Effect of spacing and nutrient sources on system of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) intensification

A field experiment was conducted during 2015–2017 at Melakachirapattu Village, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu to evaluate the effect of different plant spacing and certain nutrient sources, on growth and yield of ‘Co (RA) 14’ Var. of finger millet (Eleusine coracana Qaertn.). The experiment was laid out in a thrice replicated randomized block design (factorial technique). Planting at different spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 25 cm and 30 cm × 30 cm were the levels of the first factor, whereas different sources of nutrients, viz. 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% poultry manure (PM), 50% RDF + 50% PM, and 75% RDF + 25% PM were the levels in the second factor. The treatment with 100% RDF was satisfied through urea, single superphosphate (SSP), muriate of potash (MOP). Among the different spacings 30 cm × 30 cm and 25 cm × 25 cm being at par with one another recorded significantly the maximum grain yield of 3.4 t/ha. The lowest grain yield (2.4 t/ha) was recorded with 20 cm × 20 cm. Among the different sources of nutrients, invariably for all the characters, 100% RDF and 75% RDF + 25% PM were at par with one another that performed the best. The second-best treatment was 50% RDF + 50% PM and the poorest performer was 100% PM. The highest grain yield (3.7 t/ha) was recorded with 100% RDF and at par with 75% RDF + 25% PM, while 100% PM resulted in the lowest yield of 2.1 t/ha. Interaction effect being significant, the grain yield was maximum with 30 cm × 30 cm and 75% RDF + 25% PM (4.4 t/ha) and the lowest was grain yield of 1.4 t/ha was recorded with 20 cm × 20 cm and 100% PM. The highest benefit: cost ratio of 3.0 was recorded with 75% RDF + 25% PM and it was same with 100% RDF.