Effect of different nutrient management techniques on growth and physiological attributes of Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) under western agroclimatic zone of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during summer 2022 at Eastern block, Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) which consists of eight treatments which are replicated thrice to assess the growth and physiological attributes of kodo millet. Growth, physiological, and yield attributes of kodo millet were significantly influenced by nutrient management practices. The treatment combining RDF + 33 kg K ha-1 with foliar application of ZnSO4 (0.5%) and FeSO4 (1%) at active tillering and flowering initiation stages (T6) recorded the highest plant height, tiller count, leaf number, dry matter production, and root volume. Physiological attributes such as LAI, CGR, RGR, NAR, and chlorophyll content peaked under T6, contributing to superior biomass accumulation and yield performance. T6 achieved the highest grain yield (2028 kg ha-1), straw yield (6822 kg ha-1), and harvest index (0.30). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between plant height, tiller number, dry matter, LAI, CGR, NAR and yield, highlighting the integrated role of growth and physiological parameters in yield determination. These findings underscore the synergistic effect of potassium and foliar micronutrients in enhancing kodo millet growth and productivity under integrated nutrient management.