Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity of Pearl Millet and Soil Fertility of Sandy Loam Soils Under Rain Fed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soils at Dry Farming Research Station, Jamkhambhalia (Gujarat) during 2003-2008 to ascertain the effect of bio-fertilizer, various organic sources alone or along with inorganic fertilizers on productivity of pearl millet and post harvest soil fertility under rain fed conditions. There were six treatments involving inorganic, organic and bio fertilizers (Azotobacter and PSM). The results revealed that the grain and fodder yields of pearl millet were significantly affected due to different nutritional treatments. Maximum grain (1611 kg/ ha) and fodder (4160 kg/ha),total income (Rs. 23623/ha) and net realization (Rs.10376/ha) were obtained when pearl millet was fertilized with 50% RDF (40:20 kg NP /ha along with compost @ 2.5 t/ha and 500 kg castor cake/ha(T4). The organic carbon content of soil as well as available status of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and iron were remarkably improved when compost and castor cake involved in nutrient management of pearl millet.