Interactive effect of different inorganic nitrogen sources and bacteria inoculation on productivity, grain quality, and economic returns of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.)

Nitrogen (N) is required by the plants in large quantities and obtaining higher yield without its application is a challenging task. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) is grown on a wide range of soils in Pakistan, and average yield is lower than most of the millet producing countries in the world. Growth, development, and nutrient accumulation can be improved by bacteria inoculation combined with inorganic fertilizers. This two-year study inferred the effect of different nitrogen (N) sources [urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), nitrophos and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)] combined with seed inoculation with endobacteria (EB) and rhizobacteria (RB) or no seed inoculation on growth, yield, profitability, and grain quality of pearl millet. The CAN + seed inoculation with RB significantly increased grain (115.7% and 116.4% during 1st and 2nd year) and biological yield (45.5% and 22.6%), and economic returns (234% and 128%). Likewise, N supply through urea increased grain N, protein, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents. In the same way, AN + seed inoculation with RB significantly improved soil microbial population. In conclusion, N supply through CAN + seed inoculation with RB could be used to improve the productivity, and net economic returns of pearl millet.