Effect of different establishment methods and nitrogen management on growth, yield and quality of little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem and Schultz)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2023 at Gavatale block under Central Experiment Station, Wakawali, investigated the effects of crop establishment methods and nitrogen management practices on little millet. Three establishment methods viz., recommended transplanting (Thomba, E₁), line transplanting (E₂), and broadcasting (Awatni, E₃) - and four nitrogen levels (80-100 kg N ha^-1 in two-three splits) were evaluated. Results showed that recommended transplanting (E₁) significantly outperformed compared to other establishment methods, resulting in higher growth, yield, and quality attributes. E₁ recorded higher grain and straw yield, N, P, and K uptake, and content. Broadcasting (E₃) retained higher soil available N, P₂O₅, and K₂O after harvest due to lower uptake.

Among nitrogen management practices, 80 kg N ha^-1 in three splits (N₃) produced superior growth attributes, yield contributing characters, and yield. N3 also recorded higher N, P, and K content and uptake in grain and straw. The interaction effect between establishment methods and nitrogen management practices was significant. The combination of recommended transplanting (E₁) and 80 kg N ha^-1 in three splits (N₃) yielded the highest grain and straw yield, growth attributes, and economic returns. The results showed that recommended transplanting (Thomba) with 80 kg N ha^-1 in three splits (E₁N₃) significantly improved growth, yield, and quality attributes, resulting in higher grain and straw yield (₹ 69,768/ha), net returns (₹ 18,429/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (1.36).