Effect of hybrids, plant density and fertility levels on nutrient concentration, uptake and productivity of pearl millet in semi arid environment

Abstract

A Field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the kharif seasons of 2004 and 2005 to find out suitable spacing for pearl millet hybrids along with N and P levels so as to increase the productivity of pearl millet. The experiment was laid out in split plot design allocating combinations of two hybrids and three plant densities in main plots and four fertility levels in sub plots with three replications. Highest pooled grain yield was recorded by HHB 67-2. Sowing pearl millet at 45x12 cm spacing produced highest pooled grain and stover yield. Application of 90 kg N + 45 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1 resulted maximum pooled grain and stover yield and was at par with 60 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1. HHB 67-2 had significantly higher total uptake over HHB 67. Wider spacing of 60x12 cm had higher NPK content but 45x12 cm resulted into higher total uptake of NPK. NPK content and uptake was found higher when pearl millet was fertilized with 90 kg N + 45 kg P₂O₅ ha^–1.