Response of biofertilizers and nano zinc on nutrient content and uptake in Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

An investigation was conducted during the kharif season 2024 to assess the effect of biofertilizers and nano zinc on nutrient content and uptake in pearl millet crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments and three replications with the application of Azotobactor and Azospirillium biofertilizers with foliar spray of nano zinc. The findings showed that, compared to other treatments, the highest nutrient content and uptake was obtained under Seed treatment with Azotobactor + Azospirillum @ 20 g/kg seed + FS of Nano Zn at 30 and 45 DAS. Specifically, the treatment resulted in nitrogen content of 1.77% in grain and 0.84% in stover, phosphorus content of 0.28% in grain and 0.15% in stover, potassium content of 0.67% in grain and 1.85% in stover, and Zinc content of 25 ppm in grain and 17.50 ppm in stover. Furthermore, the highest nutrient uptake was recorded, with nitrogen uptake of 48.09 kg/ha in grain and 45.48 kg/ha in stover, phosphorus uptake of 7.70 kg/ha in grain and 8.38 kg/ha in stover, potassium uptake of 18.24 kg/ha in grain and 100.33 kg/ha in stover, and zinc uptake of 681.11 g/ ha in grain and 947.98 g/ha in stover.