated thrice, including combinations of nitrogen (60, 80, 100 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (20, 40 kg ha⁻¹) along with a soil test-based nutrient application. The results revealed a significant improvement in grain and straw yield, as well as harvest index, with increasing nitrogen and potassium levels. The treatment T7 (100 kg N ha⁻¹ + 30 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ + 40 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) recorded the highest grain yield (3839 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (5578 kg ha⁻¹), and net returns ( Rs.- 50,707.80 ha⁻¹), while T4 (100 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅ + 20 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) showed the maximum benefit: cost ratio (3.16), indicating economic viability. Soil test-based nutrient application (T8) also showed promising results, suggesting the potential of site-specific nutrient management in improving yield and profitability. These findings affirm the critical role of balanced fertilization in enhancing both productivity and economic sustainability in pearl millet cultivation under rainfed conditions. Adoption of appropriate nitrogen and potassium combinations can thus serve as a practical strategy to optimize resource use and ensure better returns, especially in semi-arid agro-ecosystems with low input access.