Optimization of Nano-DAP Fertilization for Improvement in Growth and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.)

Aim: Optimization of nano-DAP fertilization for improvement in growth, yield and to maximize the production of finger millet.

Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD).

Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was conducted in Kharif 2021 and 2022, with variety VL-352 at the Research and Extension Centre, Gaja, College of Forestry, Ranichauri (Tehri Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India.

Methodology: This experiment comprised of ten treatments viz., T1- NK 100% (Control), T2- NPK 100%, T3- 75%P + 100%N + 100%K, T4- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K, T5- 75%P + 100%N + 100%K + Seed Treatment (ST) + Foliar Spray (FS) (2mL), T6- 75%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS(4mL), T7- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS(2mL), T8- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS (4mL), T9- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS(2mL) + FS(2mL), T10- 50%P + 100%N + 100%K + ST + FS (4mL) + FS(4mL) and was laid out in RBD with three replications. Measurements and calculations of plant growth parameters, yield attributes, and economic considerations were made.

Result: The plant growth and yield attributing parameters were recorded significantly higher in the treatment T10- 50%P +100%N + 100%K + ST + FS (4mL) + FS(4mL) while significantly lower yield was recorded in T1- NK 100% (Control).

Conclusion: The use of 50% P through DAP and 100% NK along with seed treatment by nano DAP @5mL/kg seed as well as two foliar sprays of nano-DAP @4 mL/L of water, first at 30-35 days after germination and second at 45 days after seed germination gave significantly higher plant growth, seed yield and seed quality of finger millet.