Influence of various establishment techniques, spacings, and fertilizer levels on leaf traits, yield, and nutrient dynamics of brown top millet (Brachiaria ramosa L.) under different cropping seasons of Tamil Nadu

A field trial was carried out during the Summer 2023, Kharif 2023, and Rabi 2023-2024 seasons to assess the performance of brown top millet under two sowing methods (direct sowing and transplanting), three plant spacings (20 x 10 cm, 30 x 10 cm, and 45 x 10 cm), and three fertilizer doses (75% of the recommended dose (RDF) at 45N:20P:15K kg ha-1, 100% RDF at 60N:30P:20K kg ha-1, and 125% RDF at 75N:40P:25K kg ha-1) using a factorial randomized block design. The study examined leaf morphological and physiological traits, yield, nutrient content, and uptake by straw. The results indicated that the summer season was more favorable compared to the Kharif and Rabi seasons. The direct sown crop (E1) exhibited significantly higher total chlorophyll content (7.5%, 9.3%, and 8.8%) and grain yield (8.6%, 6.5%, and 9.2%) during the Summer, Kharif, and Rabi seasons, respectively, over the transplanted crop (E2). 45 x 10 cm spacing (S3) registered its superiority in total chlorophyll content (21.2%, 26%, and 31%) and grain yield (21.3%, 24.7%, and 25% across the same seasons) over 20 x 10 cm spacing (S1). Application of 125% RDF (N3) recorded significantly higher chlorophyll content (41.7%, 46%, and 51%) and grain yield (33.6%, 35.2%, and 41%) compared to 75% RDF (N1). In terms of interactions, the combination of direct sowing, wider spacing, and 125% RDF (E1 x S3 x N3) showed elevated leaf traits, chlorophyll content, grain yield, and nutrient dynamics, though the differences in parameters among these treatment combinations were statistically non-significant. These findings provide a strong foundation for future research and for optimizing agricultural practices to maximize the potential of brown top millet.