Nutrient management in finger millet (Eleusine Coracana (L) Gaertn)

Abstract

The study entitled “Nutrient management in finger millet [Eleusine coracana) (L.) Gaertn.].” was undertaken at the Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during October 2021 to February 2022. The objective of the experiment was to standardize the optimum nutrient dosage for maximum growth and yield of finger millet. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with eight treatments with replicated thrice. The plot size was 4.8 m x 4 m and transplanting were done at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The treatment included different levels of nutrients which was compared with an absolute control (T1–5 t FYM ha-1 ,T2–5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1, T3-5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1, T4- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 50: 25: 25 kg NPK ha-1, T5- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 40: 20: 20 kg NPK ha-1, T6- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 30: 15: 15 kg NPK ha-1, T7- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 20: 10: 10 kg NPK ha-1). The ragi variety used for the study was Hima. The results of the experiment revealed that plant height washigher in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1at 30 DAT (75.33 cm), flowering (76.63 cm) and harvest (77.90 cm) which was on par with 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1and 5 t FYM ha-1 + 50: 25: 25 kg NPK ha-1.Significantly higher leaf area index recorded highest in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 (2.91). Higher number of fingers per panicle, weight of grains per panicle and dry mater production (at 30 DAT, flowering and harvest) also showed the same trend with significantly highest values in higher level of fertilizer dose (5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1). Significantly highest yield was recorded in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1(1523 kg ha-1) followed by 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1,. Similarly highest straw yield was also noticed in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1(2568 kg ha-1) followed by 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1, which was on par with other lower dose of fertilizers. This is due to, increased availability of the nutrients in the root zone enabled higher uptake of the nutrient and it led to a better nutrient status in plant system. On the other hand, the increased net photosynthesis and increase in mobilization of photosynthates toward the reproductive structure contributed to grain yield. Crude protein content, even though significantly different, the values are on par with different levels of fertilizer doses and recorded higher in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1, 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1 and t FYM ha-1 + 50: 25: 25 kg NPK ha-1 than absolute control. This can be due to higher nitrogen contents present in these treatments as evidenced by the higher N uptake values.Calcium content in the grain was highest in 5 t FYM ha-1(431.6 mg 100 g-1) and showed a reduced content in5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 (419.4 mg 100 g-1). Iron and fibre content was not influenced by application of nutrients levels. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by ragi was highest in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 (59.58, 31.39 and 65.73 kg ha-1 respectively). It followed the same trend as that of dry matter production. The available nutrient status in the soil after the experiment in general showed a decrease due to plant utilization.P status varied significantly with treatment combination, while the changes in available N and K were not significant. Available phosphorus content was recorded highest in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1(75.13 kg ha-1), Highest net income (Rs. 28,355 ha-1) and BC ratio(1.43) was obtained in5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 due to maximum yield compared to other nutrient levels. From the results it can be concluded that application of FYM @5 t ha-1as basal and NPK @90: 45: 45 kg ha-1, where full dose of P and K along with half dose of N applied as basal and the remaining half of N applied 30 DAT will result in higher yield and net returns. Hence, can be recommended for the high yielding finger millet variety Hima in AEU 10 (North Central Laterite of Kerala) and multi location trials are required to arrive at a final recommendation.