978-3-8465-9941-9 E Book

Shahkar Lal Golada
F!!ecI o! FYM,N LeveIs and

io!erIiIizer on Forage
PearImiIIeI
Respohse o! FYM, NiIrogeh Levels ahd 8io!erIilizer
oh GrowIh, Yield ahd QualiIy o! Forage Pearl milleI
FORAGES are alIhough hoI direcIly used !or humah cohsumpIioh buI Ihey
are Ihe source o! proIeih ahd !aI i.e. egg, milk ahd oIher dairy producIs
IhaI become available Io humah beihgs Ihrough ihIermediaries like caIIle,
sheep,goaIs, poulIry eIc. Sihce !eedihg alohe accouhIs !or 60-70 % o! Ihe
IoIal cosI o! milk producIioh, availabiliIy o! adequaIe huIriIious !odder
comihg !rom cheaper sources assumes greaIer imporIahce.Cohsiderihg Ihe
huge gap beIweeh Ihe demahd ahd supply o! greeh huIriIious !odder ahd
qualiIy dry maIIer alohg wiIh Ihe sIaIic or decreasihg lahd availabiliIy,
e!!orIs aI various SAUs research sIudehIs were direcIed Io ihIehsi!y !orage
producIioh per uhiI area per uhiI Iime, which cah be achieved Ihrough
improved high yieldihg varieIies ahd beIIer mahagemehI pracIices. 1hese
e!!orIs led Io developmehI o! !odder crops.1he |udicious combihaIioh o!
orgahic ahd ihorgahic !erIilizers will beIIer maihIaih lohg Ierm soil !erIiliIy
ahd susIaihed producIiviIy. A combihaIioh o! FYM, hiIrogeh ahd
bio!erIilizer seem Io be a cheap ahd e!!ecIive way o! ihcreasihg ulIimaIely
Ihe greeh !odder yield by !oarge pearlmilleI.
5hankar LaI GoIada
Shahkar Lal Golada received 8.Sc.(Ag.) degree !rom
SKN COA, Jobher Jaipur(2006),ahd M.Sc.Agrohomy
!rom SDAU Gu|araI (2009). Ph.D,!rom
MPUA1,Udaipur(2012), Ra|asIhah (lhdia).l goI gehius
sIudehIs awards by Ra|asIhah gehius sIudehIs socieIy
ih 1995 ahd 1996. l did my all Ihe academic
quali!icaIioh IhroughouI !irsI class.Published Ieh
research paper.
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5hankar LaI GoIada
F!!ecI o! FYM,N LeveIs and io!erIiIizer on Forage PearImiIIeI
5hankar LaI GoIada
F!!ecI o! FYM,N LeveIs and io!erIiIizer
on Forage PearImiIIeI
esponse o! FYM, NiIrogen LeveIs and io!erIiIizer
on GrowIh, YieId and uaIiIy o! Forage PearI
miIIeI
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Effect of FYM, Nitrogen LEVELS and biofertilizer on growth, yield and quality of
forage pearl millet
(Pennisetum glaucum L.) under north Gujarat
agro-climatic conditions

A
THESIS
SUBMITTED TO THE
SARDARKRUSHINAGAR DANTIWADA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE

OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE
(Agriculture)

IN

AGRONOMY

BY

SHANKAR LAL GOLADA

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
CHIMANBHAI PATEL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
SARDARKRUSHINAGAR 385 506 [GUJARAT]

JULY 2009

[Reg. No. 04-0256-2006]

Effect of FYM, Nitrogen LEVELS and biofertilizer on growth, yield and quality of
forage pearl millet
(Pennisetum glaucum L.) under north gujarat
agro-climatic conditions

2

Name of Student Major Advisor

SHANKAR LAL GOLADA Dr. B. J. PATEL

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
CHIMANBHAI PATEL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
SARDARKRUSHINAGAR - 385 506

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2007 on loamy sand
soil at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture,
Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar to study the
EFFECT OF FYM, NITROGEN LEVELS AND BIOFERTILIZER ON GROWTH,
YIELD AND QUALITY OF FORAGE PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.)
UNDER NORTH GUJARAT AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS. The experiment
was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept of twelve treatment
combinations comprising of two levels of FYM (0 and 10 t ha
-1
), three levels of nitrogen
(80, 100 and 120 kg ha
-1
) and two levels of biofertilizer (without inoculation and with
inoculation) with four replications.
Application of FYM @ 10 t ha
-1
significantly enhanced the plant height, number
of tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf: stem ratio, leaf width and leaf
length in both the cuts. This reflected in marked effect on increasing total green forage
(476.64 q ha
-1
) as well as dry matter (90.23 q ha
-1
) yields. Whenever, no FYM produced
(444.42 q ha
-1
) and (84.12 q ha
-1
), respectively. Higher values of crude protein and
lowest values of crude fiber content were also observed by application of FYM @ 10 t
ha
-1
during both the cuts. Similar trend also observed in organic carbon, available

3

nitrogen and available phosphorus in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths). The maximum
net realization of Rs.26586 ha
-1
was secured with this level. Application of
100 kg N ha
-1
significantly influenced on the growth parameters viz., plant height,
number of tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf : stem ratio, leaf width and
leaf length, green forage and dry matter yields during both the cuts. Significantly higher
total green forage (479.26 q ha
-1
) and dry matter (90.86 q ha
-1
) yields were recorded
with application of 100 kg N ha
-1
. Whereas, 80 kg N ha
-1
recorded significantly the
lowest total green forage (421.99 q ha
-1
) and dry matter (79.53 q ha
-1
) yields.
Significantly higher values of crude protein content was also observed with 100 kg N
ha
-1
. But in case of crude fibre content higher values was observed by 80 kg N ha
-1
.
Significant increase of organic carbon and available nitrogen in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm
depths) with application of nitrogen, but it did not show any significant effect on
available phosphorus. The maximum net realization of Rs.27300 ha
-1
was obtained by
application of 100 kg N ha
-1
.
Seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture significantly increased the plant
height and leaf : steam ratio in both the cuts, but in case of number of tillers per plant,
number of leaves per plant, leaf length and leaf width significant increased in 1
st
cut but
did not show any significant effect in 2
nd
cut. Total green forage (474.05 q ha
-1
) as well
as dry matter (89.74 q ha
-1
) yields were recorded by Azospirillum inoculation. Seeds
without inoculation recorded total green forage yield of 447.01 q ha
-1
and dry matter
yield of 84.59 q ha
-1
. In case of quality parameters Azospirillum inoculation failed to
exert any significant effect on crude protein and crude fibre content. Organic carbon and
available nitrogen in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) were influenced significantly by
seeds inoculation but in case of phosphorus, it did not show any significant effect. The
higher net realization of Rs.27405 ha
-1
was recorded by Azospirillum inoculation

4

whereas without inoculation recorded Rs.25419 ha
-1
. Based on the results from
experiment during kharif season of 2007, it is revealed that the potential production and
net realization from forage pearl millet on loamy sand soil of Sardarkrushinagar
(Gujarat) can be secured by fertilizing the crop with 10 t FYM ha
-1
and 100 kg N ha
-1

with Azospirillum inoculation.

Dr.

5

CONTENTS

Sr.
No.
Chapter Page No.

I.

INTRODUCTION

9-13

II.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

14-29

III.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

30-44

IV.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

45-81

V.

DISCUSSION

82-91

VI.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

92-95

REFERENCES

96-103

APPENDICES

104-107

6

LIST OF TABLES

Table
No.
Title
After
Page
No.

3.1 Standard weekwise meteorological data recorded at the Meteorological
Observatory of the Department of Meteorology, C. P. College of
Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during
crop season of 2007
27
3.2 Physical and chemical properties of experimental soil 27
3.3 Cropping history of the experimental field 27
3.4 Important characteristics of crop variety 29
3.5 Calendar of cultural operations 30
3.6 Biometric observations 32
4.1 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on final plant
population per metre row length
36
4.2 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on plant height 37
4.3 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on number of
tillers per plant
38
4.4 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on number of
leaves per plant
40
4.5 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on leaf : stem
ratio
41
4.6 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on leaf width 43
4.7 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on leaf length 44
4.8 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on green forage
yield
45
4.9 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on dry matter
yield
47
4.10 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on crude protein
content
49
4.11 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on crude fibre
content
51
4.12 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on organic
carbon in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) after harvest of crop
52
4.13 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on available
nitrogen in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) after harvest of crop
53
4.14 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on available
phosphorus in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) after harvest of crop
55
4.15 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on total green
forage yield, gross realization, net realization and benefit : cost ratio
56
4.16 Economics of treatment combinations 56

7

LIST OF figures

Fig.
No.
Title
After
Page
No.

3.1 Standard weekwise meteorological data during crop season of 2007 29
3.2 Layout plan of field experiment 29
4.1 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on plant height
(cm)
37
4.2 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on total green
forage yield (q ha
-1
)
45
4.3 Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on gross and net
realization
56

LIST OF plates

Plate
No.
Title
After
Page
No.

I General view of the experimental plot at the time of first cut 68
II At the time of first cut 68
III At the time of first cut 68

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix
No.
Title
Page
No.

I Analysis of variance for growth parameters 104
II Analysis of variance for growth parameters 105
III Analysis of variance for yield and quality characters 106
IV Analysis of variances for post-harvest soil fertility status 106
V Cost of cultivation and inputs taken into consideration for
calculation of economics
107

8

ABBREVIATIONS USED
BCR : Benefit cost ratio
C.V. : Coefficient of Variation
C.D. : Critical Difference
cm : Centimeter
DAS : Days After Sowing
dSm
-1
: Decisimens per metre
EC : Electrical conductivity
et al. : et allii ; and other
etc. : Et citeras
Fig. : Figure
ha
-1
: Per hectare
hr. : Hour
i.e. : That is
kg : Kilogram
km : Kilometer
m : Metre
Max. : Maximum
Min. : Minimum
M.T. : Million tonnes
NS : Not Significant

o
C : Degree Celsius
q
-1
: Per quintal
R.H. : Relative Humidity
Rs. : Rupees
S.Em. : Standard Error of mean
t : tonne
viz. : Namely

9

I INTRODUCTION

India ranks first among major livestock holdings (483.71 million heads) as well
as in milk producing countries (87.0 M.T.) in the world (FAO, 2002). Beyond this, a
contribution of large low producing bovine population is the present status. One of the
major reasons for low animal production and productivity is the shortage of feeds and
fodder as well as its poor quality. The projected demand for green and dry fodder for the
year 2010 is estimated at about 1050 and 1250 M.T., respectively. The available forage
supply accounts for only 46.6 per cent of the total demand and annual deficit of
concentrate is about 44.0 per cent, whereas, for green forage and dry roughage is about
36 per cent (Prasad, 1997). At present, only 3.7 per cent of country's total cultivated
land is used for forage production (Chabbra and Dinh, 2002).
Gujarat state has a total animal population of 15.44 million heads and the total
forage production is 20.00 M.T. against the requirement of 49.2 M.T. Thus, a gap of
29.2 M.T. exists between the demand and supply of fodder, which is owing to be further
widen due to further steady rise in the livestock population and diversion of more area
to grain and cash crops. The total area under forage crops in the state is 0.8 million ha
(i.e. 6.4 % of the total cultivated area) indicates that farmers of Gujarat are
predominantly crop growers and livestock production is only a subsidiary occupation.
The animals are chiefly fed on poor quality roughages like stovers of sorghum and
maize, sugarcane tops and straw of wheat and paddy except rainy season.
It is well known fact that the productivity of livestock is primarily a function of
fodder intake, which in turn is determined by the quality of the forage to supply quantity
of proportionate nutrients required for balance need of particular productive function.
Since, the bulk of the livestock diet in Gujarat consists of crop residues, animals health
is poor and productivity low, replacement of crop residues (straw/stovers) with good

10

quality forages is the present day need. This can be achieved by increasing production
of good quality forages.
Increase in forage production can be achieved by (i) bringing more area under
forage crops especially during kharif and summer seasons and (ii) increasing the
productivity of forage crops. The area under forage crops shall have to be raised from
existing 6.4 per cent to 10.0 per cent to meet fodder requirement of total livestock
population. But, it seems difficult because of limited irrigation facilities and receipt of
higher profit from contemporary food and cash crops. However, there is a scope for
introduction of multi-cut high yielding forage crops/species like pearl millet and its
input management.
Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is one of the most important dual purpose crop
grown for forage as well as grain crop, it belongs to family gramineae. Its origin is
Africa. The important Bajra growing states are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh etc. It is mainly grown as grain cum fodder
crop. Where, its plant parts are used as a fodder after clipping earheads. The fodder
bajra locally known as Rajka Bajri is a multi-cut variety growing in Gujarat mainly
Anand, Gandhinagar districts etc. It is also popular in North Gujarat.
Bajra is almost ideal cereal forage crop because of quick growing in nature, high
yield, palatable and nutritious quality. Bajra can be grown on sandy, sandy loam soils or
low fertility areas. It is grown in the areas of low and scanty rainfall where annual
precipitation required 500 mm. The best growth of bajra plants is observed at a
temperature range of 30 35
o
C. Bajra plant produces profuse tillers and gives nutritious
forage in a very short period of time; it can be preserved as hay to feed cattle during
lean period.

