The effect of natural farming system on growth parameters of foxtail millet in comparison to conventional and organic production systems

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at RIOF, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif 2022 and summer 2023 in foxtail millet to study the natural farming practices in comparison to organic farming practices, package developed from UAS Bangalore (UASB, POP) and absolute control. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design and replicated five times. The experiment consisted of 35 treatments (T1: Absolute control, T2: Organic production system, T3: Natural farming practice T4: Natural farming+ FYM on N equivalent basis, T5: combination of natural farming and organic farming practices, T6: Farmers practice and T7: UASB POP. Among the various farming practices significantly higher plant height height (77.26 cm), number of leaves (15.68), leaf area (8.5), total dry matter production was recorded in UASB POP compared to other treatments and was found on par with combination of natural farming and organic farming practices. Whereas, absolute control recorded significantly lowest plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and total dry matter production, Thus, the UASB POP and combination of natural farming and organic farming practices were found productive and remunerative.