Moisture management and zinc fortification impacts on economics, quality and nutrient uptake of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) under rainfed conditions

Abstract

A field study was conducted during kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to find out the effect of moisture management and zinc fortification on economics, quality and nutrient uptake of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in pearlmillet-chickpea cropping system under rainfed conditions. Sowing of pearlmillet on flat bed with 5.0 tonnes/ha crop residue fetched significantly higher net returns of ` 25408/ha with production efficiency of ` 279.2/ha/day and protein content in grain during first year and B:C ratio during both the years as compared to flat bed without crop residue. However, in terms of net returns (` 30578/ha), production efficiency (` 397.1/ha/day) and protein content during second year and zinc content in both grain and stover and total uptake of N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu during both the years of study, flat bed with 5.0 tonnes/ha crop residue proved to be significantly superior over flat bed without crop residue as well as flat bed with 2.5 tonnes/ha crop residue and performed in statistically similar way to narrow bed and furrow with 2.5 tonnes/ha crop residue. Under zinc fortification treatments direct application of 2.5 and 5.0 kg Zn/ha being at par with each other and recorded significantly higher net returns, B:C ratio, production efficiency, protein content and total uptake of P, K and Cu during both the years and total uptake of Fe and Mn during second year over control. Content of Zn in both grain and stover and total uptake of N and Zn during both the years of study were improved significantly with increasing levels of zinc fortification up to 5.0 kg Zn/ha. Residual effect of zinc fortification was observed during second and showed significant response up to 5.0 kg Zn/ha on net returns, B:C ratio, production efficiency, Zn content in both grain and stover and total uptake of N, K and Zn and up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha on protein content and total uptake of P, Fe, Mn and Cu by pearlmillet.