11

The role of farm yard manure (FYM) is well recognized and considered as
balanced bulky organic manure which supplies macro and micronutrients essential to
the plant. On an average, well rotted FYM contains 0.5 per cent N, 0.2 per cent P
2
O
5

and 0.5 per cent K
2
O. The FYM helps in maintaining the soil physical properties and
builds up the soil micro flora, which are useful to maintain the soil fertility. It releases
carbon dioxide and some organic acids upon decomposition which have solubilizing
effect on soil insoluble phosphorus into available phosphorus. It also improves the
fertilizers use efficiency and microbial activity of the soil. Thus, it provides a favourable
environment to the plant resulting into increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf
area, dry matter accumulation and green forage yield.
It is well known fact that nitrogen is an essential major nutrient for plant
growth, which is closely associated with vegetative growth and development of plants,
it plays an important role in plant metabolism of virtue of being an essential constituent
of structural component of the cell wall and many metabolically active compounds. It is
also a constituent of chlorophyll, which is important for harvest of solar energy (Bray,
1983). Nitrogen, therefore, forms a basic input for getting higher yield. Optimum
nitrogen nutrition improves leaf: stem ratio, succulence and palatability of forage crops.
It increases the crude protein, metabolizable energy and narrows the nutritive ratio of
fodder, assumes good prospect for dairy farmers of North Gujarat.
Biofertilizers like Azospirillum and Azotobacter are the preparation containing
microorganism beneficial to agricultural production in terms of nutrient supply.
The Azospirillum fix nitrogen associative symbiotically and Azotobacter fix
nitrogen non-symbiotically. The beneficial effect of these biofertilizers on plant is
associated not only with the process of nitrogen fixation and improved nutrition of
plants, but also with synthesis of complex biologically active compounds such as

12

pyridoxine, biotin, gibberellin and other compounds which stimulates the germination
of pearl millet seeds and accelerate plant growth under favourable environmental
conditions.
The use of such bacterial inoculation in forage Bajra crop not only improves the
crop growth and green forage yield but also improves fertilizer use efficiency by
reducing 20 to 40 per cent nitrogen requirement of the crop and consequently the cost of
production (Subba Rao et al., 1980). Biofertilizers are also beneficial for available
insoluble phosphate to soluble phosphate and Azospirillum inoculation increase the dry
matter accumulation.
The judicious combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers will better
maintain long term soil fertility and sustained productivity, pearl millet responds
marketing to FYM. A combination of FYM, nitrogen and biofertilizer seem to be a
cheap and effective way of increasing plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf
area, dry matter accumulation and ultimately the green fodder yield.
Since, there is paucity of information on aforesaid aspects a field experiment
entitled "EFFECT OF FYM, NITROGEN LEVELS AND BIOFERTILIZER ON
GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF FORAGE PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum
glaucum L.) UNDER NORTH GUJARAT AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS" was
conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture,
Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif
season of 2007 with the following objectives.
[i] To study the effect of farm yard manure on growth, yield and quality of forage
pearl millet
[ii] To study the effect of nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of forage pearl
millet

13

[iii] To study the effect of biofertilizer on growth, yield and quality of forage pearl
millet
[iv] To assess the interactive effects among different treatments
[v] To find out the economics of the different treatments

14

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

An attempt has been made to review the available literature on this experiment.
The work done on this experiment of the crop is very limited. Hence, similar work on
other related crops have also been included whenever necessary. Attempts are therefore
made to present a brief summary of work carried out in India relating to the problem
under the study which has been highlighted and reviewed under given headings.
2.1 Effect of farm yard manure (FYM)
2.2 Effect of nitrogen
2.3 Effect of biofertilizer
2.4 Interaction effect of different treatments
2.5 Economics of different treatments
2.1 EFFECT OF FARM YARD MANURE (FYM)
2.1.1 Growth, yield and quality
Singh et al. (1973) conducted an experiment at Punjab and reported significantly
increase in tillers per plant, ear length and plant height due to application of 11.2 kg N
ha
-1
as FYM over control.
Poonia et al. (1974) conducted an experiment at Hisar and reported that
application of farm yard manure was more beneficial to pearl millet. Increase in grain
and stover yields of pearl millet due to application of FYM @ 25 t ha
-1
were also
reported by Subramanian et al. (1975).
Mugwira (1976) advocated that annual application of farm yard manure @ 24 t
ha
-1
for consistent increase in growth and yield by millet and rye grass. Siband and
Ganry (1976) reported that compost was effective in enhancing the production of
Nitrate and the formation of protein in pearl millet. Cisse (1988) revealed that
application of 10 t ha
-1
manure increased the number of tillers per plant growth rate

15

during early stage of pearl millet growth. Keshwa and Singh (1988) carried out a field
trial during 1983-84 and 1984-85 to study the effect of FYM on pearl millet grown on
saline sodic soil. They reported that application of FYM @ 25 t ha
-1
was found
significantly superior to control. Grain and straw yields were increased due to FYM
application over control.Verma (1996) conducted the field experiment at Hisar in sandy
loam soil for two years (1993 and 1994) during rainy seasons on pearl millet. They
observed the significant effect on plant height, tillers per plant and straw yield under
FYM @ 5 t ha
-1
as compared to control. Malavia et al. (1998) while summarizing the
results of an experiment conducted at Junagadh on medium black soil emphasized the
role of FYM in cropping sequence of kharif groundnut-summer pearl millet.
Application of FYM @ 15 t ha
-1
with or without fertilizer to kharif groundnut left over
significant residual effect on grain and fodder yields of summer pearl millet.
A field experiment was conducted by Kumar and Sharma (2002) at ARS,
Durgapura, Jaipur during kharif seasons of 1990 and1991. They reported that
application of FYM @ 20 t ha
-1
increased the crude content by 6.4 and 6.3 per cent in
first and second years, respectively over no FYM.
The protein content of pearl millet was significantly increased by application of
FYM @ 10 t ha
-1
over no FYM (Patel, 2002). A field experiment was conducted by
Singh and Kang (2005) to know the effect of FYM on the herbage yield of multi-cut
hybrid bajra at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif for three
consecutive years from 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. Data on green fodder yield revealed
that application of FYM @ 25 t ha
-1
produced the significantly higher herbage yield
over the control.

16

2.1.2 Nutrient content and uptake
Patel (2002) conducted the field experiment during kharif season to find out the
effect of FYM on pearl millet mustard cowpea (fodder) cropping sequence for two
years at Anand. The results revealed that application of FYM @ 10 t ha
-1
recorded
significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potash uptake than no FYM.
It was observed that application of FYM @ 10 t ha
-1
significantly increased
nitrogen, phosphorus and potash uptake by seed and straw as compared to no FYM
(Anon., 2004). Meena and Gautam (2005) reported that application of FYM @ 10 t ha
-1

with summer ploughing before sowing of the pearl millet significantly increased
nitrogen, phosphorus and potash uptake as compared to no FYM.
2.2 EFFECT OF NITROGEN
2.2.1 Growth
An experiment was conducted with six levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and
100 kg ha
-1
) by Reddy and Rao (1971) at Hyderabad during kharif season, recorded a
linear increase in plant height and number of tillers per plant of pearl millet with
increasing levels of nitrogen. A significant increase in plant height and number of tillers
per plant was observed due to application of 160 kg N ha
-1
over control and
corresponding increase were of the order of 39.2 and 48.4 per cent at Hisar (Singh and
Singh, 1971). At IARI, dose of 120 kg N ha
-1
applied to pearl millet brought about
47.1 and 31.8 per cent increase in tillers per plant over control during 1975 and 1976,
respectively (Munda et al., 1983). Yadav (1988) carried out a field experiment during
summer season at Jobner and reported that nitrogen fertilization at 125 kg ha
-1

significantly increased plant height and number of tillers per plant of summer pearl
millet fodder over 75 kg N ha
-1
by 17.6 and 22.7 per cent at first cutting and 5.3 and
19.4 per cent at second cutting, respectively.

17

A field experiment was conducted by Manohar et al. (1992) at Jobner during
summer season. They observed significant increase in plant height, tillers per plant and
leaves per plant of fodder pearl millet with the increasing levels of nitrogen upto 90 kg
at first cutting but in a second cutting; 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha
-1
remained statistically at
par in increasing the plant height. A field experiment was conducted by Lal et al. (1992)
at IARI, New Delhi, reported that application of nitrogen improved the pearl millet
plant height and tillers per plant. Tillers per plant increased significantly up to 80 kg N
ha
-1
.
Babu et al. (1994) conducted an experiment during kharif season on black clay
soils of Main Research Station, UAS, Dharwad. They showed that application of 120 kg
N ha
-1
recorded the maximum plant height, number of leaves and tillers per plant of
forage pearl millet compared to 80 kg N ha
-1
. A field experiment was conducted by
Verma (2002) at Jobner during kharif season. He reported that nitrogen fertilization up
to 60 kg ha
-1
significantly improved plant height, tillers per plant and dry matter
accumulation of pearl millet as compared to 20 and 40 kg N ha
-1
.
Tiwana et al. (2003) conducted a field experiment during kharif season at PAU,
Ludhina. They reported that increasing level of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg N ha
-
1
) significantly increased the plant height, tillers per plant and leaf area index of
multicut pearl millet. Hedge et al. (2004) at Dharwad during kharif season studied the
effect of nitrogen levels from 80 to 120 kg ha
-1
resulted in significantly higher plant
height and increased number of green leaves per plant of forage pearl millet.
An experiment was conducted with three levels of nitrogen (30, 60 and 90 kg
ha
-1
) by Tiwana and Puri (2005) at PAU during summer season recorded that increasing
levels of nitrogen significantly increased the plant height, leaf : stem ratio, number of
leaves per plant and tillers per plant of giant bajra.

18

2.2.2 Fodder yield
At Sumerpur (Rajasthan), Shekhawat et al. (1972) reported that application of
120 kg N ha
-1
to pearl millet recorded 54.9 and 104.5 per cent higher forage yield of
pearl millet over 60 and 30 kg N ha
-1
, respectively but it was at par with 90 kg N.
Singh et al. (1983) in a study on loamy sand soil at Jobner, reported significant
increase in green fodder yield of pearl millet with 80 kg N ha
-1
over 40 kg N ha
-1
.
A field experiment was conducted with three levels of nitrogen (60, 80 and 100
kg ha
-1
) by Sharar et al. (1988) at Faisalabad and reported that increasing nitrogen levels
significantly increased green and dry fodder yields of pearl millet. A field experiment
was conducted with four levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha
-1
) by Randhawa et
al. (1989) at PAU, Ludhiana during kharif season. They reported that increasing
nitrogen level upto 100 kg ha
-1
significantly increased green fodder and dry matter
yields of fodder pearl millet.
A field experiment was conducted by Manohar et al. (1992) at Jobner during
summer season. They reported that application of nitrogen @ 90 kg ha
-1
significantly
increased green fodder yield of pearl millet by 18.2 and 7.2 per cent over 30 and 60 kg
N ha
-1
, respectively. A field experiment was conducted by Sood et al. (1995) during
kharif seasons of 1989 and 1990 at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The pooled data
indicated that Napier bajra hybrid (IGFRI-5) produced significantly higher green forage
(43.34 t ha
-1
) and dry matter (15.08 t ha
-1
) yields with application of nitrogen 60 kg ha
-1

as compared to 0 and 30 kg N ha
-1
. Tomar et al. (1995) conducted a field experiment
with three levels of nitrogen (30, 60 and 90 kg ha
-1
) at Jabalpur during summer season
reported that fodder yield of pearl millet increased with an increasing levels of nitrogen.
A field experiment was conducted by Sharma et al. (1996) at Durgapura, Jaipur during

19

kharif seasons of 1988 and 1989. They reported that application of 120 kg N ha
-1

recorded significantly higher forage yield by 34.5 per cent over no N in pearl millet.
A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 1998 at Agronomy
Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar by
Saharan et al. (1999). They reported that pearl millet green fodder yield (45.00 t ha
-1
)
significantly increased with an application of 90 kg N ha
-1
over control and other levels
of nitrogen. The increase in yield with 90 kg N ha
-1
over control, 30 and 60 kg N ha
-1

was 87.13, 15.37 and 6.24 per cent in green fodder, respectively.
Shivran and Pareek (2001) conducted an experiment at Jobner during summer
season. They reported that application of 90 kg N ha
-1
recorded significantly higher total
green forage yield by 15.16 per cent and total dry matter yield 15.41 per cent as
compared to 30 kg N ha
-1
in fodder pearl millet.
Hegde et al. (2004) conducted an experiment at Dharwad during kharif season,
reported that increasing nitrogen levels from 80 to 120 kg ha
-1
increased the dry forage
yield from 12.4 to 13.8 t ha
-1
of multicut fodder pearl millet.
Hooda et al. (2004) conducted an experiment with five levels of nitrogen (0, 40,
80, 120 and 160 kg ha
-1
) during summer seasons of 2000 and 2001 on sandy loam soil
of the HAU, Hisar, revealed that increasing levels of nitrogen increased the green
fodder and stover yields of pearl millet.
Tiwana and Puri (2005) conducted an experiment on giant bajra at PAU,
Ludhiana during summer season. They reported that application of 90 kg N ha
-1

produced 53.2 and 22.3 per cent higher green fodder and 55.9 and 25.1 per cent higher
dry matter yields over 30 and 60 kg N ha
-1
, respectively.

20

2.2.3 Quality parameters
Gill et al. (1975) reported that crude protein of pearl millet fodder significantly
increased due to application of N upto 113.5 kg ha
-1
. The crude protein content of pearl
millet fodder was increased from 8.7 to 9.3 per cent when the rate of N was increased
from 0 to 90 kg ha
-1
(Faroda et al., 1977).
Rana and Malik (1981) conducted an experiment at IARI, found that application
of nitrogen to fodder pearl millet, linearly increased crude protein yield from 4.55 to
9.84 q ha
-1
with control and 120 kg N ha
-1
, respectively.
A field experiment was conducted by Munda et al. (1983) at IARI opined that
-1
significantly increased the crude protein content of pearl
millet by 5.5 per cent.
According to Amrutkar et al. (1985), application of nitrogen to pearl millet
significantly increased the crude protein content and in vitro dry matter digestibility
giving maximum values with 100 kg N ha
-1
, compared with its lower levels ( 80 and 60
kg N ha
-1
).
A field experiment was conducted by Sharar et al. (1988) at Faisalabad and
reported that protein content of pearl millet fodder increased from 10.2 to 13.1 per cent
with increasing level of nitrogen from 0 to 125 kg ha
-1
.
An experiment conducted by Yadav (1988) at Jobner found that N fertilization at
125 kg ha
-1
significantly increased the crude protein content over lower doses at both
the cuttings but crude fat, crude fibre and ash were static.
Manohar et al. (1992) conducted an experiment at Jobner reported that
-1
significantly increased the crude protein content at both the
cuttings over 30 kg and crude fat, crude fibre, ash and NFE content remained
unaffected.

