Performance of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) as Influenced by Different Planting Techniques and Nutrient Management Practices in Arid Western Rajasthan

Abstract

The productivity of arid region is much lower and resource degradation is much faster comparatively other ecosystem due to aberrant climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities. Lower production in arid region is due to lower nutrient and water holding capacity of soil, erratic rainfall pattern and inappropriate crop management practices. Therefore, present study was conducted with six planting techniques and four nutrient management practices in split plot design and replicated thrice, to find outsuitable planting techniques and nutrient management practices and their influence on growth, productivity of pearl millet in arid western Rajasthan.Results of the study showed that pit planting technique treatment PT6 noted taller plant over rest of the treatments during 2018 and 2019. Among various planting techniques, pit technique realized significantly higher relative growth rate(RGR) as compared ridge planting (PT2 and PT3) and direct seed sowing (PT1) also. However, pit planting technique PT4 recorded highest RGR of 1.87 & 1.77 g g-1 day-1during 20 days after sowing/transplanting (DAS/DAT) to 40 DAS/DAT and 2.26 & 2.23 g g-1 day-1during 40 DAS/DAT to at harvest during 2018 and 2019, respectively, which registered significantly edge over rest all treatments of sowing/transplanting. Though ridge planting techniques PT2 and PT3, computed significantly highest crop growth rate (CGR) as compared to rest all planting treatments yet formerly both treatment remained statistically at par with each other.  Pearl millet planted by pit planting technique PT6 recorded highest grain yield during both the years. Moreover, growth parameters and grain yield also increased with increasing dose of nutrients fromnutrient management practice NMP1 to nutrient management practiceNMP3 over control (NMP0). Highest plant height, crop growth rate (g m-1 day-1) and relative growth rate (g g-1 day-1) at different intervals and grain yieldwere recorded maximum in nutrient management practice NMP3, while minimum values of all above parameters were observed in no fertilization control (NMP0) treatment during individual years of 2018 and 2019.