Studies on contribution of production factors to yield and economics of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment entitled “Studies on contribution of production factors to yield and economics of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)” was conducted on the experimental farm of the National Agricultural Research Project, Chh. Sambhajinagar, during the Kharif season of 2023. The field was well leveled with efficient drainage. The soil of the experimental plot was clayey, with a nutrient profile showing low available nitrogen (144.9 kg ha^-1), medium available phosphorus (20.16 kg ha^-1), high available potassium (405 kg ha^-1), and alkaline pH (8.29). The conditions during the experiment were conducive to normal growth and development. The field trial was designed using a Randomized Block Design, with eight treatments involving the pearl millet hybrid AHB1200 Fe and various application practices, replicated three times. The dimensions of the gross plot were 5.0 x 4.5 m², while the net plot measured 4.0 x 3.6 m². All protective measures were implemented as recommended, including seed treatment as per experiment treatment, field management, and irrigation management. Sowing was done on 28^th June 2023. It was concluded from the experimental results that, the several application practices or the treatment T₁ i.e. Full package and practices of location RDF+ZnSO₄ @ 25kg ha^-1+FeSO₄ F@ 0.5-0.75% at 20-25DAS+ bioinoculant seed treatment of Azospirillum) + thinning & gap filling + weeding & hoeing (3 &5 weeks after sowing ) +irrigation notably recorded the highest grain yield (2644 kg ha^-1), which was at par with the treatment T₃ i.e. [T₁-ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1] at sowing (2312 kg ha^-1), T₄ i.e. [T₁-FeSO₄ F @ 0.5-0.75% at 20-25DAS] at sowing (2282 kg ha^-1), T₅ i.e. [T₁-Bioinoculant seed treatment (Azospirillum)] at sowing (2356 kg ha^-1). The maximum reduction that is 36.94% was observed without RDF, which was followed by without weeding & hoeing (36.42%) and thinning & gap filling (29.55%) treatments as compared to T₁. The fodder yield also recorded the similar trend with reduction between 10.2-36.0% across the treatments. The highest net monetary returns(Rs. 49503 ha^-1) was observed in T₁ i.e. receiving full package and practices of the location (RDF + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 + FeSO₄ @0.5-0.75% at 20-25DAS + Bioinoculant seed treatment (Azospirillum)+ thinning and gap filling + weeding and hoeing (3 & 5 weeks after sowing) + Irrigation) than other treatments, however, it was not par with treatment T₃ (Rs. 41451 ha^-1), T₄ (Rs. 40225 ha^-1) and T₅ (Rs. 41014 ha^-1). The net returns across the treatments was reduced from 16.3-53.4% as compared to full package and practices.