Response of direct seeded and transplanted pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) to nitrogen, phosphorus and biofertilizers in intercropping system

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 1999 and 2000, at New Delhi, to study nutrient management in pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz.]. Hybrid Pusa 23 in sole and intercropping system with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Variety Pusa Komal under direct seeded and transplanted conditions. The crops were grown with varying levels of 1, P,O, along with biofertilizers (Azospirillum culture VAM). The treatments comprised 4 main plot treatments with 2 methods of planting pearlmillet with and without intercrop and 7 levels of fertilizers. The transplanting of pearlmillet was on a par with direct seeding. Al though the transplanted crop had lower grain weightlear and shorter ear length, it had more ears/m2 and greater 1,000 grain weight than direct seeded crop which led to similar yield under both the conditions. The grain yield of pearlmillet with application of 40 kg N 30 kg P20 ha along with biofertilizers was at par with recommended dose of 60 kg N 45 kg P205/ha indicating saving of 20 kg N and 15 kg P,OJha through biofertilizers. There was no ef fect of cowpea intercropped with pearlmillet in both the years.