DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the impact of varying zinc and nitrogen levels on the growth components and production yield of millet (variety YBS-98).

Methodology

A field experiment was conducted at the Latif Farm, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan, in 2024 using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Five treatments were tested: T1 (Control, no fertilizer), T2 (N 60 + Z 5%), T3 (N 100 + Z 10%), T4 (N 140 + Z 15%), and T5 (N 180 + Z 20%). Growth and yield parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area per tiller, green fodder yield, plant density, number of leaves per tiller, dry matter%, crude fiber%, crude protein%, and ash%) were recorded manually. Data analysis used ANOVA, and mean differences were compared using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at $\alpha = 0.05$.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD; A[Field Experiment Setup at Latif Farm] --> B[Apply 5 Fertilizer TreatmentsT1-T5]; B --> C[Measure Growth & Yield Parameters]; C --> D[Statistical Analysis ANOVA & LSD]; D --> E[Determine Optimal Treatment T5]; E --> F[Conclusion & Recommendation];                    

Discussion

The study confirms that integrated application of nitrogen and zinc significantly and favorably impacts the growth and yield components of millet. Nitrogen is crucial for photosynthesis and protein synthesis, while zinc aids in improving nitrogen content via biological nitrogen fixation and enhances mineral absorption. The synergistic effect of N and Zn, particularly at the highest tested rate (T5), maximized biomass accumulation and yield attributes, supporting previous research indicating millet's positive response to nitrogen treatment.

Key Findings

The treatment T5 (Nitrogen 180 + Zinc 20%) consistently produced the maximum values across most measured parameters, including the highest plant height (222.98 cm), stem diameter (0.91 cm), leaf area per tiller ($1780.81 \text{ cm}^2$), green fodder yield ($77.91 \text{ t ha}^{-1}$), crude protein percentage (46.15%), and ash percentage (7.29%). The control treatment (T1) resulted in the lowest values for all measured parameters.

Conclusion

Applying varying amounts of zinc and nitrogen can greatly increase millet grain output. For the agro-climatic conditions of Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan, the treatment T5 (Nitrogen 180 + Zinc 20%) is recommended as the most effective approach to achieve the highest quality green and dry matter yield in millet.

Fact Check

1. The study used millet variety YBS-98.
2. The highest green fodder yield recorded was $77.91 \text{ t ha}^{-1}$ (Treatment T5).
3. The control treatment (T1) resulted in the lowest mean plant height of $155.0 \text{ cm}$.

Mind Map