21

A field experiment was conducted by Sood et al. (1995) during kharif seasons of
1989 and 1990 at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The pooled data indicated that the
-1
significantly increased crude protein content (7.37 %) in
Napier bajra hybrid (IGFRI-5) as compared to 30 kg N ha
-1
.
Shivran and Pareek (2001) conducted an experiment at Jobner during summer
season they reported that increasing nitrogen levels from (30, 60 and 90 kg ha
-1
)
significantly increased crude protein content and markedly decreased the crude fibre
content in fodder pearl millet.
Jakhar et al. (2003) conducted an experiment at Jobner during summer season in
sandy loam soil, revealed that the application of 120 kg N ha
-1
significantly increased
the crude protein content in fodder pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) at both the
cuttings as compared to 60 and 90 kg N ha
-1
, respectively.
Tiwana et al. (2003) conducted an experiment with four levels of nitrogen (0, 25,
75 and 100 kg ha
-1
) at PAU, Ludhiana during kharif season. They reported that
increasing levels of nitrogen significantly increased the crude protein content from 6.69
to 9.65 per cent and crude fibre content decreased from 33.2 to 25.9 per cent of multicut
forage pearl millet.
Tiwana and Puri (2005) studied that increasing levels of nitrogen from 30 to 90
kg ha
-1
increased the crude protein and decreased the crude fibre per cent in giant
bajra.
Application of 80 kg N ha
-1
significantly increased the N and P uptake by pearl
millet over 40 kg (Masood and Prasad, 1972).
-1
significantly increased the nitrogen content in pearl
millet fodder, compared to 40 kg (Singh and Singh, 1968). Gill et al. (1975) reported a

22

significant increase in N content in pearl millet forage with application of N upto 113.5
kg ha
-1
. At IARI, Munda et al. (1983) observed that P content was significantly
decreased due to application of 120 kg N ha
-1
over control.
-1
significantly increased N content in pearl millet
compared to its lower level (Singh et al., 1983). In another study Amrutkar et al. (1985)
reported that application of 150 kg N ha
-1
significantly increased the P content of pearl
millet compared to its lower levels. In a field experiment at Jobner, Yadav (1988)
opined that application of nitrogen at 125 kg ha
-1
significantly increased the nitrogen in
pearl millet fodder at both the cutting over 75 and 150 kg N ha
-1
.
Gupta and Meena (1995) concluded that each successive levels of nitrogen (75,
100 and 125 kg ha
-1
) significantly increased crude protein content in pearl millet fodder
on loamy sand soil at Jobner during summer season.
Singh and Verma (1996) observed significantly protein content, protein
production and nitrogen uptake by pearl millet with increasing levels of N from 80 to
120 kg ha
-1
.
2.3 EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER
2.3.1 Growth
Reddi and Reddy (1981) reported that the number of tillers per metre row length
was significantly increased due to inoculation of seed with Azotobacter culture.
Venkateshwarlu and Rao (1983) while assess the responses of pearl millet to
inoculation with Azospirillum brasillense in pot culture under green house at Jodhpur
observed that Azospirillum brasillense inoculation, significantly increased the plant
height and dry matter production as compared to uninoculated.

23

Jadhav and Patil (1985) reported that seed of pearl millet inoculated with
Azotobacter resulted in higher germination percentage which was 56 per cent as
compared to 22 per cent when uninoculated.
A field experiment was carried out by Joshi and Rao (1989) to study the
response of pearl millet to seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasillense in conjunction
with nitrogen application for three years (1979, 1980 and 1982) at CAZRI, Jodhpur.
They found that there was significant increase in tillers m
-2
(16.40 %) and straw (88.2
%) yield under inoculation with Azospirillum brasillense over control.
Sadhu et al. (1991) conducted an experiment during kharif season at Forage
Research Farm, Anand from 1988 to 1990. They found that inoculation of seed with
Azospirillum on cereal fodder crops (maize and sorghum) gave higher green forage and
dry matter yields than Azotobacter during all the years as well as on polled basis.
Bhargava (2000) at ARS, Jaipur during kharif season observed that the
Azotobacter inoculation of pearl millet seed significantly improved the growth
parameters viz., tillers per plant, plant height, dry matter production and leaf area index.
A field experiment was conducted by Chellamuthu (2001) at Department of
Forage Crops Research TNAU, Coimbatore reported that soil application of
Azospirillum + Phosphobacterium as biofertilizers mixture along with 75 per cent of
recommended dose of N and P increased plant height, number of tillers and
economically higher green and dry fodder yields of pearl millet.
Vishoni (2004) conducted an experiment at Jobner during kharif season in sandy
loam soil, reported that seed inoculation with Azotobacter significantly increased plant
height, number of tillers per metre row length and dry matter accumulation at 50 days
after sowing and at harvest as compared to without inoculation.

24

Agrawal et al. (2005) conducted an experiment at Jabalpur, resulted that seed
inoculation with Azospirillum culture increased 16.7, 7.2 and 11.5 per cent plant height,
thickness of stem and number of leaves per plant over uninoculated control,
respectively.
2.3.2 Yield and quality
A field experiment was conducted by Pareek and Shaktawat (1988) at Jobner
during kharif season. They reported that Azospirillum inoculation with 60 kg N ha
-1

increase maximum protein content and straw yield of pearl millet.
Ghoniskar et al. (1986) conducted an experiment during rainy season at
Parbhani, wherein sorghum and pearl millet crops were tested in a field trial for their
response to Azospirillum and Azotobacter inoculations. They reported that Azospirillum
and Azotobacter, inoculations significantly increased fodder yield of pearl millet over
control.
Shelat et al. (1989) carried out an experiment to study the response of pearl
millet to biofertilizer at Anand during kharif 1988. Treatments tried were endogenus
Azotobacter + RDF, Azospirillum + RDF, dry Azolla (4 % N) + RDF and control
(no nitrogen or culture). The results indicated that all the treatments produced
significantly higher grain and fodder yields over control.
A field experiment was conducted by Jadhav et al. (1991) at Jaipur, Kanpur and
Hisar on pearl millet. The effects of seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasillense
increased fodder yields at Jaipur and Hisar.
Kumar and Sharma (2002) conducted an experiment during kharif seasons of
1990 and 1991 at ARS, Durgapur, Jaipur. They reported that pooled results showed that
the seed inoculation with Azospirillum increased the sorghum green fodder yield by 8.9
and dry fodder yield by 10.8 per cent as compared to control.

25

Sharma and Agrawal (2002) conducted an experiment during summer season at
Jhansi. They reported that seed inoculation with Azospirillum chroococcum increased
the green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yields of fodder sorghum.
A field experiment was conducted by Agrawal et al. (2005) at Jabalpur resulted
that seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture recorded 15.5, 16.0 and 7.7 per cent
higher green fodder, dry fodder and crude protein yields of sorghum crop over
uninoculated control.
Kutty (1983) studied the effect of biofertilizers with Azospirillum at IARI and
found an advantageous practice of the biofertilizers as it contributed approximately 10
kg N ha
-1
to the uptake of pearl millet crop which was equivalent to 20-25 kg N ha
-1
in
terms of nitrogen fertilizer depending upon the recovery of applied fertilizer. Wani et al.
(1988) reported that seeds of pearl millet inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum
showed significantly higher N percentage over no inoculation.
Jha and Mathur (1993) from IARI, New Delhi reported that when nitrogen was
applied simultaneously with Azospirillum, the inoculation had a significant effect in
enhancing the yield and nitrogen uptake by pearl millet.
Bhargava (2000) showed that seed inoculation of pearl millet with Azotobacter
significantly increased nitrogen content and uptake by grain and stover.
2.4 INTERACTION EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS
2.4.1 Growth
Kumar and Sharma (2002) conducted an experiment during kharif seasons of
1990 and 1991 at ARS, Jaipur. They resulted that plant height, number of leaves per
plant, stem girth, leaf area per plant, dry matter accumulation and green fodder yield of
sorghum either increased significantly with an increasing three levels of FYM (0,10

26

and 20 t ha
-1
), four levels of nitrogen (0,40,80 and 120 kg ha
-1
) and inoculation with
Azospirillum brasillense.
Yadav and Beniwal (2003) reported that the total dry matter yield of pearl millet
was increase in with increased nitrogen and FYM. Further, the plant height at harvest
was the highest with the application of 5 t FYM ha
-1
in combination with 40 kg N ha
-1
.
An experiment was conducted for two years (2001 and 2002) at IARI, New
Delhi to evaluate the nutrient management practices on pearl millet by Kumar and
Gautam (2004). They concluded that application of FYM @ 5 t ha
-1
in conjunction with
biofertilizers (Azospirillum + PSB) and nitrogen at 30, 60 or 90 kg ha
-1
recorded
significantly higher straw yield compared to RDN (60 kg ha
-1
) and control during both
the years, moreover, plant height, tillers metre
-1
row length were also increase.
2.4.2 Yield and quality
Gill et al. (1988) conducted an experiment during rainy season at IGFRI, Jhansi
on loam soil. They reported that application of 100 kg N ha
-1
and FYM @ 5 t ha
-1

increased the green fodder yield, dry matter yield, crude protein percentage of first cut
and second cut as well as total yields of fodder sorghum.
A field experiment was conducted by Sheoran et al. (1991) during rainy season
at Hisar on sorghum and Pennisetum glaucum were inoculated with Glomus mosseae
and given 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha
-1
increased forage dry matter yield and crude
protein. A field experiment was conducted by Jadhav et al. (1994) at Pune on pearl
millet. They found that seed treatment with Azotobacter chroococcum or Azospirillum
lipoferum and application of 40 kg N ha
-1
gave the highest fodder yield.
A field experiment was conducted by Bhargava et al. (1999) at Durgapura
during kharif seasons of 1992, 1994 and 1996 to find out suitable dose of nitrogen and
FYM for pearl millet under rainfed conditions. They reported that application of 40 kg

27

N ha
-1
and 5 t FYM ha
-1
increased the stover yield during all the three years. A field
experiment was conducted by Singh and Kang (2005) to know the effect of N with or
without FYM on the herbage yield of multi-cut hybrid bajra at PAU, Ludhiana during
kharif seasons for three consecutive years from 1999- 2000 to 2001-2002. Data on green
fodder yield revealed that application of N and FYM alone or in combination produced
the significantly higher herbage yield. But the combination of N @ 150 kg ha
-1
and
FYM @ 25 t ha
-1
gave significantly higher herbage yield.
Agarwal and Kumar (1996) at CAZRI, Jodhpur reported that 80 kg N + 10 t
FYM increased the N use efficiency by the pearl millet and the status of organic carbon,
available N, P and trace elements in the soil.
A field trial was carried out by Hooda and Khippal (1998) during kharif seasons
of 1996, 1997 and 1998 at Hisar with the aim of studying the effect of integrating
different sources of nutrient in pearl millet. They found that application of FYM @ 5.0 t
ha
-1
with 40 kg N ha
-1
gave the highest fodder yield. Chellamuthu (2001) reported that
soil application of Azospirillum + Phosphobacterium as biofertilizers mixture along with
75 per cent of recommended dose of N and P fertilizers improved N and P use
efficiency.
Raj and Sangwan (2003) in their study carried out under dry land conditions in
Hisar found that content and uptake of N in pearl millet was significantly increased with
the combined application of 50 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer + 4 t FYM ha
-1

+ Seed treatment with Azotobacter. Agrawal et al. (2005) conducted an experiment at
Jabalpur during kharif seasons of 1998 and 1999, reported that the highest yield of
sorghum green fodder, dry matter and crude protein were under 150 kg N ha
-1
along
with Azospirillum inoculation.

28

2.5 ECONOMICS OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS
Shah et al. (1988) conducted an experiment during 1985 and 1986 at Sher-e-
Kashmir University of Agricultural (Shalimar) and reported that the highest net profit
Rs.7329.84 and benefit : cost ratio (2.35) were recorded when FYM and nitrogen
applied @ 10 t ha
-1
and 80 kg ha
-1
, respectively. Manohar et al. (1992) conducted an
experiment during summer season 1998 at Jobner, reported that application of N @ 90
kg ha
-1
on fodder pearl millet resulted in maximum net profit of Rs.6887.25 over 30 and
60 kg N ha
-1
.
A field trial was carried out by Hooda and Khippal (1998) during kharif seasons
of 1996, 1997 and 1998 at Hisar with the aim of studying the effect of integrating
different source of nutrient in pearl millet. They found that application of FYM @ 5.0 t
ha
-1
with N @ 40 kg ha
-1
gave the highest fodder yield with the highest net return of
Rs.6890 and Benefit : Cost Ratio (1 : 1.89). A field experiment was conducted during
the rainy seasons of 1996, 1997 and 1998 by Khan et al. (2000) on sandy loam soil at
Gwalior to determine the contribution of FYM in meeting nitrogen requirement of pearl
millet. They recorded the response of N application up to 40 kg ha
-1
. However,
combination of FYM and N found statistically at par with 40 kg N alone in terms of
yield and proved better in respect of net income and benefit : cost ratio.
Chellamuthu (2001) at TNAU, Coimbatore reported that soil application of
Azospirillum + Phosphobacterium as biofertilizer mixture (each at 2000 g ha
-1
) along
with 75 per cent of recommended dose of N and P fertilizer recorded economically
higher green and dry fodder yields. He also reported twenty five per cent saving in the
recommended dose of N and P fertilizer due to addition of biofertilizer mixture with a
higher net return of Rs.3247 and a benefit : cost ratio (1.39). Sharma and Agarwal
(2002) reported from Jhansi that seed inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum not

29

only increased the green fodder, dry matter and crude proteins yields of sorghum fodder
significantly but also recorded substantially higher gross and net return and benefit :
cost ratio as compared to control. A field experiment was conducted by Hooda et al.
(2004) during summer seasons of 2000 and 2001 on sandy loam soil HAU, Hisar
resulted that increasing level of nitrogen application upto 160 kg ha
-1
improved the
gross and net return and benefit : cost ratio.

