Nitrogen-phosphorus nutrition of pearlmillet as influenced by intercrop legumes and fertilizer levels

The results of a field experiment revealed that pearlmillet (PM) (Pennisetum glaucum L.) as a sole crop accumulated significantly less concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and protein in grain and stover as compared to that when it was grown with legumes. Of the three legumes (clusterbean, cowpea, and mungbean) cowpea was least effective in increasing the nutrient contents of PM. The highest N and P uptake by grain and stover was recorded in PM + clusterbean system, which was significantly greater than that in PM + cowpea system. Application of 100% of the recommended dose of nutrients separately to PM and legumes (M100I100) significantly enhanced the N and P contents of grain and stover of PM over all other fertility levels. The grain yield of PM did not decrease even when the amount of N was curtailed by 25% (M75I100). Nevertheless, the highest uptake of N and P was observed in intercropped PM receiving M100I100. Higher uptake was due to the fact that the nutrient concentrations increased to a greater extent than the yields. Summarily, the data demonstrated that PM being grown with clusterbean or mungbean and supplied 100% of recommended dose of nutrients separately to PM and legumes were essential to improving the yield and quality of pearlmillet.