Effect of crop residue and phosphorus management strategies on the performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under limited irrigation conditions

RAJ KUMAR  GOURAV; K S  RANA; R S  BANA; ANCHAL  DASS; M C  MEENA; ASHOK  KUMAR; S S  RATHORE; KRIPA  SHANKAR; ANJALI  PATEL; MANJESH KUMAR  GAUTAM

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i6.170698

Authors

RAJ KUMAR GOURAV ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
K S RANA ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
R S BANA ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
ANCHAL DASS ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
M C MEENA ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
ASHOK KUMAR ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
S S RATHORE ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
KRIPA SHANKAR ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, RC, Datia (MP)-475 661
ANJALI PATEL ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
MANJESH KUMAR GAUTAM ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i6.170698

Keywords:

AMF, Integrated nutrient management, Phosphorus application rate, PSB

Abstract

Irrigation water availability is declining which is becoming a challenge to productivity even in drought tolerant crops like pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of crop residue mulching, phosphorus fertilisation and microbial inoculation [Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)] on growth, yield and economics of pearl millet under limited irrigation during rainy (kharif) season of 2022 and 2023 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The study followed a split-plot design (SPD) with three mulching levels (no mulch, 2 t/ha and 3 t/ha) and four phosphorus treatments [control, 100% RDP (Recommended dose of phosphorus), 75% RDP + PSB + AMF and 50% RDP + PSB + AMF]. Crop residue mulching significantly improved growth and yield attributes, with 3 t/ha mulch outperforming
control by increasing grain yield by 17.8–25.5% across years. Integrated nutrient management showed pronounced benefits, where 75% RDP combined with PSB and AMF resulted in the highest growth parameters and yield, improving grain yield by 16.9–19.7% over control, along with superior economic returns. The results demonstrated that residue mulching coupled with reduced phosphorus application and microbial inoculants enhances phosphorus use efficiency, crop productivity and profitability. This approach offers a sustainable and resource-efficient nutrient management strategy for pearl millet cultivation, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers while maintaining high yields. Future adoption of such bio-integrated nutrient technologies can support climate-resilient agriculture and improve soil health in semi-arid regions.

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