30

III MATERIALS AND METHODS

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2007. The details of
the experimental procedure adopted, materials used and techniques implied during the
course of present investigation are described in this chapter.
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE
The field experiment was conducted on Plot No. B-10 at Agronomy
Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar
Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif season of 2007.
3.2 CLIMATE AND WEATHER CONDITION
Geographically, Sardarkrushinagar is situated at 24
o
19' North latitude and 72
o

19' East longitude with an elevation at 154.52 metres above the mean sea level,
representing the North Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone. The climate of this region is sub-
tropical. The summers are quite hot and dry. The winters are fairly cold, while the
monsoons are warm and moderately humid. The winter sets in the month of November
and continues till the middle of February. December and January are the coldest months
(Average minimum temperature is 9.0
o
C). The summer season commences by the
second fortnight of February and ends by the middle of June. April and May are the
hottest months (Average maximum temperature is 40.7
o
C) of summer. Usually, the
monsoon commences by the last week of June and retreats by middle of September.
July and August are the months of heavy precipitation. The average annual rainfall of
574.31 mm in 26 rainy days (Av. of 1998 to 2007), most of which is received during
July and August.
The meteorological data pertaining to the period of present investigation were
recorded from the meteorological observatory of the Department of Meteorology,

31

Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural
University, Sardarkrushinagar are presented in Table 3.1 and graphically depicted in.
Table 3.1 : Standard weekwise meteorological data recorded at the Meteorological
Observatory of the Department of Meteorology, C. P. College of Agriculture,
S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during crop season of 2007

Mont
h and
Year
Std.
week
Date
Temperature
(
o
C)
Relative
Humidity (%)
Bright
sunshi
ne
hours
Rainfa
ll
(mm)
Rain
y
days
Wind
veloci
ty (km
hr
-1
)
M
a
x
i
m
u
m

M
i
n
i
m
u
m

M
o
r
n
i
n
g

E
v
e
n
i
n
g

July-
2007
28 9-15 31.7 26.0 92.4 73.7 1.5 166.1 3 8.5
29 16-22 34.1 26.6 84.6 51.6 4.9 1.4 0 9.6
30 23-29 35.7 26.2 86.4 56.7 6.4 52.4 3 8.8
31 30-5 33.1 25.9 91.9 68.1 3.3 115.0 5 5.7

Aug.
-
2007
32 6-12 30.9 25.1 95.9 77.7 2.5 120.6 5 7.7
33 13-19 30.7 25.3 93.0 66.6 2.4 9.4 1 10.0
34 20-26 31.9 25.5 89.3 66.4 5.6 12.8 1 4.7
35 27-02 33.3 25.8 93.9 70.4 3.3 60.8 4 3.8

Sept.
-2007
36 3-9 33.2 25.9 93.9 66.1 5.2 29.0 3 6.1
37 10-16 33.7 25.0 88.4 49.0 8.5 0.0 0 5.6
38 17-23 36.1 25.5 87.0 48.7 8.0 0.0 0 4.2
39 24-30 34.7 24.4 86.7 38.7 6.5 12.0 1 4.6

Oct.
-2007
40 1-7 36.1 19.4 79.3 21.4 9.4 0.0 0 3.5
41 8-14 35.4 19.5 79.3 26.1 9.7 0.0 0 3.1

32

3.3 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL
From the experimental field soil samples were collected from 0 15 cm and 15
30 cm soil depths from different places randomly for physical and chemical analysis.
These samples were mixed thoroughly and composite samples were prepared for two
different depths. The values of physico-chemical properties of the soil alongwith
method of determination are presented in Table 3.2.
The data presented in Table 3.2 revealed that the soil of the experimental plot
was loamy sand in texture having pH value of 7.4 and 7.6 for 0 15 cm and 15 30 cm
depths, respectively. The soil analysis indicated that the soil was low in organic carbon
and available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and available potassium status.

33

Table 3.2 : Physical and chemical properties of experimental soil

Sr.
No.
Properties
Values at soil
depth (cm) Method employed
0-15 15-30

[A] PHYSICAL PROPERTIES :

(a) Sand (%) 86.12 85.40
International Pipette
method (Piper, 1966)
(b) Silt (%) 7.08 6.42
(c) Clay (%) 6.11 6.85

[B] CHEMICAL PROPERTIES :

(a)
Soil
(1 : 2.5, Soil : Water
Ratio)
7.4 7.6
Beckmans glass electrode
metre (Jackson, 1973)
(b)
Electrical Conductivity
(dSm
-1
)
(1 : 2.5, Soil : Water
ratio)
0.20 0.18
Schofield method
(Jackson, 1973)
(c) Organic carbon (%) 0.33 0.27
Walkley and Blacks rapid
titration method
(Jackson, 1973)
(d) Available N (kg ha
-1
) 172 160
Kjeldhal's method
(Jackson, 1973)
(e) Available P
2
O
5
(kg ha
-1
) 43 39
Olsens method
(Jackson, 1973)
(f)
Available K
2
O (kg ha
-
1
)
250 225
Flame photometer method
(Jackson, 1973)

34

3.4 CROPPING HISTORY
The cropping history of experimental plot with respect to crops taken and
fertilizers applied during previous three years is given in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3

:

Cropping history of the experimental field

Year Season Crop
Fertilizers applied (kg ha
-1
)
N P
2
O
5
K
2
O

2003-04
Kharif Clusterbean 20 40 -
Rabi Oat lucerne 20 30 -
Summer Lucerne 10 40 -

2004-05
Kharif Clusterbean 20 40 -
Rabi Fallow - - -
Summer Pearl millet 20 60 -

2005-06
Kharif Clusterbean - - -
Rabi Mustard 100 50 -
Summer Fallow - - -

2007 Kharif Experimental forage pearl millet

3.5 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS
3.5.1 Treatment details
Total twelve treatment combinations comprising of two levels of FYM, three
levels of nitrogen and two levels of biofertilizer were taken in this investigation. The
factors described as under.

35

[A] FYM levels (M) t ha
-1

(i) M
0
: 0
(ii) M
1
: 10
[B] Nitrogen levels (N) kg ha
-1

(i) N
1
: 80
(ii) N
2
: 100
(iii) N
3
: 120
[C] Biofertilizer (I)
(i) Without seed inoculation : I
0

(ii) With seed inoculation : I
1

(N.B. : Inoculation of Azospirillum brasillense)
3.5.2 Treatment combinations
The field experimental conducted with twelve treatment combinations are
described as under.
T
1
M
0
N
1
I
0
T
7
M
1
N
1
I
0
T
2
M
0
N
1
I
1
T
8
M
1
N
1
I
1

T
3
M
0
N
2
I
0
T
9
M
1
N
2
I
0
T
4
M
0
N
2
I
1
T
10
M
1
N
2
I
1

T
5
M
0
N
3
I
0
T
11
M
1
N
3
I
0
T
6
M
0
N
3
I
1
T
12
M
1
N
3
I
1

3.5.3 Design of the experiment
A randomized block design with factorial concept was employed in this study.
The treatments were replicated four times and were assigned randomly to each plot in
the replication.
3.5.4 Details of layout
[1] Total number of treatments : 12
[2] Total number of replications : 4

36

1.0 m
2
8
.
0

m

M
a
i
n

I
r
r
i
g
a
t
i
o
n

C
h
a
n
n
e
l

[3] Total number of plots : 48
[4] Plot size : Gross : 6.0 m x 3.6 m
Net : 5.0 m x 3.0 m
[5] Spacing : 30 cm between two rows
The plan of layout showing allotment of treatment is depicted in Fig. 3.2.

R-I R-III

3.6m
T
10
T
8
T
3
T
5
T
9
T
2

2.0
m

T
4
T
5
T
12
T
7
T
11
T
2

6
.
0

m

Sub-channel
Sub-channel

T
6
T
4
T
1
T
11
T
7
T
12
T
9
T
10
T
8
T
3
T
1
T
6

R-II
R-IV

2.0
m

T
3
T
9
T
10
T
6
T
5
T
2
T
6
T
3
T
12
T
4
T
11
T
9

45.2 m

37

T
11
T
7
T
12
T
8
T
1
T
4
T
10
T
8
T
5
T
2
T
7
T
1

Fig. 3.2: LAYOUT PLAN OF FIELD EXPERIMENT

3.5.5 Method of sowing : Line sowing
3.5.6 Seed rate : 12 kg ha
-1

3.6 CROP AND VARIETY
The forage pearl millet were selected and their important characteristics are
given in Table 3.4.
Table 3.4 : Important characteristics of crop/variety

Sr. No. Crop Variety Characters
1. Pearl millet AFB-2 It has been identified as promising based on its
superior performance at many locations in the
country particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It
has very good regeneration ability and can be
harvested many times. Green forage provides
higher nutritive values for milch animals like as,
higher crude protein and crude fibre content. It
can be grown in low and scanty rainfall area.
3.7 CULTURAL OPERATIONS
The calendar of the cultural operations carried out for cultivation of the
experimental crop is presented in Table 3.5.

38

Table 3.5 : Calendar of cultural operations

Sr.
No.
Field operations Date

[1] PRE-SOWING OPERATIONS :

1.
Cultivation with tractor 29-6-2007
2. Harrowing and planking 9-7-2007
3. Field lay out and preparation of plots, bunds and channels 10-7-2007
4. Opening of furrow 10-7-2007

[2] FERTILIZER APPLICATION :

1.
Basal application 11-7-2007
2. Top dressing 7-9-2007

[3] SOWING AND POST-SOWING OPERATIONS :

1.
Sowing 11-7-2007
2. Gap filling 27-7-2007
3.

Interculturing First
Second
13-8-2007
29-8-2007
4. Hand weeding : First
Second
15-8-2007
30-8-2007
5. Irrigation : First
Second
Third
17-7-2007
29-8-2007
18-9-2007

[4] HARVESTING :

First cut 6-9-2007
Second cut 10-10-2007

39

3.7.1 Preparations of land and layout
The field was cross-cultivated with tractor drawn cultivator and finally land was
levelled by one harrowing followed by planking. The layout of experiment was carried
out according to the design of experiment.
3.7.2. Application of fertilizer and manuring
The required quantity of well decomposed and powdered FYM @ 10 t ha
-1
was
applied by broadcasting in each replication according to treatments before sowing of
pearl millet crop; it was thoroughly mixed with the soil. Then furrows were opened at
30 cm apart for basal application of fertilizer and sowing.
Nitrogen as per treatment was applied through urea in two equal doses. Fifty per
cent nitrogen was applied as basal and remaining half dose of nitrogen applied just after
first cutting.
3.7.3 Seed treatment
The required quantity of healthy pearl millet seeds was inoculated as per the
treatment with Azospirillum brasillense culture.
3.7.4 Seeds and sowing
The seed rate was kept @ 12 kg ha
-1
for forage pearl millet. The healthy seeds of
this crop were selected and used for sowing purpose. The seeds were sown on 11
th
July
by hand in previously fertilized furrow in each plot to a depth 3-4 cm.
3.7.5 Gap filling and thinning
The gap filling was done after two weeks of sowing and thinning was carried out
at the time of gap filling.
3.7.6 Interculturing and weeding
For the control of weeds and proper aeration, two interculturing and two hand
weeding were carried out.

40

3.7.7 Plant protection measures
The crop was not affected by any pest and disease. Therefore, there was no
requirement of any plant protection measures.
3.7.8 Irrigation
The irrigation was applied only when the crop attained stress condition due to
prolonged dry spell. The crops were irrigated with three life saving irrigations.
3.7.9 Harvesting
The experimental crop was raised for the purpose of forage production. So that
two cuttings were taken. The first cut was taken at 55 DAS or just after 50 per cent
flowering and the second cut was taken at 33 days after first cut. Normally, the plants
were cut leaving stubble height about 5 cm from ground level. The green forage
harvested from each net plot was weighed and recorded plot wise yield.

3.8 BIOMETRIC OBSERVATIONS
The details of the techniques employed for recording observations for various
growth and yield attributing characters during the course of investigation which are
listed in Table 3.6. The details regarding the biometric observations are given as under.
Table 3.6 : Biometric observations

Sr.
No.
Characters Sample size
Time of
recording

[A] GROWTH PARAMETERS :

1. Plant population One metre row length of
three rows in net plot
At each cut
2. Plant height (cm)
Five plants per net plot At each cut
3.
Numbers of tillers per plant
4.
Numbers of leaves per plant
5.
Leaf : stem ratio

41

6.
Leaf length
7.
Leaf width

[B] YIELDS

1. Green forage yield
Net plot At each cut
2. Dry matter yield
Net plot At each cut

[C] BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES :
1. Crude protein content
2. Crude fibre content

[D] SOIL STATUS AFTER HARVESTING THE CROP :

1. Organic carbon
2. Available Nitrogen
3. Available Phosphorus

3.1.1 Growth parameters
3.8.1.1 Final plant population
The final plant population was recorded at each cut. This was done by the
number of plants per meter row length counted from three randomly spots in each net
plot and the average was worked out.
3.8.1.2 Plant height
The plant height was measured from base of the plant to the tip of the plant at
each cut. The average of five plants from each net plot of forage pearl millet was
considered as average plant height.
3.8.1.3 Number of tillers per plant
Number of tillers per plant was counted from five randomly selected plants in
each net plot. The average of five plants of forage pearl millet was considered as
average number of tillers per plant.

42

3.8.1.4 Number of leaves per plant
Number of leaves per plant was recorded from five randomly selected plants in
each net plot at each cut. The average of five plants of forage pearl millet was
considered as average number of leaves per plant.
3.8.1.5 Leaf : stem ratio
A sample of five fresh plants was taken from each treatment and all leafy
portions of the plants were stripped off from the plant. The leaf portion and stem portion
were weighed in gram and the ratio of leaf to stem was worked out based on leafy
weight to stem weight of sample at each cut.
Leaf : stem ratio =
Leaf weight (g)

Stem weight (g)

3.8.1.6 Leaf length
The leaf length was measured from base of stem of the plant at each cut. The
average of five plants from each net plot and was considered as average leaf length.
3.8.1.7 Leaf width
The leaf width was measured from base of the leaf at each cut. The average of
five plants from each net plot was considered as average leaf width.
3.8.2 Yield
3.8.2.1 Green forage yield
The plants from ring area of each plot were harvested first separately and
collected. Then, the plants from the net plot were cut leaving stubble height about 5 cm
from ground level and the fresh weight was recorded in kg for each treatment
separately and converted in to quintal per hectare at each cut.
3.8.2.2 Dry matter yield
The green plant sample from each net plot was randomly collected for each
treatment and weighed the sample of 500 g. Thereafter, samples were cut into small

43

pieces, samples were sun dried first and then oven dried at 70
o
C for 24 hours to obtain a
constant weight. The dry matter yield in quintal per hectare was calculated on the basis
of dry weight of the sample for each treatment at each cut.
3.9 BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES
3.9.1 Crude protein content
The quality of the forage is judged by its protein content. The oven dried plant
samples first grind with the help of mechanical grinder and powdered samples were
taken from each cut for determination of crude protein content in forage. Nitrogen
percentage was estimated by using modified Kjeldhal's method (Jackson, 1973).
Nitrogen per cent was multiplied by factor 6.25 (Cullison, 1978) to obtain the protein
content and was expressed as percentage on dry weight basis.
3.9.2 Crude fibre content
Crude fibre content of the plant sample was estimated by using modified method
described by Singh and Pradhan (1981) at each cut and expressed as percentage on dry
weight basis.

Crude fibre (%) =
(Weight of silica crucible
with over dry residue)

(Weight of silica
crucible with Ash)
X 100
Weight of sample taken

3.10 SOIL ANALYSIS
Chemical analysis of soil samples was done with a view to study the effect of
different treatments on available nutrient status of the soil. Representative soil samples
from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths were collected from each net plot for estimation of
organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorus after harvest of the crop.

