Effect of zinc and iron on growth and yield of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) in the Northern Transitional Zone of Karnataka

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications to assess the response of foxtail millet to the soil incorporation of micronutrients and to determine the micronutrient content in its grain and fodder in order to check whether agronomic bio-fortification through soil application of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) fertilisers can offers an immediate and effective route to enhance micronutrient concentrations in foxtail millet. The treatments included combinations of soil-applied Zn and Fe along with the recommended package of practices (RPP), compared with farmers’ practice. The findings indicated that applying ofzinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) at 15 kg ha-1 + iron sulphate (FeSO₄) at 15 kg ha-1 along with RPP recorded significantly higher plant height, number of tillers per hill, total dry matter production per plant, test weight, grain yield, stover yield, net returns and benefit : cost (B : C) ratio, followed by RPP + ZnSO₄ at 10 kg ha-1 + FeSO₄ at 10 kg ha-1. It is therefore evident that soil application of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ each at 15 kg ha-1 along with RPP significantly enhances the yield and profitability of foxtail millet, offering greater economic benefits to the farming community.