Effect of split nitrogen application on growth, yield and economics of summer pearl millet

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted during summer 2024 at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University to evaluate the effect of split nitrogen application on growth, yield and economics of summer pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)]. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of different schedules of nitrogen split application using 100% and 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN). The results revealed that split application of nitrogen significantly influenced growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and economic returns of summer pearl millet. Application of 100% RDN in four equal splits comprising 25% basal + 25% at tillering + 25% at earhead emergence + 25% at flowering (T₄) recorded significantly higher plant height (195.9 cm), effective tillers per plant (3.9), leaf area (437.8 cm²), earhead length (26.04 cm) and earhead girth (9.60 cm). The same treatment also produced the highest grain yield (4379 kg ha⁻¹) and straw yield (7207 kg ha⁻¹), along with maximum net realization (₹1,00,466 ha⁻¹) and benefit: cost ratio (2.80). Treatments receiving 100% RDN in three splits also performed better than treatments receiving 75% RDN. The improved performance under multiple split applications was mainly attributed to synchronized nitrogen availability during critical crop growth stages, resulting in better growth, higher nitrogen use efficiency and enhanced productivity. The study concluded that application of 100% recommended nitrogen in four equal splits proved most effective and economical for summer pearl millet cultivation under North Gujarat conditions.