44

3.11 ECONOMICS
3.11.1 Gross and net realization
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of individual treatment the relative
economics of each treatment was worked out in term of profit so that the most effective
and remunerative treatment could be identified.
The gross realization in terms of rupees per hectare was worked out based on
forage yield of pearl millet for each treatment and prevailing market price. The total
cost of cultivation of the forage crop for each treatment was worked out by considering
the expenses incurred for all cultural and mechanical operations as well as cost of
various inputs. The net realization was worked out by deducting the cost of cultivation
from the gross realization for the respective treatments.
3.11.2 Benefit : Cost ratio
The Benefit : Cost Ratio (BCR) was calculated as the ratio of net realization to
total cost of cultivation by using the following formula.
BCR =
Net realization (Rs.)

Total cost of cultivation (Rs.)

3.12 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The data collected on various characters studied in present investigation were
statistically analysed with the help of computer by using appropriate programme for the
design of experiment as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1967).
The test of significance of results at five per cent level of significance was used
and the same are presented in respective tables.

45

IV EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Results of the present investigation entitled EFFECT OF FYM, NITROGEN
LEVELS AND BIOFERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF
FORAGE PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.) UNDER NORTH GUJARAT
AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS conducted during kharif season of 2007 at
Agronomy Instructional farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture,
Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar are presented
in this chapter. The results pertaining to the growth parameters, yield, quality and soil
status were subjected to statistical analysis in order to test of significance of the results.
The analysis of variance for treatment evaluation has been given in the Appendices.
4.1 GROWTH PARAMETERS
4.1.1 Final plant population
The data regarding the effect of FYM, nitrogen, Azospirillum inoculation on
interaction on plant population recorded during both the cuts are presented in Table 4.1.
Effect of FYM
Effect of different levels of FYM in number of plants per metre row length was
non-significant at both cuts.
Effect of Nitrogen
Application of different levels of nitrogen did not exert any significant influence
on number of plants per metre row length indicating that application of nitrogen had no
adverse effect on germination of the pearl millet seeds at both cuts.
Effect of Azospirillum inoculation
Inoculation of pearl millet seeds with Azospirillum culture had non-significant
effect on number of plants per metre row length at both cuts.

46

Effect of interaction
Interaction effects among all the factors were found non-significant during 1
st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.1.2 Plant height
The data regarding the effect of FYM, nitrogen, Azospirillum inoculation and
interaction on plant height recorded during both cuts are presented in Table 4.2 and
graphically illustrated in Fig. 4.1 and their analysis of variance are presented in
Appendix-I.
Effect of FYM
The results presented in Table 4.2 showed that application of 10 t FYM ha
-1

recorded significantly the highest plant height (164.24 cm) as compared to control
(151.54 cm) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
cut, application of 10 t FYM recorded significantly the highest plant
height (149.87 cm) as compared to control (137.91 cm).
Effect of Nitrogen
The results presented in Table 4.2 showed that increasing levels of nitrogen from
80 to 100 kg ha
-1
significantly increased the plant height. The highest plant height
(168.45 cm) was recorded with 120 kg N ha
-1
but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
.
Whereas, the shortest plant height (140.25 cm) was recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
during
1
st
cut.
The effect of nitrogen was also significant on plant height during 2
nd
cut.
-1
recorded higher plant height (150.64 cm), but it was at par
with 100 kg N ha
-1
. Whereas, the shortest plant (133.54 cm) was produced with 80 kg N
ha
-1
.

47

The perusal of data presented in Table 4.2 revealed that pearl millet seed
inoculation with Azospirillum culture had marked effect on plant height (162.85 cm)
during 1
st
cut as compared to without inoculation (152.94 cm).
During 2
nd
cut, pearl millet seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture recorded
significantly the highest plant height (148.69 cm), as compared to without inoculation
(139.10 cm).
st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.1.3 Number of tillers per plant
interaction on number of tillers per plant recorded during both the cuts are presented in
Table 4.3 and their analysis of variance are presented in Appendix I.

Effect of FYM
-1
produced significantly higher number of tillers per plant (6.66) as compared to control
(6.09) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
cut, application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
recorded significantly higher
number of tillers per plant (8.70) as compared to control (8.01).

48

Effect of Nitrogen
80 to 100 kg ha
-1
significantly increased the numbers of tillers per plant during both the
cuts.
The results revealed that application of 120 kg N ha
-1
recorded higher number of
tillers per plant (7.05), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
and 80 kg N ha
-1
recorded
the lowest number of tillers per plant (5.13).
During 2
nd
cut, application of 120 kg N ha
-1
recorded higher number of tillers
per plant (9.10), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
and 80 kg N ha
-1
recorded the
lowest number of tillers per plant (7.05).
The results presented in Table 4.3 showed that pearl millet seed inoculation with
Azospirillum culture had significant effect on number of tillers per plant during 1
st
cut.
The seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture recorded significantly the highest
number of tillers per plant (6.59) as compared to without inoculation (6.16) during 1
st

cut.
During the 2
nd
cut, pearl millet seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture had no
significant effect on number of tillers per plant.
st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.1.4 Number of leaves per plant
interaction on number of leaves per plant recorded during both cuts are presented in
Table 4.4 and their analysis of variance are presented in Appendix II.

49

Effect of FYM
-1

recorded significantly higher number of leaves per plant (10.75) as compared to control
(9.83) during 1
st
cut.
Application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
recorded significantly the highest number of
leaves per plant (10.52) as compared to control (9.63) during 2
nd
cut.
Effect of Nitrogen
The results presented in Table 4.4 revealed that various levels of nitrogen had
significant effect on number of leaves per plant during both the cuts. During 1
st
cut,
-1
recorded significantly higher number of leaves per plant
(10.75), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
.
During 2
nd
-1
recorded significantly higher
number of leaves per plant (10.51), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
, whereas,
significantly the lowest number of leaves per plant (9.56) was produced under 80 kg N
ha
-1
.
The results presented in Table 4.4 showed that pearl millet seeds inoculation
with Azospirillum culture recorded significantly higher number of leaves per plant
(10.64) as compared to without inoculation (9.94) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
cut, pearl millet seeds inoculation with Azospirillum culture had non-
significant effect on number of leaves per plant.
st

and 2
nd
cuts.

50

4.1.5 Leaf : stem ratio
interaction on leaf : stem ratio are presented in Table 4.5 and their analysis of variance
are given in Appendix II.
Effect of FYM
The results presented in Table 4.5 showed that leaf : stem ratio was significantly
influenced by FYM. During 1
st
-1
recorded significantly
higher leaf : stem ratio (0.75) as compared to control (0.69).
During 2
nd
-1
recorded significantly the highest
leaf : stem ratio (0.68) as compared to control (0.62).
Effect of Nitrogen
An appraisal of data Table 4.5 revealed that the effect of various levels of
nitrogen on leaf : stem ratio was significant in both cuts. In 1
st
cut, the leaf : stem ratio
(0.79) was observed under 120 kg N ha
-1
, but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
(0.76) and
both treatments gave significantly higher leaf : stem ratio than 80 kg N ha
-1
(0.61).
Whereas, in 2
nd
-1
recorded higher leaf : stem
ratio (0.71), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
and both treatments gave significantly
higher leaf : stem ratio than 80 kg N ha
-1
(0.55).
The data presented in Table 4.5 showed that the effect of pearl millet seeds
inoculation with Azospirillum culture had marked effect on leaf : stem ratio during 1
st

cut. Significantly the highest leaf : stem ratio (0.74) was recorded in seed inoculation
with Azospirillum culture, as compared to without inoculation (0.70).

51

During 2
nd
cut, pearl millet seeds inoculation with Azospirillum culture recorded
significantly the highest leaf : stem ratio (0.67) as compared to without inoculation
(0.63).
st

and 2
nd
cuts.

4.1.6 Leaf width
interaction on leaf width recorded during both the cuts are presented in Table 4.6 and
their analysis of variance are presented in Appendix II.
Effect of FYM
-1

recorded significantly higher leaf width (2.81 cm) as compared to control (2.59 cm)
during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
-1
leaf width (3.00 cm) as compared to control (2.74 cm).
Effect of Nitrogen
80 to 120 kg ha
-1
increased the leaf width during both cuts. Application of 120 kg N ha
-1

recorded higher leaf width (2.90 cm), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
, and both
treatments gave significantly higher leaf width than 80 kg N ha
-1
(2.42 cm) during 1
st

cut.

52

During 2
nd
-1
recorded higher leaf width (3.07
cm), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
and both treatments gave significantly higher
leaf width than 80 kg N ha
-1
(2.60 cm).
The data concerning the leaf width presented in Table 4.6 indicated that pearl
millet seeds inoculation with Azospirillum culture had significant effect during 1
st
cut.
The pearl millet seeds inoculation with Azospirillum culture produced significantly the
highest leaf width (2.79 cm), as compared to without inoculation (2.61 cm).
Whereas, during 2
nd
cut, pearl millet seeds inoculation with Azospirillum culture
had non significant effect on leaf width.
st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.1.7 Leaf length
interaction on leaf length recorded during both cuts are presented in Table 4.7 and their
analysis of variance are presented in Appendix II.
Effect of FYM
-1

recorded significantly the highest leaf length of (71.97 cm) as compared to control
(66.27 cm) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
-1
leaf width (72.24 cm) as compared to control (66.51 cm).

53

Effect of Nitrogen
80 to 120 kg ha
-1
increased the leaf length during both the cuts. During 1
st
cut,
-1
recorded higher leaf length (75.24 cm), but it was at par
with 100 kg N ha
-1
and both treatments gave significantly higher leaf length than 80 kg
N ha
-1
(60.18 cm).
The effect of nitrogen also significant in 2
nd
-1

recorded higher leaf length (75.45 cm), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
and both
higher levels of N gave significantly higher leaf length than lower level of N i.e. 80 kg
ha
-1
(60.42 cm).
with Azospirillum culture had beneficial effect on leaf length during 1
st
cut.
Significantly the highest leaf length (71.38 cm) was recorded in pearl millet seeds
inoculation with Azospirillum culture as compared to without inoculation (66.87 cm).
Whereas, during 2
nd
cut, pearl millet seeds inoculation with Azospirillum culture
had non-significant effect on leaf length.
st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.2 YIELDS
4.2.1 Green forage yield
interaction on green forage yield recorded at each cut as well as total of both cuts are

54

presented in Table 4.8 and graphically illustrated in Fig. 4.2. The analysis of variance
are presented in Appendix III.
Effect of FYM
The results presented in Table 4.8 showed that green forage yield (247.42 q ha
-1
)
was recorded significantly higher with 10 t FYM ha
-1
as compared to control (230.72 q
ha
-1
) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
-1
green forage yield (229.22 q ha
-1
) as compared to control (213.70 q ha
-1
).
Similarly, in total green forage yield of both the cuts, application of 10 t FYM
ha
-1
produced significantly the highest green forage yield (476.64 q ha
-1
) as compared to
control (444.42 q ha
-1
).
Effect of Nitrogen
The results presented in Table 4.8 showed that increasing level of nitrogen up to
100 kg ha
-1
significantly increased green forage yield during each cut and in total of
both cuts.
During 1
st
-1
produced maximum green forage
yield (248.49 q ha
-1
). However, it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
. Significantly lower
green forage yield was recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
(220.58 q ha
-1
).
During 2
nd
-1
produced the highest green forage
yield (231.85 q ha
-1
), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
and both these levels gave
significantly higher green forage yield than 80 kg N ha
-1
(201.41 q ha
-1
).
In total green forage yield of both the cuts, application of 120 kg N ha
-1

produced the highest green forage yield (480.34 q ha
-1
), but it was at par with 100 kg N
ha
-1
, whereas, the lowest green forage yield (421.99 q ha
-1
) was recorded under 80 kg N
ha
-1
.

55

with Azospirillum culture recorded significantly higher green forage yield (246.13 q ha
-
1
) as compared to without inoculation (232.01q ha
-1
) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
significantly the highest green forage yield (227.92 q ha
-1
), as compared to without
inoculation (215.00 q ha
-1
).
Likewise, in total green forage yield of both the cuts, significantly higher green
forage yield (474.05 q ha
-1
) with pearl millet seeds were recorded in inoculation with
Azospirillum culture as compared to without inoculation (447.01 q ha
-1
).
st

and 2
nd
cuts and total of both cuts.
4.2.2 Dry matter yield
interaction on dry matter yield recorded at both cuts as well as total of both cuts are
presented in Table 4.9. The analysis of variance are presented in Appendix III.
Effect of FYM
The results presented in Table 4.9 showed that dry matter yield with
10 t FYM ha
-1
recorded significantly higher dry matter yield (46.74 q ha
-1
) as compared
to no FYM (43.58 q ha
-1
) during 1
st
cut.
Whereas, during 2
nd
-1
recorded significantly the
highest dry matter yield (43.49 q ha
-1
) as compared to no FYM (40.54 q ha
-1
).
Similarly, in total dry matter yield of both the cuts, application of
10 t FYM ha
-1
produced significantly higher dry matter yield (90.23 q ha
-1
) as compared
to no FYM (84.12 q ha
-1
).

56

Effect of Nitrogen
The results presented in Table 4.9 showed that increasing levels of nitrogen upto
120 kg N ha
-1
increased the dry mater yield during each cut and total of both cuts.
The higher dry matter yield (47.11 q ha
-1
) was recorded with 120 kg N ha
-1
, but
it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
, whereas, significantly the lowest dry matter yield
(41.39 q ha
-1
) recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
-1
recorded higher dry matter yield
(44.01 q ha
-1
-1
. Significantly the lowest dry
mater yield (38.14 q ha
-1
-1
.
In total dry matter yield, application of 120 kg N ha
-1
recorded the higher dry
matter yield (91.12 q ha
-1
-1
. Whereas,
significantly the lowest dry matter yield (79.53 q ha
-1
-1
.
The results presented in Table 4.9 showed that the pearl millet seeds inoculation
with Azospirillum culture recorded significantly the highest dry matter yield (46.49 q
ha
-1
) as compared to without inoculation (43.82 q ha
-1
) during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
significantly the highest dry matter yield (43.25 q ha
-1
) as compared to without
-1
). Similarly, in total dry matter yield of both the cuts it was
recorded significantly higher dry matter yield (89.74 q ha
-1
) as compared to without
-1
).
st

and 2
nd
cuts and total of both cuts.

57

4.3 BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES
4.3.1 Crude protein content
The data related to cutwise crude protein content as affected by FYM, nitrogen,
Azospirillum inoculation and interaction are given in Table 4.10 and the analysis of
variance are presented in Appendix III.
Effect of FYM
-1

recorded significantly the highest crude protein content (9.71 %) as compared to control
(8.89 %) during 1
st
cut.

