Physiological Parameters, Leaf Nitrogen Content and Grain Yield of Finger Millet as Affected by Different Sources of Organic Manures under INM in Comparison with RDF

Abstract

Finger millet was grown under three year old Melia azedarach in red sandy loam soil with different management options viz., application of farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha-1, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (40:20:20 NPK kg ha-1) alone, and in conjunction with 75% RD N with 25% N through FYM, Vermicompost, Poultry manure; also with biofertilizers @ 5 kg ha-1Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with finger millet alone as sole cropping with 100% RDF. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. Higher physiological parameters and grain yield of rice was recorded with the INM practice followed by recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) treatment. Among the organic treatments, higher grain yield of finger millet was recorded with sole crop on par with 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure (2405 kg ha-1) and 100% RDF (2393 kg ha-1). The lowest grain (1583 kg ha-1) was found with control FYM @ 10 t ha-1 i.e., farmers practice. Similar trend was observed for all the physiological parameters recorded and harvest index of the rice crop. From the present investigation, it can be inferred that, among nutrient management practices tested, 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure and 100% RDF in agri-silviculture system was better for realizing higher grain yield and physiological parameters apart from sustaining better soil nutrient status on sandy loam soils of Southern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.