Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Colmbatore during rainy seasons (July-November) of 1997 and 1998 on direct sown finger millet to study the integrated effect of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure and biofertilizers. The results revealed that application of recommended N (50% through FYM and 50% through urea) and 50% of recommended P and K (15 kg each ha'') along with seed inoculation of biofertilizer (Azospirillum and Aspergillus each @ 25 g per kg of seed) recorded higher values of yield attributes and yield. Integrated nutrient management for ragi increased the benefit: cost ratio over the farmers practice (application of complex fertilizer) by 74% and 37% in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Keywords: Finger millet, Nutrient management, Yield, Benefit cost ratio, Economics