During 2
nd
-1
recorded significantly higher crude
protein content (9.62 %) as compared to control (8.86 %).
Effect of Nitrogen
The results presented in Table 4.10 showed that increasing levels of nitrogen
from 80 to 120 kg ha
-1
increased the crude protein content during both the cuts.
The results revealed that application of 120 kg N ha
-1
recorded higher crude
protein content (10.02 %), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
. Whereas, significantly
the lowest crude protein content (8.29 %) recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
during 1
st
cut.
During 2
nd
-1
recorded higher crude protein
content (9.98 %), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
.Whereas, significantly the lowest
crude protein content (8.21 %) recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
.
The results presented in Table 4.10 showed that inoculation of pearl millet seeds
with Azospirillum culture had non-significant effect on crude protein content during
both the cuts.

58

st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.3.2 Crude fibre content
The data related to cutwise crude fibre content as affected by FYM, nitrogen,
Azospirillum inoculation and interaction are given in Table 4.11 and the analysis of
variance are presented in Appendix III.
Effect of FYM
The results presented in Table 4.11 showed that increasing the levels of FYM
decreased the crude fibre content. Application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
had non significant
effect on crude fibre content during 1
st
cut.
Whereas, during 2
nd
cut, control produced higher crude fibre content (32.73 %),
but it was at par with 10 t FYM ha
-1
(31.04 %).
Effect of Nitrogen
A perusal of data presented in Table 4.11 indicated that the crude fibre content
in both cuts was decreased with each successive increase in levels of nitrogen from 80
to 120 kg ha
-1
.Significantly the lowest crude fibre content was recorded under 120 kg N
ha
-1
which was 30.03 and 30.12 per cent and in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts, respectively, but it was
at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
in 1
st
cut.

Whereas, the higher crude fibre content was recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1

which was (32.97 %) and (33.13 %) in 1
st
and 2
nd
cut, respectively, but it was at par
with 100 kg N ha
-1
.

59

The results presented in Table 4.11 revealed that inoculation of pearl millet
seeds with Azospirillum culture failed to exert their beneficial effect on crude fibre
content in both cuts.
st

and 2
nd
cuts.
4.4 SOIL FERTILITY STATUS
The composite soil samples were collected from the experimental plot after
harvest of forage pearl millet and chemical analysis was carried out.
4.4.1 Organic carbon
The data pertaining to the effect of FYM, nitrogen, Azospirillum inoculation and
interaction on organic carbon in soil (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths) are presented in
Table 4.12 and their analysis of variance are given in Appendix IV.
Effect of FYM
The results presented in Table 4.12 showed that application of FYM increased
organic carbon (%) in soil after harvesting the crop. Significantly higher (0.33 %) and
the lower (0.29 %) organic carbon in 0-15 cm soil depth was recorded with 10 and 0 t
FYM ha
-1
, respectively.
Similar trend was also observed with respect to organic carbon status in 15-30
cm soil depth. The corresponding values were (0.23 and 0.20 %) for 10 and 0 t FYM ha
-
1
, respectively.
Effect of Nitrogen
The data pertaining in Table 4.12 showed that nitrogen levels helped in
increasing organic carbon of soil after harvesting of crop. Organic carbon of soil

60

increased with each successive level of applied nitrogen. The highest organic carbon
(0.34 %) was recorded with 120 kg N ha
-1
but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
. The
lowest organic carbon (0.28 %) in 0-15 cm soil depth was recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
.
Similar trend was also observed with respect to organic carbon in 15-30 cm soil
depth. The higher organic carbon (0.23 %) recorded with 120 kg N ha
-1
but it was at par
with 100 kg N ha
-1
and the lowest value (0.19 %) recorded with 80 kg N ha
-1
.
Data shown in Table 4.12 indicated that the effect of Azospirillum culture on
organic carbon in 0-15 cm soil depth after harvesting of crop was found significant. The
inoculation with Azospirillum culture gave higher organic carbon in soil (0.32 %), but it
was at par with control.
Significant response was observed on organic carbon status in 15-30 cm soil
depth Azospirillum culture gave significantly higher organic carbon (0.22 %) in soil
than control (0.20 %).

Interaction effects among all the factors were found non-significant during 0-15
and 15-30 cm soil depths.
4.4.2 Available nitrogen
The data pertaining to the effect of FYM, nitrogen, Azospirillum inoculation and
interaction on available nitrogen in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) are presented in
Table 4.13 and their analysis of variance are given in Appendix IV.

61

Effect of FYM
The results (Table 4.13) showed that the effect of FYM on available nitrogen
was significant. The application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
gave higher available nitrogen in soil
(168.25 kg ha
-1
) than no FYM (155.08 kg ha
-1
).
Significant response was also observed on available nitrogen status in 15-30 cm
soil depth. The application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
recorded higher value for available
nitrogen (121.19 kg ha
-1
) than no FYM (111.87 kg ha
-1
).
Effect of Nitrogen
The results pertaining in Table 4.13 showed that nitrogen levels help in
increasing available nitrogen status of soil after harvesting the crop. Available nitrogen
of soil increased with each successive increase in level of applied nitrogen. Significantly
the highest (175.03 kg ha
-1
) and the lowest (147.39 kg ha
-1
) available nitrogen in 0-15
cm soil depth were recorded with 120 and 80 kg N ha
-1
, respectively.
Similar trend was also observed with respect to available nitrogen status in 15-
30 cm soil depth. The corresponding values were 106.07, 117.54 and 125.98 kg N ha
-
1
for 80, 100 and 120 kg N ha
-1
, respectively.
The data shown in Table 4.13 indicated that the effect of Azospirillum culture
on available nitrogen in 0-15 cm soil depth after harvesting the crop was found
significant. The inoculation with Azospirillum culture gave higher available nitrogen in
soil (167.27 kg ha
-1
) than without inoculation (156.06 kg ha
-1
).
Significant response was also observed on available nitrogen status in
15-30 cm soil depth and inoculation with Azospirillum culture gave significantly higher
available nitrogen in soil (120.57 kg ha
-1
) than without inoculation (112.49 kg ha
-1
).

62

4.4.3 Available phosphorus
The results pertaining to the effect of FYM, nitrogen, Azospirillum inoculation
and interaction on available phosphorus status of soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) are
presented in Table 4.14 and their analysis of variance are given in Appendix IV.
Effect of FYM
It was observed from the data given in Table 4.14 that the application of FYM
helped in increasing available phosphorus status in soil after harvesting the crop.
Significantly the highest (47.72 kg ha
-1
) and the lowest (43.66 kg ha
-1
) available
phosphorus in 0-15 cm soil depth was recorded with 10 t FYM ha
-1
and no FYM,
respectively.
Effect of Nitrogen
A perusal of data given in Table 4.14 revealed that the different levels of
nitrogen failed to exert any significant effect on available phosphorus status (0-
15 and 15-30 cm depths) of soil after harvest. However, available phosphorus status in
soil increased with increasing nitrogen levels.
It was observed from the data given in Table 4.14 that inoculation of
Azospirillum culture did not significantly change the available phosphorus status (0-15
and 15-30 cm depths) of soil after harvesting the crop.

63

4.5 ECONOMICS
The details of the income and expenditure along with net realization under
individual treatment and net realization under different treatment combinations are
presented in Table 4.15 and 4.16, respectively. Cost of cultivation was also worked out
and furnished in Appendix V and net realization is graphically illustrated in Fig. 4.3
Effect of FYM
The data presented in Table 4.15 indicated that the application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
obtained the higher net realization of Rs.26586 ha
-1
followed by no FYM Rs.25225 ha
-1

Effect of Nitrogen
The data presented in Table 4.15 revealed that net realization increased with
increasing levels of nitrogen up to 100 kg ha
-1
. Application of 100 kg N ha
-1
obtained
Rs.27300 ha
-1
followed by 120 kg N ha
-1
Rs.27274 ha
-1
.

The data presented in Table 4.15 indicated that in respect of pearl millet seed
inoculation with Azospirillum inoculation recorded the higher net realization of
Rs.27405 ha
-1
followed by without inoculation Rs.25419 ha
-1
.
Effect of treatment combinations
An appraisal of data presented in Table 4.16 indicated that the application of 10 t
FYM ha
-1
and fertilized with 100 kg N ha
-1
and treated with Azospirillum inoculation
(M
1
N
2
I
1
) obtained the maximum net realization Rs.29285 ha
-1
followed by Rs.29204 ha
-

64

1
obtained from 10 t FYM with 120 kg N ha
-1
and pearl millet seed inoculation with
Azospirillum culture (M
1
N
3
I
1
)

Table 4.1

:

Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on final plant
population per metre row length

Treatment
Plant population
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 16.41 15.70
M
1
: 10 16.65 15.88
S.Em. 0.28 0.26
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 16.32 15.70
N
2
: 100 16.50 15.78
N
3
: 120 16.76 15.89
S.Em. 0.34 0.31
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
Azospirillum inoculation
I
0
: Without inoculation 16.36 15.65
I
1
: With inoculation 16.69 15.93
S.Em. 0.28 0.26
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
C.V. % 8.19 7.98
Significant interaction - -

65

Table 4.2

:

Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on plant height

Treatment
Plant height (cm)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 151.54 137.91
M
1
: 10 164.24 149.87
S.Em. 2.83 2.49
C.D. at 5 % 8.14 7.17
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 140.25 133.54
N
2
: 100 164.98 147.50
N
3
: 120 168.45 150.64
S.Em. 3.47 3.05
C.D. at 5 % 9.97 8.78
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 2.83 2.49
C.D. at 5 % 8.14 7.17
C.V. % 8.78 8.48

66

Table 4.3 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on number of
tillers per plant

Treatment
Tillers per plant
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 6.09 8.01
M
1
: 10 6.66 8.70
S.Em. 0.11 0.15
C.D. at 5 % 0.32 0.43
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 5.13 7.05
N
2
: 100 6.94 8.91
N
3
: 120 7.05 9.10
S.Em. 0.13 0.18
C.D. at 5 % 0.39 0.53
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.11 0.15
C.D. at 5 % 0.32 NS
C.V. % 8.43 8.85

67

Table 4.4 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on number of
leaves per plant

Treatment
Number of leaves per plant
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 9.83 9.63
M
1
: 10 10.75 10.52
S.Em. 0.20 0.17
C.D. at 5 % 0.59 0.48
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 9.75 9.56
N
2
: 100 10.37 10.16
N
3
: 120 10.75 10.51
S.Em. 0.25 0.20
C.D. at 5 % 0.72 0.59
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.20 0.17
C.D. at 5 % 0.59 NS
C.V. % 9.72 8.11

68

Table 4.5 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on leaf :
stem ratio

Treatment
Leaf : stem ratio
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 0.69 0.62
M
1
: 10 0.75 0.68
S.Em. 0.01 0.01
C.D. at 5 % 0.04 0.03
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 0.61 0.55
N
2
: 100 0.76 0.69
N
3
: 120 0.79 0.71
S.Em. 0.02 0.01
C.D. at 5 % 0.05 0.04
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.01 0.01
C.D. at 5 % 0.04 0.03
C.V. % 9.89 8.44

69

Table 4.6 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on leaf width

Treatment
Leaf width (cm)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 2.59 2.74
M
1
: 10 2.81 3.00
S.Em. 0.05 0.05
C.D. at 5 % 0.15 0.14
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 2.42 2.60
N
2
: 100 2.78 2.94
N
3
: 120 2.90 3.07
S.Em. 0.07 0.06
C.D. at 5 % 0.19 0.18
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.05 0.05
C.D. at 5 % 0.15 NS
C.V. % 9.77 8.57

70

Table 4.7 :

Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on leaf length

Treatment
Leaf length (cm)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 66.27 66.51
M
1
: 10 71.97 72.24
S.Em. 1.38 1.18
C.D. at 5 % 3.96 3.40
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 60.18 60.42
N
2
: 100 71.95 72.26
N
3
: 120 75.24 75.45
S.Em. 1.69 1.45
C.D. at 5 % 4.85 4.16
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 1.38 1.18
C.D. at 5 % 3.96 NS
C.V. % 9.76 8.35

71

Table 4.8 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on green
forage yield

Treatment
Green forage yield (q ha
-1
)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut Total
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 230.72 213.70 444.42
M
1
: 10 247.42 229.22 476.64
S.Em. 4.88 4.26 8.44
C.D. at 5 % 14.05 12.27 24.28
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 220.58 201.41 421.99
N
2
: 100 248.14 231.12 479.26
N
3
: 120 248.49 231.85 480.34
S.Em. 5. 98 5.22 10.33
C.D. at 5 % 17.21 15.03 29.73
I
0
: Without inoculation 232.01 215.00 447.01
I
1
: With inoculation 246.13 227.92 474.05
S.Em. 4.88 4.26 8.44
C.D. at 5 % 14.05 12.27 24.28
C.V. % 10.01 9.43 8.98
Significant interaction - - -

72

Table 4.9 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on dry matter
yield

Treatment
Dry matter yield (q ha
-1
)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut Total
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 43.58 40.54 84.12
M
1
: 10 46.74 43.49 90.23
S.Em. 0.92 0.85 1.57
C.D. at 5 % 2.66 2.44 4.53
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 41.39 38.14 79.53
N
2
: 100 46.97 43.89 90.86
N
3
: 120 47.11 44.01 91.12
S.Em. 1.13 1.04 1.93
C.D. at 5 % 3.26 2.99 5.55
I
0
: Without inoculation 43.82 40.77 84.59
I
1
: With inoculation 46.49 43.25 89.74
S.Em. 0.92 0.85 1.57
C.D. at 5 % 2.66 2.44 4.53
C.V. % 10.03 9.88 8.85
Significant interaction - - -

73

Table 4.10 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on crude
protein content

Treatment
Crude protein content (%)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 8.89 8.86
M
1
: 10 9.71 9.62
S.Em. 0.17 0.16
C.D. at 5 % 0.49 0.47
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 8.29 8.21
N
2
: 100 9.58 9.52
N
3
: 120 10.02 9.98
S.Em. 0.21 0.20
C.D. at 5 % 0.60 0.57
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.17 0.16
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
C.V. % 8.95 8.60

74

Table 4.11 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on crude
fibre content

Treatment
Crude fibre content (%)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 32.26 32.73
M
1
: 10 30.83 31.04
S.Em. 0.52 0.57
C.D. at 5 % NS 1.65
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 32.97 33.13
N
2
: 100 31.63 32.39
N
3
: 120 30.03 30.12
S.Em. 0.64 0.70
C.D. at 5 % 1.83 2.02
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.52 0.57
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
C.V. % 8.06 8.81

