Impact of Different Levels and Sources of P on Grain Quality and Crop Productivity of Pearl Millet in Semi–arid Region of Northwest India

Abstract

A field study was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, CCS HAU, Hisar, to assess the influence of various phosphorus levels and sources on yield and nutrient uptake by pearl millet crop. The study included eleven treatment combinations, arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Adoption of different nutrient management practices significantly improved the crop yield and nutrients uptake (N and K). The highest (33.66 and 80.70 q ha-1) grain and straw yield of pearl millet was observed with the application of 7.5 t of FYM ha-1 along with SSP over rest of the treatments. Highest N content (1.94 and 1.42 % in grain and straw, respectively) and protein content (12.13 %) of pearl millet was observed with the application of full recommended dose of P through SSP. Whereas, K content was found highest (0.44 and 1.85 %) with the supply of 7.5 t of FYM ha-1 in conjunction with SSP. Similarly, highest N uptake (163.26 kg ha-1) by pearl millet was observed with the application of full recommended dose of P through SSP, whereas, K uptake was found highest (164.10 kg ha -1) with the supply of 7.5 t of FYM ha-1 in conjunction with SSP over other treatments. The results from the study indicated that instead of using P fertilizers alone, the integrated use of FYM and P fertilizers may be more effective to improve nutrient uptake and to sustain crop productivity.