Influence of organic nutrient sources and moisture management on productivity, biofortification and soil health in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) + clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonaloba) intercropping system of semi-arid India

Abstract

A field experimentation was carried out at New Delhi, India for three years (2010-12) under rainfed semi-arid conditions to assess the effect of three organic nutrient sources and two moisture management practices on productivity, biofortification and soil health under pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend Stuntz] + clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonaloba (L.) Taub] intercropping system (PCIS). In current study, the pearl millet grain yield under sole pearl millet was at par with PCIS while its stover yield reduced by 5%. Under PCIS, inclusion of clusterbean led to significant reduction in clusterbean yield compared to its sole stand, however, PCIS system productivity was more over their sole crop stands, indicating that additive series of PCIS may bring more net economic gains over their sole stands in semi-arid ecology of India. The coarse cereal-legume interactions under PCIS have also led to improved protein content in pearl millet (11.2%) over its sole stand (10.7%). Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiency is a common feature in semi-arid India and the crops grown as well. Study revealed that Zn and Fe content in pearl millet were increased by 6.5 and 1.6%, respectively, by the inclusion of clusterbean in PCIS. Plant growth, yield attributes and yield of pearl millet and clusterbean crops showed an improvement under flat sowing + organic mulching (FS+OM) over ridge and furrow sowing (RFS) but the differences were non-significant. Among organic nutrient sources, leaf compost (LC) @ 10 t/ha and FYM @ 10 t/ha produced significantly more system productivity in terms of pearl millet-equivalent-yield (PEY) than 100% RDF and control. Protein content both in pearl millet and clusterbean, and Zn and Fe biofortification in pearl millet grains was higher under FYM treated plots closely followed by LC, and leaf + cowdung mixture compost. Application of organics especially FYM @ 10 t/ha also resulted in improved soil health in terms of bulk density, soil organic carbon and NPK status after three years experimentation.

Elucidating the interactive impact of tillage, residue retention and system intensification on pearl millet yield stability and biofortification under rainfed agro-ecosystems

“…Legumes are wellknown for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules and increase microbial activity in the rhizosphere. Legumes also contribute to soil organic matter through leaf fall, ultimately enhancing soil chemical and microbial health and thereby promoting increased yield and grain quality (45,55). Higher protein content in grain is often associated with increased nitrogen availability to the plant, a correlation that was also observed in this experiment (56, 57).…”

“…The improved microbial activity observed in CRR plots with legume intercropping likely contributed to the increased solubilization of micronutrient cations ( 53 ). The formation of organic complexes between micronutrient cations and organic acids generated during the decomposition of plant residues is believed to be responsible for the increased micronutrient content, particularly Zn and Cu, in plots with residue retention ( 9 , 64 , 65 ). In CT practices, crop residues are often not recycled, resulting in reduced carbon (C) input and the loss and depletion of nutrients in the soil.…”

“…GGE biplot analysis was computed using the "GGE Biplot GUI" package (28), with support from the helper application "RStudio" in the R statistical software. GGE biplot analysis was used to visually assess the presence of genotype × environment interaction, rank genotypes based on stability and mean in each treatment, and identify optimally performing combinations (43)(44)(45). .…”

High-value crops’ embedded groundnut-based production systems vis-à-vis system-mode integrated nutrient management: long-term impacts on system productivity, system profitability, and soil bio-fertility indicators in semi-arid climate

“…The fixed plot field experiment was performed for five consecutive years from 2010–2011 to 2014–2015 at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India (latitude 28°4′N; longitude 77°12′E; altitude 228.6 m). Delhi falls under a semi-arid climatic zone where ~70%–80% of the annual rainfall (652 mm) is received from July to September and the rest during winter ( Bana et al., 2016 ). The mean monthly rainfall received during the period of experimentation is presented in Figure 1 .…”

“…Moreover, the inclusion of organics under nutrient management programs ensures a smooth supply of micronutrients as well as major nutrients ( Bana et al., 2018 ; Rajpoot et al., 2021 ). The usage of organics also bestows a favorable micro-environment for crop growth and development, principally by improving soil properties ( Bana et al., 2012 ; Bana et al., 2016 ; Bana et al., 2018 ; Bhupenchandra et al., 2022a ).…”