75

Table 4.12 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on organic
carbon in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) after harvest of crop

Treatment
Organic carbon in soil (%)
0-15 (cm) depth 15-30 (cm) depth
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 0.29 0.20
M
1
: 10 0.33 0.23
S.Em. 0.01 0.004
C.D. at 5 % 0.02 0.011
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 0.28 0.19
N
2
: 100 0.32 0.22
N
3
: 120 0.34 0.23
S.Em. 0.01 0.005
C.D. at 5 % 0.02 0.013
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.01 0.004
C.D. at 5 % 0.02 0.011
C.V. % 8.58 8.41

76

Table 4.13 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on
available nitrogen in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) after harvest
of crop

Treatment
Available nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 155.08 111.87
M
1
: 10 168.25 121.19
S.Em. 3.20 2.17
C.D. at 5 % 9.20 6.24
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 147.39 106.07
N
2
: 100 162.58 117.54
N
3
: 120 175.03 125.98
S.Em. 3.91 2.66
C.D. at 5 % 11.26 7.64
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 3.20 2.17
C.D. at 5 % 9.20 6.24
C.V. % 9.68 9.12

77

Table 4.14 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on
available phosphorus in soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm depths) after
harvest of crop

Treatment
Available phosphorus (kg ha
-1
)
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 43.66 40.45
M
1
: 10 47.72 44.20
S.Em. 0.72 0.66
C.D. at 5 % 2.06 1.90
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 44.38 41.25
N
2
: 100 46.12 42.71
N
3
: 120 46.57 43.02
S.Em. 0.88 0.81
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
I
0
I
1
S.Em. 0.72 0.66
C.D. at 5 % NS NS
C.V. % 7.69 7.62

78

Table 4.15 : Effect of FYM, nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation on total
green forage yield, gross realization, net realization and benefit :
cost ratio

Treatment
Total green
forage
yield (q
ha
-1
)
Total gross
realization
(Rs. ha
-1
)
Cost of
cultivation
(Rs. ha
-1
)
Net
realization
(Rs. ha
-1
)
Benefit :
Cost Ratio
(BCR)
FYM (t ha
-1
)
M
0
: 0 444.42 33332 8107 25225 3.11
M
1
: 10 476.64 35748 9162 26586 2.90
Nitrogen (kg ha
-1
)
N
1
: 80 421.99 31649 8537 23112 2.70
N
2
: 100 479.26 35945 8645 27300 3.15
N
3
: 120 480.34 36026 8752 27274 3.11
I
0
: Without
inoculation
447.01 33526 8107 25419 3.13
I
1
: With
inoculation
474.05 35554 8149 27405 3.36

79

Table 4.16

:

Economics of treatment combinations

Treatment
No.
Treatment
Total
green
forage
yield
(q ha
-1
)
Gross
realization
(Rs. ha
-1
)
Cost of
cultivation
(Rs. ha
-1
)
Net
realization
(Rs. ha
-1
)
Benefit :
Cost
Ratio
(BCR)

T
1
M
0
N
1
I
0
395.28 29646 8537 21109 2.47
T
2
M
0
N
1
I
1
436.89 32767 8579 24188 2.81
T
3
M
0
N
2
I
0
458.71 34403 8645 25758 2.97
T
4
M
0
N
2
I
1
461.47 34610 8687 25923 2.98
T
5
M
0
N
3
I
0
447.86 33590 8752 24838 2.83
T
6
M
0
N
3
I
1
466.32 34974 8794 26180 2.97
T
7
M
1
N
1
I
0
417.20 31290 9592 21698 2.26
T
8
M
1
N
1
I
1
438.60 32895 9634 23261 2.41
T
9
M
1
N
2
I
0
476.50 35738 9700 26038 2.68
T
10
M
1
N
2
I
1
520.36 39027 9742 29285 3.01
T
11
M
1
N
3
I
0
486.47 36485 9808 26677 2.72
T
12
M
1
N
3
I
1
520.71 39053 9849 29204 2.96

80

81

82

V. DISCUSSION

The results obtained from the present study entitled EFFECT OF FYM,
NITROGEN LEVELS AND BIOFERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD AND
QUALITY OF FORAGE PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.) UNDER NORTH
GUJARAT AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS during the course of presenting the
experimental results. Many significant variations among different treatments were
reported. In this chapter, it is contemplated to discuss the variations observed in growth
parameters, yield and quality the influence of different treatments. It has been attempted
to establish effect and cause relationship based on the results of present investigation
duly supported by available evidences and relevant literature.
The meteorological data recorded during experimental period indicated that in
general, the weather parameters play most crucial role for satisfactory growth and
development of forage pearl millet and three irrigations were given due to dry spells. No
serious incidence of disease and insect pests noted during the period of experimentation.
Whatever variations observed due to the different treatments exercised in the
experiment are discussed hereunder.
5.1 EFFECT OF FYM
5.3 EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER
5.4 EFFECT OF INTERACTION

83

5.1 EFFECT OF FYM
5.1.1 Effect of FYM on growth and yield attributes
The uniform plant population per metre row length was observed in present
experiment. This is evident from the data reported in Table 4.1 indicating that the FYM
did not produce any harmful substances that might adversely affect the seed
germination.
Among the growth and yield attributing characters studied in both the cuts, plant
height in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts were significantly affected by FYM. The FYM had more
significant on these characters (Table 4.2). The probable reasons that the addition of
organic manure through FYM increased the adsorptive power of soil for cation and
anion and these adsorbed ions are released slowly for the entire crop growth period
resulted in better nutrient availability at active growth of the crop. Therefore,
significantly higher plant height in both the cuts. The findings corroborate the results of
Kumar and Sharma (2002) in fodder sorghum.
While, the other growth parameters viz., number of tillers per plant, number of
leaves per plant, leaf : stem ratio, leaf width and leaf length (Table 4.3 to 4.7) of forage
pearl millet were significantly increased by 10 t FYM in both the cuts. The increase in
growth parameters can be attributed to increase availability of applied as well as native
plant nutrient through farm yard manure. The reason was that the soil was poor in
organic carbon and available nitrogen. Since, farm yard manure contains almost all
essential nutrients and certain enzymes with the addition of FYM might have helped in
better expression of physiological growth parameters. These results are in corroborating
with findings of Cisse (1988) and similar findings have been reported by Kumar and
Sharma (2002) in fodder sorghum.

84

5.1.2 Effect of FYM on yields
It was observed from the data given in Table 4.8 and 4.9 that effect of FYM was
significant during each cut as well as in total of two cuts. Application of FYM @ 10 t
ha
-1
increase total green forage yield by 7.20 per cent and total dry matter yield 7.26 per
cent as compared to control. The increase in these attributes might have been on account
of the overall improvement in vegetative growth of the plant due to application of FYM
increased biological yield is cumulative effect of increased dry matter yield. FYM
improves the physical condition of the soil including water holding capacity and adds N,
P, K and micronutrients to the soil besides serving as a store house for plant nutrients.
Thus, it provides a favourable environment to increase the green and dry matter yields.
The similar results were found by Gill et al. (1988) and Kumar and Sharma (2002) in
fodder sorghum.
5.1.3 Effect of FYM on quality
The crude protein content (Table 4.10) in forage pearl millet was significantly
increased by addition of FYM in both the cuts. The per cent magnitude of crude protein
content was 9.15 and 8.57 per cent in 1
st
cut and 2
nd
cut, respectively as compared to
control. Due to application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
may be attributed to increase the nitrogen
content in plants as nitrogen is an integral part of protein. It may be also attributed to
increase availability of phosphorus as it is structural element of certain co-enzyme
involved in protein synthesis. These findings are in close vicinity with the findings by
Gill et al. (1988) and Kumar and Sharma (2002) in fodder sorghum.
The crude fibre content (Table 4.11) was non-significant with application of 10 t
FYM ha
-1
in 1
st
cut, but in 2
nd
cut. Crude fibre content was decreased significantly with
increasing the FYM level.

85

5.1.4 Effect of FYM on soil fertility status
Organic carbon (Table 4.12), available nitrogen (Table 4.13) and available
phosphorus (Table 4.14) status in soil after harvest of crop were increased significantly
with the application of FYM 10 t ha
-1
at (0-15 cm) and (15-30 cm) soil depths than
control. The result indicated that biological activity in soil, water holding capacity and
physical conditions of soil by application of FYM might have improved. This may be
due to the addition of these nutrients through the application of FYM. Decomposition of
FYM liberates carbondioxide and organic acid which increase the availability of
nutrients from the native as well as from applied fertilizer. This may also have
contributed towards increased available status in soil with respect to these nutrients,
FYM was retained in the soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and available
phosphorus and micronutrients in the soil. The results are in accordance with those of
Agarwal and Kumar (1996) in respect of organic carbon, available Nitrogen and
phosphorus.
5.2.1 Effect of nitrogen on growth and yield attributes
Final plant population per metre row length at harvest (Table 4.1) showed that
there was no variation observed in final plant population per metre row length due to
Application of various levels of nitrogen indicating that the application of nitrogen did
not adversely affect the germination of seeds.
All the growth and yield attributes in both the cuts were significantly influenced
by different levels of nitrogen. The maximum plant height (Table 4.1) recorded at
harvest with application of 120 kg N ha
-1
was 168.45 and 150.64 cm in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts
respectively, but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
. In case of number of tillers per plant
(Table 4.3) recorded maximum with 120 kg N ha
-1
7.05 and 9.85 in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts
respectively, but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
. The favourable reason of increasing

86

the number of tillers per plant was rapid re-growth of plant. The maximum number of
leaves per plant at 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts, recorded with application of 120 kg N ha
-1

were 10.75 and 10.51 respectively (Table 4.4), but it was at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
. Due
to the many essential functions that nitrogen has in plant life, its role in rapid
multiplication of tissues and increases in amount of growth substances such as the
higher levels of nitrogen increased the availability and adsorption of nitrogen which
resulted in more vegetative growth due to increase in plant height, number of tillers and
leaves per plant and leaf width and leaf length on account of enlargement of cells and
increased photosynthesis. Similar results were reported by Randhawa et al. (1989),
Manohar et al. (1992) and Tiwana et al. (2003).
5.2.2 Effect of nitrogen on yields
The increasing levels of nitrogen upto 100 kg ha
-1
significantly increased the
green fodder and dry matter yields as well as total of two cuts. The further increase in
dose of nitrogen could not bring any significant improvement. The increase in total
green forage yield with 100 kg N ha
-1
was 13.57 and total dry matter yield 14.24 per
cent as compared to 80 kg N ha
-1
. The probable reason for such a positive effect to
nitrogen application might be the poor inherent nitrogen status of the experimental field
and response behaviour of the forage pearl millet to nitrogen application which with
applied nitrogen tended to put more vegetative growth, better root development and
efficient photosynthesis and finally produced more forage yield. Moreover, this was
evidently due to the cumulative effect of increasing trend observed in major yield
attributing characters viz., plant height, Number of leaves per plant. These results are in
close conformity with those of Randhawa et al. (1989), Mahohar et al. (1992), Shivran
and Pareek (2001), Jakhar et al. (2003) and Tiwana and Puri (2005).

87

5.2.3 Effect of nitrogen on quality
Nitrogen fertilization not only improved the growth and yields of forage pearl
millet but also the quality of forage by increasing the crude protein content. The crude
protein content increased whereas, crude fibre content decreased with increased in each
additional dose of nitrogen in both the cuts. The application of 100 kg N ha
-1
recorded
9.58 and 9.52 per cent higher crude protein content (Table 4.10) in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts,
respectively than 80 kg N ha
-1
-1
, whereas, application
of 120 kg N ha
-1
recorded the lowest crude fibre content 30.03 and 30.12 per cent (Table
4.11) in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts, respectively and rest of treatments viz., 80 and 100 kg N ha
-1

are at par with each other. This might probably be due to progressive increase in
uptake of nitrogen in plants by successive increase in nitrogen. This probably resulted in
increase in amino acids in cells which consequently increased the crude protein Content
and decreased crude fibre content due to decreased in pectin, cellulose and hemi-
cellulose contents which are major constituents of crude fibre content. These results are
in close conformity to that reported by Randhawa et al. (1989), Shivran and Pareek
(2001) and Tiwana et al. (2004).
5.2.4 Effect of nitrogen on soil fertility status
Organic carbon and available nitrogen in soil at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths
were increased remarkably with corresponding increase in nitrogen levels from 80 to
120 kg ha
-1
(Table 4.12 and 4.13). Significantly higher organic carbon and available
nitrogen recorded with 100 kg N ha
-1
which were 0.32 and 0.22 per cent in 0-15 and 15-
30 cm soil depths, respectively. But, it was at par with 120 kg N ha
-1
and significantly
higher than 80 kg N ha
-1
. The increase in organic carbon and nitrogen status under
higher doses of its application could be attributed to inter lattice fixation of ammonia
ion and its release due coarsely time, even microbes immobilize some quantity of

88

applied nitrogen which is slowly available to the crop and ultimately increass the
organic carbon and available nitrogen status in soil (Agarwal and Kumar, 1996).
Unlike the available phosphorus content (Table 4.14) of soil at 0-15 and 15-30
cm soil depths was not influenced due to different levels of nitrogen application.
5.3 EFFECT OF Azospirillum INOCULATION
5.3.1 Effect of Azospirillum inoculation
The final plant population (Table 4.1) per metre row length was not affected by
Azospirillum inoculation indicating that the bacteria did not produce any harmful
substances that might adversely affect the seed germination.
Among the growth and yield attributing characters studied in both the cuts,
number of tillers per plant (Table 4.3) and number of leaves (Table 4.4) per plant in 1
st

cut and plant height (Table 4.2) in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts were significantly affected by
Azospirillum inoculation than control. Significantly plant height (Table 4.2), number of
tillers per plant (Table 4.3) and number of leaves per plant (Table 4.4) recorded by seed
inoculation with Azospirillum inoculation, which were 162.85 cm, 6.59 and 10.64 in 1
st

cut, respectively. In 2
nd
cut, plant height was recorded significantly the highest (148.69
cm) with inoculation. Whereas in 2
nd
cut, the effect on number of tillers per plant and
number of leaves per plant were non-significant. The probable reason is the increase in
quantities of growth promoting substances like vitamin, gibberellin, indole acetic acid
and kinetin that enhanced the growth resulting from Azospirillum inoculation. These
results conform the findings of Joshi and Rao (1989) and similar results reported by
Agrawal et al. (2005) in fodder sorghum.
In case of leaf : stem ratio (Table 4.5), seed inoculation with Azospirillum
inoculation significantly recorded higher leaf : stem ratio than control in both the cuts.

