Effect of different organic sources on growth, productivity and quality of kharif parching sorghum

Introduction

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The tender jowar grain in English is called Parching Sorghum, also known by different names such as sheetani (Kannada), hurda (Marathi) and ponk (Gujarati) is one of the most important cereal food crops grown in India. India contributes about 16% of the world's sorghum production. It is the fourth most important cereal crop in the country. The total area dedicated to Jowar cultivation in India is approximately 4,076.26 thousand hectares, yielding a total production of 4,737.47 thousand tonnes. This substantial output plays a vital role in bolstering the country's food security. Maharashtra stands out as the foremost state in terms of both area and production, with 1,740.22 thousand hectares under cultivation and an impressive yield of 1,775.62 thousand tonnes. This success can be attributed to the state's favorable agro-climatic conditions and well-established agricultural practices. Following Maharashtra, Karnataka also plays a significant role in Jowar cultivation, with 808.00 thousand hectares cultivated and a production of 942.78 thousand tonnes. In contrast, states such as Bihar and Kerala contribute minimally, with areas of only 0.75 and 0.97 thousand hectares, respectively, indicating opportunities for growth and development in Jowar farming in these regions. Productivity levels of Jowar vary considerably across different states and seasons. Madhya Pradesh leads in productivity during the Kharif season, achieving 2,872 kg/ha, while states like Haryana and Tamil Nadu report lower productivity figures. This disparity highlights the influence of various factors, including soil health, irrigation infrastructure, and farming techniques, on crop yields. Overall, the data underscores the essential role of Jowar within India's agricultural sector, pointing to the necessity for targeted policies and support mechanisms aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in Jowar cultivation, especially in regions that are currently underperforming. This analysis not only enriches the understanding of Jowar's agricultural dynamics but also lays the groundwork for future research focused on improving crop yields and ensuring food security in India. In some ways, the nutritional makeup of sorghum is comparable to that of rice and wheat. The grains have a high fibre content, non-starchy polysaccharides, and starch with certain special properties. The amounts of proteins, lysine, fats, carbs, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, and niacin in sorghum vary greatly (Shobha et al., 2008; Chavan et al., 2009) [10,2] . Sorghum's essential amino acid composition and protein quality surpass those of many grains and millets. Fiber and B-complex vitamins can be found in abundance in sorghum (Gopalan et al., 2000 and Patil et al., 2010) [6,8] . In addition to containing a suitable amount of carbohydrates (72%), proteins (11.6%), and fat (1.9%), sorghum is also rich in fibre and minerals. The main ingredient in the grain is starch. Albumin globulin (15%), prolamin (26%), and glutelin (44%), comprise the protein in sorghum. The dough is not sticky enough to roll with a chapatti roller since sorghum does not contain gluten. A suitable energy source for those with gluten allergies is sorghum flour, which is gluten free. White sorghum has very little quantities of phytic acid and flavanols (Chavan et al., 2010) [3] . In Maharashtra sorghum is grown in kharif season in vidarbha and some part of marathwada grown in Rabi season in western Maharashtra and Marathwada region. Vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM), and biogas slurry are valuable organic soil amendments that enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. Vermicompost provides readily available macro-and micronutrients, beneficial microbes, and growth hormones, improving seed germination and yield while enhancing soil structure. FYM supplies slow-release nutrients, boosts soil organic matter, and encourages beneficial microbial activity, contributing to long-term soil fertility and erosion control. Biogas slurry offers a nutrient-rich and pathogen-free option that enhances soil microbial populations and organic carbon content. Together, these inputs promote sustainable agriculture by improving nutrient availability, soil health, and crop resilience, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Designed with six treatments and four replications. The treatment consists of different sources of organic nutrients like viz. Biogas slurry, Farm Yard Manure and Vermicompost and biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) were applied as per treatments and the soil of the experiment plot was clayey in texture, slightly alkaline in nature (pH 7.80), having low organic carbon content (0.56), low in available nitrogen 192 and phosphorus (21.30), marginally high in available potassium (349) and also low in zinc content (0.59). And the Gross plot size: 4.50 m x 5.10 m and Net plot size: 2.70 m x 4.50 m with Variety: PDKV Kartiki and seed rate 7.5 to 10 kg ha-1 and ensure uniform population. The table presents the effects of various organic nutrient management treatments on plant height, functional leaves, grain hurda yield, and green fodder yield. The control treatment (ON1) recorded the lowest plant height (143.91 cm), functional leaves (7.10), grain hurda yield (1,872 kg/ha), and green fodder yield (7,075 kg/ha). In contrast, treatments that incorporated organic sources showed significant improvements across all parameters. The application of RDN through biogas slurry (ON2) resulted in a plant height of 161.30 cm, 9 functional leaves, and the highest grain hurda yield of 29,123 kg/ha, along with a green fodder yield of 12,050 kg/ha. Similarly, the treatment using FYM (ON3) produced 167.86 cm plant height, 9.50 functional leaves, 3,049 kg/ha of grain hurda, and 12,550 kg/ha of green fodder. Among the treatments, vermicompost (ON4) performed best in terms of plant height (176.94 cm) and functional leaves (10.25), with corresponding yields of 3,521 kg/ha for grain hurda and 14,575 kg/ha for green fodder. The combination of FYM and vermicompost (ON5) also yielded promising results, with a plant height of 172.17 cm, 9.75 functional leaves, 3,395 kg/ha of grain hurda, and 14,000 kg/ha of green fodder. Similarly, the FYM and biogas slurry combination (ON6) recorded 169.68 cm plant height, 9.25 functional leaves, and grain hurda and green fodder yields of 3,269 kg/ha and 13,875 kg/ha, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the standard error for plant height, functional leaves, grain hurda yield, and green fodder yield were [12] . Ramachandrappa et al. (2012) [9] , Ashoka et al. (2009) [1] , Girija et al. (2016) [5] and Nilima et al. (2019) [7] . Treatment ON4 was found to be significantly superior over the rest of treatments. Significantly the lowest green fodder yield recommended dose of N through FYM + BGS (50:50%) + Azospirillum + PSB (ON6). This might be due to this treatment consist of vermicompost and it compromises of some hormones like auxin, gibberellin, micronutrients and it improves the microbial activity of soil that enhances the aroma and taste of parching sorghum.

Result and Discussion

Conclusion

Based on this investigation, it was indicated that the growth growth characters, yield attributes and quality of Parching sorghum crop parameters were recorded significantly highest in recommended dose of N through VC + Azospirillum + PSB (ON4) Sole and integrated application of FYM and vermicompost played a vital role in improving growth, yield and quality parameters of parching sorghum. Similarly, BGS has also found to be beneficial in improving soil properties. Hence an application of FYM, VC and BGS is to be advocated as a source of nutrients to parching sorghum grown in kharif season.

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