Effect of Changing Rainfall Situation on Yield of Pearl millet in Medium Deep Soil of Scarcity Zone of Maharashtra

Abstract

The present invitation entitled “ Effect of changing rainfall situation on yield of pearl millet in medium deep soil of scarcity zone of Maharashtra.” was carried out during 2016-20 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Solapur, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra (India). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications. Nine treatment combinations were formed considering different cultivars viz., V1(ICTP-8203), V2 Mahyco Hybrid and V3 Dhanashakti and sowing windows viz., (S1) 2nd fortnight of June (25th June), (S2) - 2nd fortnight of July (27th-July) S3 - 2nd fortnight of August (24th - August). Among the three pearl millet sowing window crop sown in second fortnight of July (S2) produced significantly higher grain yield (1518.9 kg ha-1), biomass yield (2658.1 kg ha-1), total monetary returns (Rs. 33090 ha-1),CUM(383.7 mm), (MUE) (3.95 Kg ha-1 mm), GDD (1941-20610 days) and RUE (1.19g MJ-1) than other sowing dates. Among the genotypes Dhanashakti produced significantly higher grain yield (1369.9 kg ha-1), biomass yield (2525.5 kg ha-1) and total monetary returns (Rs. 29994 ha-1) than other cultivars. Under changing rainfall situation sowing of Kharif pearl millet contingent crop variety Dhanashakti upto 02nd September (Meteorological week no. 34-35) in medium deep soil of scarcity zone of Maharashtra is recommended for more sustainability in production. Following regression equation based on weather parameters for predicting the yield (prior to 2 weeks) is recommended. ÖYield= -101.38 + (-0.21 x Tmin) + (2.49 x RH-1) + (-1.34 x RH-2) + (0.08 x RF).