Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Finger Millet as Influenced by Organic Nutrient Management

Millet crops are indigenous to India and are often referred to as "Nutri-Cereals" because they provide essential nutrients vital for proper bodily function. India, particularly the semi-arid regions including Andhra Pradesh, has long been a hub for millet production. Finger millet, also known as ragi, holds particular importance as a staple food and a dryland crop. It has been part of the diet in India for thousands of years, and its cultivation continues to support agricultural systems, especially in areas where other crops may struggle due to water scarcity and poor soil conditions (Tripathi et al., 2023). Finger millet is a key small millet crop, predominantly cultivated in regions with erratic rainfall and marginal soils. In India, Finger milletis the third most important millet, next to sorghum and pearl millet, grown over an area of 10.37 lakh hectares with an annual production of 13.86 lakh tonnes and productivity of 1336 kg ha-1. Karnataka is the leading Finger millet producer in India followed by Tamilnadu and Maharashtra states. In Andhra Pradesh, it is cultivated in an area of 27,000 hectares with a production of 33,000 tonnes having productivity of 1222 kg ha-1 (Directorate of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, 2023-24). Organic farming, which prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals, offers an alternative approach. Inorganic systems, crop nutrient requirements are met through organic inputs and biological processes. This method prioritizes the restoration and maintenance of soil fertility and health, promoting sustainability over the long term. Farmers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of organic farming in terms of improved soil quality, enhanced sustainability and long-term productivity. By diversifying and making better use of these resources, farmers can improve soil fertility, reduce dependence on external inputs and move towards more sustainable farming systems.

To address the slow release of nutrients from bulky organic manures, foliar nutrition offers an effective solution by providing nutrients directly to the site of metabolism. This allows for the translocation of nutrients during peak periods of crop growth, promoting more efficient absorption through the leaves, where plants are often able to absorb nutrients more effectively than through their roots. As a result, organic foliar supplementation is considered safe for crops (Sujathaet al., 2016). Various types of foliar sprays, such as vermiwash, panchagavya and jeevamrutham have proven to be excellent means of addressing micronutrient deficiencies inorganic farming. Additionally, they contain a diverse range of micro-organisms that not only support plant growth but also help restore soil fertility by activating biological reactions. This microbial diversity in the foliar sprays acts as a plant growth stimulant, enhancing crop productivity and resilience (Swaminathan, 2005 & Sreenivasa et al., 2011).