Optimization of yield and rooting behaviour of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in desert region through land configuration, Mycorrhiza and zinc fertilization

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis holds promise for enhancing soil phosphorus (P) efficiencycy and valuable in improving zinc uptake in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), especially in Zn-deficient soils. The proper land configuration important for enhancing the rainfed crop performance by changing the rooting and soil moisture conservation patterns. Thus, a study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner, we explored the combined effects of land configuration, zinc ffertilization and Mycorrhiza on yield attributes and roots characteristics of pearl millet. We evaluated 24 treatment combinations, including flat bed (S1), ridge & furrow (S2) and pit (S3) planting techniques, Mycorrhiza control (M0) and 8 kg/ha as basal (M1), and zinc fertilization control (Z0), 0.5% ZnSO4 in two foliar sprays (Z1), ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha basal + 0.5% foliar spray (Z2), and ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha basal (Z3) in a split-split plot design. Our findings revealed that, the pit planting technique, combined with Mycorrhiza and zinc sulphate fertilization, significantly increased plant stand (141.2 thousand/ha), root characteristics (root volume, 42.93 cm3), and yield attributes (effective tillers: 4.75, grain yield: 30.75 q/ha, and stover yield: 71.43 q/ha) by 12.72%, 29.11%, 137.53%, 95.74% and 39.95% compared to flat bed sowing, respectively. These results underscore the immense potential of pit planting techniques for enhancing pearl millet productivity and quality by promoting robust root system development.