Influence of split nitrogen application on nutrient uptake, quality and soil fertility in summer pearl millet

Abstract:

A field experiment entitled “Influence of Split Nitrogen Application on Nutrient Uptake, Quality and Soil Fertility in Summer Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)” was conducted during summer 2024 at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushhinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen split schedules on grain quality, nutrient uptake, yield and post-harvest soil fertility status of summer pearl millet under North Gujarat conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments replicated four times. Treatments consisted of different schedules of 100% and 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) applied in two, three and four splits at basal, tillering, earhead emergence and flowering stages. The results revealed that split application of nitrogen significantly influenced protein content, protein yield, grain and straw yield, nitrogen uptake and residual soil fertility status. Application of 100% RDN in four equal splits comprising 25% basal + 25% at tillering + 25% at earhead emergence + 25% at flowering (T₄) recorded significantly higher protein content (11.80%), protein yield (518 kg ha⁻¹), grain yield (4379 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (7207 kg ha⁻¹), nitrogen uptake by grain (82.86 kg ha⁻¹) and straw (67.40 kg ha⁻¹), and available soil nitrogen after harvest (168.7 kg ha⁻¹) compared to most other treatments. The improvement in crop performance under T₄ was mainly attributed to continuous nitrogen availability, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency and better synchronization between nutrient supply and crop demand during critical growth stages. Treatments receiving 100% RDN in three splits also performed comparatively better than treatments receiving 75% RDN. Available phosphorus and potassium status in soil after harvest remained statistically unaffected by different nitrogen split schedules. Overall, the study indicated that application of 100% recommended nitrogen in four equal splits at basal, tillering, earhead emergence and flowering stages proved most effective for improving yield, quality, nutrient uptake and maintaining better soil fertility of summer pearl millet under North Gujarat conditions.