Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and productivity of barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta L.)

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth and Productivity of Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa esculenta L.)” was conducted during Kharif season of 2024 at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Dabok, Udaipur. The experiment was conducted on clay loam soil which was low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and high in potassium. The experiment was consisted of twelve treatment combinations {A. Nitrogen levels (control, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha-1) and B. Phosphorus levels (control, 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1)} and these were replicated three times in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that application of nitrogen and phosphorus significantly influenced growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of tillers, and leaf area. Yield attributes including number of effective tillers, panicle length, grain weight per panicle, and test weight were also significantly improved with increasing nutrient levels. The highest grain yield (2109 kg ha-1), straw yield (2830 kg ha-1), and net return (₹48,678 ha-1) were obtained with 60 kg N ha-1, while 40 kg P ha-1 recorded the highest grain yield (2009 kg ha-1) and net return (₹44,240 ha-1). The harvest index remained unaffected by nutrient levels. Economic analysis indicated a progressive increase in benefit-cost ratio with higher nitrogen and phosphorus doses.