Response of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) to Varying Levels of Plant Density and Nitrogen

M. Niharika *

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, PJTS Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030, Telangana, India.

G. E. C. H. Vidya Sagar

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, PJTS Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030, Telangana, India.

K. Bhanu Rekha

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, PJTS Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030, Telangana, India.

T. Anjaiah

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, PJTS Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500030, Telangana, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 at College Farm, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Telangana. The present study was conducted to know the effect of different planting densities and nitrogen levels on the growth and yield of Finger millet. The soil of experimental site was loamy sand type, slightly acidic in pH (6.43), non-saline in EC (0.15 dSm-1), low in organic carbon (0.42%), low in available N (201.6 kg ha-1), medium in available P (25.3 kg ha-1), low in available K (236.25 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice with 12 treatments combinations consisting of four nitrogen levels (0 %, 50%, 100% and 150% RDN) and three levels of planting density (S1-solid rows × 15 cm, S2- 30 cm × 15 cm, S3- 25 cm × 15 cm). Results indicated that S1-solid rows × 15 cm recorded highest plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter production (g m-2) and S3- 25 cm × 15 cm recorded highest leaf area plant-1 and yield. Application of 150% RDN recorded highest plant growth parameters, grain yield and straw yield. However, it was on par with 100% RDN. It was concluded that planting density of 25 cm × 15 cm among spacings and 100% N among nitrogen levels proved to be a viable option for getting higher productivity and profit under rainfed conditions of central agro climatic zone of Telangana.

Keywords: Finger millet, nitrogen, planting density, plant height, dry matter, leaf area, yield


How to Cite

Niharika, M., G. E. C. H. Vidya Sagar, K. Bhanu Rekha, and T. Anjaiah. 2021. “Response of Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana L.) to Varying Levels of Plant Density and Nitrogen”. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 11 (11):308-14. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2021/v11i1130546.