Optimizing Productivity of Pearl Millet through Precision Nitrogen Management: Determining Optimal Doses and Scheduling for Improved Growth and Yield Stability under Semi-Arid Conditions of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Efficient nitrogen management is critical for sustaining pearl millet productivity in semi-arid regions due to low nutrient retention and high losses in light-textured soils. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum nitrogen level and scheduling strategy for improving growth and yield of pearl millet in semi-arid Rajasthan. The present investigation was carried out during the 2025–26 cropping season at the Agronomy Research Farm, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, with the objective of assessing the influence of varying nitrogen application rates and nitrogen scheduling strategies on the growth and yield performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.). The experiment was established using a factorial randomised block design with three replications. The treatment structure comprised four nitrogen levels (40, 60, 80, and 100 kg N ha⁻¹) in combination with three nitrogen scheduling treatments. Results indicated that increasing nitrogen levels significantly improved overall growth and yield attributes. Application of 100 kg N ha⁻¹ produced the highest values for major yield parameters; however, it remained statistically at par with 80 kg N ha⁻¹ as confirmed by Critical Difference (CD) at P = 0.05, while both were significantly superior to lower nitrogen levels. Among scheduling treatments, split application of 50% basal + 25% at 30 DAS + 25% at 45 DAS consistently improved growth and yield attributes compared to other treatments. This treatment was statistically at par with two-split application at 45 DAS but superior to single and other split applications. Based on overall performance and input efficiency, application of 80 kg N ha⁻¹ combined with three-split nitrogen application (50% basal + 25% at 30 DAS + 25% at 45 DAS) is recommended for achieving higher productivity of pearl millet under semi-arid conditions of Jaipur, Rajasthan.