Summary
This field trial evaluated how combined zinc and boron micronutrient application interacts with contrasting tillage practices to influence pearl millet productivity. The research addresses the recognised challenge of micronutrient deficiencies in conservation agriculture systems, particularly under no-tillage conditions, by testing whether targeted micronutrient management can sustain cereal yields whilst reducing soil disturbance. The findings contribute practical evidence on optimising micronutrient inputs within lower-input, conservation-oriented farming systems in South Asian contexts.
UK applicability
Direct applicability to UK arable systems is limited, as pearl millet is not widely cultivated in the UK climate. However, the methodological approach to investigating micronutrient-tillage interactions may be relevant to UK cereal production (wheat, barley) where no-tillage adoption is increasing and micronutrient deficiencies are occasionally observed.
Key measures
Pearl millet grain yield, plant dry matter, zinc and boron uptake, micronutrient concentration in grain, agronomic efficiency across tillage systems
Outcomes reported
The study measured pearl millet grain yield, biomass production, and agronomic performance in response to combined zinc and boron application under no-tillage and conventional plough-tillage systems. Plant nutrient uptake and micronutrient concentration in grain were likely assessed across the tillage treatments.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.