Effect of various nitrogen levels on growth and yield of different varieties of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] under shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) based silvi-pastoral system

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022-23 at the Main Experimental Station, Agroforestry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.). The experimental site is situated at 26°27' N latitude and 82°12' E longitude, with 113 m elevation from mean sea level. Three varieties of pearl millet (V ₁ : GK-1183, V ₂ : Virat-9, and V ₃ : Kaveri Super Boss) were raised in a shisham-based silvi-pastoral system with the application of four nitrogen levels (N ₀ : control, N ₁ : 60 kg ha ^− 1 , N ₂ : 80 kg ha ^− 1 , and N ₃ : 100 kg ha ^− 1 ) to examine the effect of different nitrogen levels on the growth and yield performance of different varieties of pearl millet. The field experiment was laid out in a two-factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Among all three varieties, Kaveri Super Boss represents significantly higher plant height, number of nodes and internodes, leaf area index, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and green and dry fodder yield but does not have a significant effect on initial and final plant population. Nitrogen levels had variable responses on plant population, plant height, number of leaves, nodes and internodes, leaf area index, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and green and dry fodder yield at harvest, and maxima of these parameters was recorded for the application of 100 kg nitrogen ha ^− 1 . Net returns and B: C ratio was highest for the combination of Kaveri Super Boss (V ₃ ) and 100 kg nitrogen ha ^− 1 .