Pearl Millet - Fertilization

Under traditional practices, inorganic fertilizers are not applied on pearl millet. Some farmers who own cattle apply manure by kraaling the animals. Since pearl millet responds well to improved fertility, use of fertilizer especially on poor soils is therefore recommended. Either compound "D" or "X" at 200 kg/ ha should be used for basal-dressing at the time of planting. Urea or ammonium nitrate at lOOkg/ha can be used for top-dressing when the seedlings start tillering. In light sandy soils, top-dressing into two split doses has been observed to give a better crop. The first dose can be given two weeks after crop emergence and the final dose at boot stage.