International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

The present study aimed to determine the effect of foliar application of Nano DAP on yield and N, P and K uptakes and post-harvest soil nutrient status of finger millet. Finger millet is mostly grown in poor and marginal soils under low to no input supply conditions. Adequate plant nutrient supply is required to explore the full yield potential of improved varieties. Nano DAP application through seedling treatment followed by foliar sprays efficiently meets the crop's need for phosphorus and nitrogen. A field experiment was carried out during rabi, 2023-24 at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments viz., T₁ : 100 % NPK , T₂ : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP at Tillering stage, T₃ : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP at PI stage, T₄ : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T₅ : 100 % NK only, T₆ : T ₅ + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T₇ : T ₅ + 50  % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T ₈ : T ₅ + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T₉ : T₅ + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP at Tillering stage and T₁₀ : T₅ + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP at PI stage. Results revealed that 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP @ 2.5 ml L^-1 at Tillering and PI stage (T₄) significantly enhanced the grain and straw yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents and uptakes of both grain and straw, post-harvest soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, however, this treatment remained at par with 100 % NK + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage (T₈). Hence, 100 % NK + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at the Tillering and PI stage (T₈) can be regarded as the best treatment as it saves 25 % of conventional phosphorus fertilizers in addition to environmental safety.