Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. KV Chaudhary, Dr. SK Shah, Dr. HN Chaudhary, Dr. VB Gohil and Dr. MA Chaudhary

Abstract:
Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2019 and 2020 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to assess the “Effect of bio-NP consortium, Fe and Zn on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in loamy sand” under North Gujarat conditions. Experimental soil was normal in pH and EC, low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, DTPA extractable Fe and Zn; medium in available phosphorus and potassium. Eight treatment combinations comprising of two levels of fertilizer viz., 100% RDF and 75% RDF with seed treatment of bio-NP consortium; two levels of iron @ 3 kg ha^-1 and 6 kg ha^-1; and two levels of zinc @ 2 kg ha^-1 and 4 kg ha^-1 were laid out under randomized block design with factorial concept with three replications. The growth, yield attributes and yield (grain and straw) of pearl millet were non- significantly influenced due to application of 100% RDF and 75% RDF with seed treatment of bio-NP consortium. Soil application of Fe @ 6 kg ha^-1 and Zn @ 4 kg ha^-1 gave significantly higher growth, yield attributes, yield (grain and straw). Higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio from pearl millet crop were obtained with combined application of 100% RDF or 75% RDF with seed treatment of bio-NP consortium and Fe @ 6 kg ha^-1 along with Zn @ 4 kg ha^-1.