Synergistic Effects of Hydrogel Application and Mulching Practices for Climate-Resilient Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Production

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydrogel application and mulching on the physiological growth attributes and yield, of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under semi-arid conditions. Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized block design with twelve treatment combinations, including different hydrogel application rates (2.5 kg ha-1, 5 kg ha-1 and 7.5 kg ha-1) in combination with mulching types (paddy straw, polythene, and no mulching). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted at the instructional farm of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, during the kharif 2024-25 cropping season. Methodology: Pearl millet variety CO 10 was used with a seed rate of 5 kg ha-1. The crop was transplanted 18 days after sowing, following the standard agronomic practices. The physiological attributes measured included leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR). The grain yield was recorded at harvest. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA to determine treatment effects. Results: The results indicated that the application of hydrogel at 5 kg ha-1 with polythene mulching significantly improved the yield of pearl millet crop by registering a higher yield of 24.40 q ha-1 while positively impacting the all the physiological parameters of crop growth. Conclusion: The integration of hydrogel and mulching significantly enhanced pearl millet growth and yield. This suggest that hydrogel and mulching can be an effective strategies for sustainable pearl millet production in water-limited environments. Future research should explore long-term effects and economic feasibility for large-scale adoption.