Balanced NPK Nutrition Improves Forage Productivity and Quality of Pearl Millet Grown in Semi-arid Regions of Pakistan

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an important crop in Pakistan, cultivated as fodder and grain crop in areas suffering harsh weather conditions. The high nutritional value of pearl millet grain and fodder makes it an essential component in human and livestock diets. The main aim of this study was to optimize Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) levels for the best growth, forage yield, and nutritional properties of pearl millet in the semi-arid region of Pakistan. A field trial was conducted during the years 2019 and 2020, combining two pearl millet genotypes (synthetic variety Sargodha-2011 and hybrid Pioneer-86M86) with four doses of NPK application: control (no NPK application), NPK 30–15-15, 60–30-30 and 120–60-60 kg ha−1. Synthetic variety Sargodha-2011 exhibited higher plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, and dry biomass yield than hybrid Pioneer-86M86. The intermediate NPK application (60–30-30 kg ha−1) attained maximum leaf area, stem diameter, and dry biomass yield compared to control plots. The NPK levels showed a variable behavior for dry matter partitioning. Forage quality traits, namely crude protein, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and ash content, peaked in the combination of Sargodha-2011 with intermediate NPK application (60–30-30 kg ha−1). It was manifested that a synthetic variety with a wider genetic variability than a hybrid, in association with an intermediate NPK supply, may achieve the best results regarding forage yield and quality under dry climate as in Punjab, Pakistan. This avoids profligate use of costly crop inputs such as high doses of chemical fertilizers and hybrid seeds to benefit economic and environmental sustainability.