Effect of crop residue and phosphorus management strategies on the performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under limited irrigation conditions

Irrigation water availability is declining which is becoming a challenge to productivity even in drought tolerant crops like pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of crop residue mulching, phosphorus fertilisation and microbial inoculation [Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)] on growth, yield and economics of pearl millet under limited irrigation during rainy (kharif) season of 2022 and 2023 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The study followed a split-plot design (SPD) with three mulching levels (no mulch, 2 t/ha and 3 t/ha) and four phosphorus treatments [control, 100% RDP (Recommended dose of phosphorus), 75% RDP + PSB + AMF and 50% RDP + PSB + AMF]. Crop residue mulching significantly improved growth and yield attributes, with 3 t/ha mulch outperformingcontrol by increasing grain yield by 17.8–25.5% across years. Integrated nutrient management showed pronounced benefits, where 75% RDP combined with PSB and AMF resulted in the highest growth parameters and yield, improving grain yield by 16.9–19.7% over control, along with superior economic returns. The results demonstrated that residue mulching coupled with reduced phosphorus application and microbial inoculants enhances phosphorus use efficiency, crop productivity and profitability. This approach offers a sustainable and resource-efficient nutrient management strategy for pearl millet cultivation, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers while maintaining high yields. Future adoption of such bio-integrated nutrient technologies can support climate-resilient agriculture and improve soil health in semi-arid regions.