Long-term integrated nutrient management enhances physiological efficiency and yield gains in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)–wheat (Triticum aestivum)

VISHAL  AHLAWAT; R S  DADARWAL; ANITA  KUMARI; PARMOD KUMAR  YADAV; RAMDHAN  JAT; KAUTILYA  CHAUDHARY; KAVITA; PAWAN  KUMAR

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i8.166772

Authors

VISHAL AHLAWAT Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
R S DADARWAL Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
ANITA KUMARI Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
PARMOD KUMAR YADAV Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
RAMDHAN JAT Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
KAUTILYA CHAUDHARY Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
KAVITA Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India
PAWAN KUMAR Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana 125 004, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i8.166772

Keywords:

Grain yield, Physiological traits, Sustainable cropping systems

Abstract

Long-term nutrient management practices critically influence soil health, crop physiological traits, and ultimately grain yield sustainability under semi-arid conditions. A long-term field experiment, established in 1985 was conducted on integrated nutrient management (INM) in a pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. Physiological parameters, yield and photochemical quantum yield of pearl millet [rainy (kharif) 2021–2022 and 2022–2023] and wheat [winter (rabi) 2020–21 and 2021–22] were evaluated for two consecutive cropping seasons. Results showed that, the combination of inorganic fertilisers with organic sources significantly enhanced physiological performance over fertiliser-alone treatments. For instance, the highest assimilation rates in pearl millet (9.34 μmol/m²/sec) and wheat (14.10 μmol/m²/sec) were recorded under the integrated nutrient regime with 50% N substituted by FYM, representing a 53–96% increase over the control. Similarly, maximum stomatal conductance and relative water content were observed in treatments involving FYM and wheat straw combinations, reflecting improved plant water status and stress tolerance. Grain yield improvements were substantial: pooled yields in pearl millet increased, from 1,497 kg/ha (control) to 3,352 kg/ha (50% N via FYM + 50% inorganic), while wheat yields rose from 1,741 kg/ha to 5,108 kg/ha under the same treatment sequence (residual effect in wheat), showing a remarkable 193% increase. Treatments involving partial substitution of chemical fertilisers with organics consistently maintained high yields, demonstrating the synergistic effect of integrated nutrient use. Overall, the study highlights that INM significantly enhances physiological efficiency and grain productivity in pearl millet–wheat systems, offering a robust pathway for sustainable intensification in semi-arid agro-ecosystems.

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