Comparative Evaluation of Neem-coated Urea and Nano Urea on the Growth and Physiological Attributes of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilization on finger millet, with Significant nutrient losses, especially for nitrogen (N) fertilizers, occurring when chemical fertilizers are directly incorporated into the field. These losses primarily result from leaching and volatilization processes under this practice, crops tend to utilize only a fraction of the applied N fertilizers, typically ranging from 30 to 40%. These observations highlight the inefficiency of traditional fertilizer application methods and the need for improved nutrient management strategies to maximize nutrient utilization by crops and minimize environmental impacts. The study was conducted in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments and replicated three times. The results of the study demonstrated that the treatment combining 50% neem-coated urea (NCU) and 50% nano urea (NU) in addition to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (T5) exhibited exceptional performance compared to the other treatments. This particular treatment displayed significant outcomes, including an increase in plant height of (93.7cm), improved leaf area index (3.95), greater total dry matter production (6443 kg/ha), a higher number of tillers (161.24/m2), increased productive tillers (94.2/m2), enhanced grain yield (4350 kg/ha), higher straw yield (5829 kg/ha), improved gross returns (143313 Rs/ha), a net return of (Rs. 88,247/ha), and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60. On the other hand, the application of (75% Neem coated urea + 25% Nano urea + P and K) can be considered as a second option for obtaining higher yield and economics of growing finger millet.