Integrated use of farm yard manure and fertilizer N for sustained yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in an arid region

Effects of organic manure (FYM) on yield of pearl millet, efficiency of applied nitrogen and soil fertility were studied under rainfed farming for seven years (1983-1989) in Jodhpur. Pearl miller yield was strongly dependent on the distribution of rainfall, particularly at the reproductive phase. Total biomass yield (grain + straw) was highest for plots receiving FYM @ 10 t ha(-1) annum(-1) in good rainfall as well as drought years. Fertilizer nitrogen upto 80 kg ha(-1) increased yield in good rainfall years, but in drought years, no significant effect was observed beyond 40 kg N ha(-1). Application of fertilizer N along with FYM further increased yield. Yield with 40 kg N ha(-1) + FYM was nearly equal to that obtained with 80 kg fertilizer N ha(-1) alone. FYM significantly increased the utilization efficiency of fertilizer N by crop and status of organic carbon, available N, P and micro-nutrients in soil. Residual N effects were observed for plots receiving FYM but no such residual effects were observed for fertilizer N.