89

The leaf : stem ratio in 1
st
and 2
nd
cuts, were 0.75 and 0.67, respectively. These results
are in agreement with Agrawal et al. (2005).
While the other growth parameters viz., leaf width and leaf length significantly
influenced by seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture than without inoculation
during 1
st
cut. In 1
st
cut, leaf width (Table 4.6) and leaf length (Table 4.7) which were
2.79 and 71.38 cm, respectively. And in 2
nd
cut leaf width and leaf length were non-
significant.
5.3.2 Effect of Azospirillum inoculation on yields
The green forage and dry matter yields were significantly increased in 1
st
and 2
nd

cuts as well as total of two cuts by the seed inoculation with Azospirillum culture. The
increase in total green forage yield with Azospirillum culture was 6.04 per cent and total
dry matter yield 6.08 per cent as compared to without inoculation. The increased yields
probably resulted from stimulation in germination and thereby increase in plant biomass
by the nitrogen fixed by the Azospirillum.
This is also due to the fact that Azospirillum are known to increase availability
and solubility of phosphorus which might have helped in producing more growth
promoting substances, fixing more nitrogen as well as increase in nutrient uptake by
plants. These results are in conformity with those observed by Pareek and Shaktawat
(1988) and Jadhav et al. (1991).
5.3.3 Effect of Azospirillum inoculation on quality
The crude protein (Table 4.10) and crude fibre contents (Table 4.11) were not
affected by the Azospirillum inoculation. This might be due to increase in nitrogen
content in plants and ultimately formation of more amino acids in crop. The crude
protein content was increased by Azospirillum inoculation than control, but crude fibre

90

content decreased in both the cuts, however, the difference was not significant. These
results are in close conformity with those reported by Pareek and Shaktawat (1988).
5.3.4 Effect of Azospirillum inoculation soil fertility status
The data pertaining in Tables 4.12 and 4.13 showed that seed inoculation with
Azospirillum culture had significant effect on organic carbon and available nitrogen in
different soil depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) as compared to control due to this influenced
by soil microorganism became active and nitrogen fixed in the soil and increased the
organic carbon and available nitrogen in the soil. In case of available phosphorus (Table
4.14) Azospirillum did not show any significant effect as compared to control.

Interaction effects among all the factors were found non-significant during
investigation.
5.5.1 Effect of FYM
The highest net realization of Rs.26586 ha
-1
(Table 4.15) was recorded under the
treatment of 10 t FYM ha
-1
. However, BCR value of 2.90 was observed under
application of FYM @ 10 t ha
-1
.
5.5.2 Effect of nitrogen
The highest net realization (Table 4.15) Rs.27300 and BCR of 3.15 were
obtained with application of 100 kg N ha
-1
and followed by Rs.27274 ha
-1
and BCR of
3.11 with application of 120 kg N ha
-1
.

91

5.5.3 Effect of Azospirillum inoculation
The highest net realization of Rs.27405 ha
-1
was recorded under the treatment of
Azospirillum inoculation on the basis of total yield and very low cost of inoculum. The
highest BCR value of 3.36 was also recorded under the same treatment (Table 4.15).
5.5.4 Effect of interaction
Data pertaining to the economics of different treatments (Table 4.16) revealed
that the treatment combination M
1
N
2
I
1
(10 t FYM + 100 kg N ha
-1
+ Azospirillum
inoculation) obtained the highest net realization Rs.29285 ha
-1
and BCR of 3.01
(Pareek, 2006).

92

VI SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

An experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil at Agronomy Instructional
Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada
Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar to study the EFFECT OF FYM,
NITROGEN LEVELS AND BIOFERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD AND
QUALITY OF FORAGE PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.) UNDER NORTH
GUJARAT AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS during kharif season of 2007. A field
experiment was conducted with twelve treatments in randomized block design with
factorial concept with four replications.
The results obtained with respect to treatment effects presented in the fore-said
chapters are summarized hereunder.
6.1 EFFECT OF FYM
6.1.1 The effect of FYM on final plant population per metre row length was found
non-significant.
6.1.2 Addition of 10 t FYM ha
-1
significantly increased plant height over control in
both the cuts.
6.1.3 Significantly higher number of tillers and leaves per plant recorded with
application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
during both the cuts over control.
6.1.4 The leaf : stem ratio, leaf width and leaf length significantly increased with
-1
in both the cuts.
6.1.5 Significantly higher green forage and dry matter yields were recorded with
-1
over control in both the cuts as well as in total of
two cuts.

93

6.1.6 The crude protein content was significantly higher with application of 10 t FYM
ha
-1
as compared to control in both the cuts.
6.1.7 The crude fibre content was non-affected in 1
st
cut, but significantly decreased in
2
nd
cut observed with 10 t FYM ha
-1
.
6.1.8 Application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
significantly increased the organic carbon,
available nitrogen and available phosphorus in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths
over control.
6.1.9 The higher net realization of (Rs.26586 ha
-1
) and BCR value of 2.90 recorded
with application of 10 t FYM ha
-1
as compared to no FYM.
6.2.1 The effect of different levels of nitrogen on final plant population was found
non-significant.
6.2.2 Application of nitrogen 120 kg ha
-1
was found significantly superior to 80 kg N
ha
-1
-1
as it enhanced the plant height, number
of tiller and leaves per plant, leaf : stem ratio, leaf width and leaf length in both
the cuts.
6.2.3 The green forage and dry matter yields significantly increased with increase in
nitrogen upto 100 kg ha
-1
in each cut as well as in total of two cuts. Total green
forage yield of 479.26 q ha
-1
and total dry matter yield of 90.86 q ha
-1
were
recorded under 100 kg N ha
-1
.
6.2.4 Application of 120 kg N ha
-1
significantly enhanced the crude protein content
over 80 kg N ha
-1
but at par with 100 kg N ha
-1
in both the cuts.
6.2.5 Crude fibre content significantly decreased with application of 120 kg N ha
-1

over 80 kg N ha
-1
in both the cuts.

94

6.2.6 Application of 100 kg N ha
-1
significantly increased organic carbon and
available nitrogen in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths as compared to 80 kg N ha
-
1
.
6.2.7 Available phosphorus was found non-significant due to application of nitrogen.
6.2.8 The maximum net realization Rs.27300 ha
-1
and BCR value of 3.15 were
recorded with 100 kg N ha
-1
followed by 120 kg N ha
-1
with net realization
Rs.27274 ha
-1
and BCR value of 3.11.
6.3 EFFECT OF Azospirillum INOCULATION
6.3.1 The final plant population was found non-significant by the treatment of
Azospirillum inoculation.
6.3.2 The plant height in both the cuts were significantly increased by Azospirillum
inoculation over without inoculation.
6.3.3 The number of tillers and leaves per plant significantly increased in 1
st
cut by
the Azospirillum inoculation but the effect was non-significant in 2
nd
cut.
6.3.4 The leaf : stem ratio increased significantly with Azospirillum inoculation in 1
st

and 2
nd
cuts .
6.3.5 Leaf width and leaf length were significantly influenced by Azospirillum
inoculation in 1
st
cut, but in 2
nd
cut, they were found non-significant over
without inoculation.
6.3.6 The green forage and dry matter yields were significantly influenced in each cut
as well as in total of two cuts. The higher total green forage of 474.05 q ha
-1
and
dry matter of 89.74 q ha
-1
yields were observed under treatment of Azospirillum
inoculation.
6.3.7 The crude protein and crude fibre content were unaffected by Azospirillum
inoculation in both the cuts.

95

6.3.8 Significantly increase of organic carbon and available nitrogen in 0-15 and 15-
30 cm soil depths by Azospirillum inoculation, but available phosphorus was
found unaffected.
6.3.9 The maximum net realization of Rs.27405 ha
-1
and BCR value of 3.36 were
recorded under Azospirillum inoculation.
Interaction effects among all the factors were found non-significant during
investigation.
CONCLUSION :
From the present investigation, it can be concluded that application of 10 t FYM
and 100 kg N ha
-1
with Azospirillum inoculation gave higher production and maximum
net realization on loamy sand soil of Sardarkrushinagar under North Gujarat Agro-
climatic conditions.

96

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* Original not seen.

104

APPENDIX

Appendix I : Analysis of variance for growth parameters

Source of
variation
d.f.
M.S.S.
Final plant
population
Plant height (cm)
Number of tillers
per plant
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
Replication 3 2.99 2.61 272.99 262.60 0.65 0.55
FYM (M) 1 0.69 0.40 1935.40* 1716.10* 3.88* 5.78*
Nitrogen (N) 2 0.78 0.15 3783.61* 1325.74* 18.60* 20.53*
Biofertilizer (I) 1 1.31 0.93 1177.87* 1103.04* 2.28* 1.71
M x N 2 0.15 0.05 28.67 19.14 0.01 0.03
M x I 1 0.06 0.01 0.00 1.03 0.01 0.21
N x I 2 0.01 0.01 7.10 4.06 0.02 0.13
M x N x I 2 0.07 0.07 1.85 0.30 0.00 0.11
Error 33 1.83 1.59 192.21 148.85 0.29 0.55
*Significant at 5 per cent level of probability.

Appendix II : Analysis of variance for growth parameters

Source of
variation
d.f.
M.S.S.
Number of
leaves
per plant
Leaf : stem
ratio
Leaf width
(cm)
Leaf length (cm)
1
st
cut
2
nd

cut
1
st

cut
2
nd

cut
1
st

cut
2
nd

cut
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
Replication 3 1.49 1.38 0.01 0.00 0.13 0.04 75.20 68.94
FYM (M) 1 10.00* 9.52* 0.04* 0.04* 0.60* 0.76* 390.30* 393.18*
Nitrogen
(N)
2 4.08* 3.69* 0.15* 0.12* 1.00* 0.94* 1003.09* 1003.37*
Biofertilizer 1 5.95* 1.64 0.02* 0.02* 0.36* 0.21 244.50* 124.04

105

(I)
M x N 2 0.10 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.06 1.07
M x I 1 0.03 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.19 0.76
N x I 2 0.01 1.78 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.96 0.93
M x N x I 2 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.25 0.49
Error 33 1.00 0.67 0.01 0.00 0.07 0.06 45.54 33.52

Appendix III : Analysis of variance for yield and quality characters

Source of
variation
d.f.
M.S.S.
Green forage yield
(q ha
-1
)
Dry matter yield
(q ha
-1
)
Crude protein
content (%)
Crude fibre
content (%)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut Total 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut Total 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
Replication 3 610.68 832.94 940.12 31.34 28.96 56.32 0.19 0.41 34.30 43.51
FYM (M) 1 3344.18* 2891.16* 12455.85* 119.75* 104.18* 447.30* 8.05* 5.75* 24.47 34.33*
Nitrogen
(N)
2 4103.05* 4826.16* 17828.64* 170.33* 180.09* 700.71* 12.93* 12.91* 34.70* 39.28*
Biofertilizer
(I)
1 2392.90* 2002.65* 8784.33* 85.24* 73.62* 317.30* 2.52 2.57 5.89 16.75
M x N 2 349.52 308.74 1315.26 12.64 11.15 47.54 0.04 0.63 4.22 9.24
M x I 1 89.71 55.18 448.12 3.25 2.89 12.28 0.21 1.31 2.69 12.11
N x I 2 16.61 13.87 68.55 0.55 0.41 1.91 0.11 0.66 0.91 2.50
M x N x I 2 233.34 167.86 949.35 8.31 7.18 30.94 0.07 0.47 0.89 0.86
Error 33 572.33 436.33 1708.50 20.49 17.24 59.51 0.69 0.63 6.47 7.89

106

Appendix IV : Analysis of variances for post-harvest soil fertility status

Source of
variation
d.f.
M.S.S.
Organic carbon in
soil (%)
Available N in soil (kg
ha
-1
)
Available P
2
O
5
in soil
(kg ha
-1
)
1
st
cut 2
nd
cut 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut 1
st
cut 2
nd
cut
Replication 3 0.00 0.00 377.71 206.04 35.10 36.52
FYM (M) 1 0.02* 0.01* 2081.12* 1042.89* 197.06* 169.27*
Nitrogen (N) 2 0.01* 0.01* 3065.89* 1597.87* 21.40 14.29
Biofertilizer (I) 1 0.01* 0.00* 1509.24* 784.43* 44.10 37.84
M x N 2 0.00 0.00 2.34 2.56 3.37 2.98
M x I 1 0.00 0.00 11.24 5.93 0.00 0.00
N x I 2 0.00 0.00 2.95 1.60 0.12 0.09
M x N x I 2 0.00 0.00 0.52 0.27 0.16 0.14
Error 33 0.00 0.00 245.13 112.90 12.34 10.41

107

Appendix V: Cost of cultivation and inputs taken into consideration for
calculation of economics

Sr.
No.
Particulars
Rate
(Rs. Unit
-1
)
1. Tractor cultivation charge 250 hr
-1

2. Urea 255 bag
-1

3. FYM 100 t
-1

4. Biofertilizer 40 ha
-1

5. Bajra seed price 22 kg
-1

6. Irrigation charge 450 irrigation
-1

7. Man and women labour 50 day
-1

8. Pair of bullock + Labour charge 120 day
-1

9. Green forage price 75 q
-1

10. Supervision charge 10 %
11. Interest on working capital 12 %

108

C E R T I F I C A T E

This is to certify that, I have no objection for supplying to any
scientist only one copy or any part of this thesis at a time through reprographic
process, if necessary for rendering reference service in a library or
documentation center.

( SHANKAR LAL GOLADA )
Place : SARDARKRUSHINAGAR
Date : 8
TH
JULY, 2009

109

About the author

Shankar Lal Golada born in 1982 and
permanent resident of Village Sarang ka bass,
Post Durjaniyawas ,Disst. Jaipur (Rajasthan);
received B.Sc.(Ag.) degree from S.K.N college
of Agriculture Jobner Jaipur(2006), and M.Sc.
Agronomy degree from S.D Agricultural
University Gujarat (2009). Ph.D, from
M.P.U.A.T, Udaipur (2012), Rajasthan (India).
I got genius students awards by Rajasthan
genius students society in 1995 and 1996.I did
my all the academic qualification throughout
first class. I have been published fifteen
research paper in different national and
international journals and thirty popular articles
in different magazines. I given contribution two
agriculture competition books.

Email: slagro_1967@yahoo.co.in, slagrogolada@rediffmail.com

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