International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology Citation: IAEB: 13(1): 03-21, March 2020 DOI: 10.30954/0974-1712.1.2020.2 ©2020 IAEB All rights reserved AGRONOMY Nutrient Management in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) in India Sagar Maitra*, M. Devender Reddy and S.P. Nanda M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761211, India *Corresponding author: sagar.maitra@cutm.ac.in (ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8210-1531) Paper No. 02 Received: 27-09-2019 Revised: 22-01-2020 Accepted: 28-02-2020 ABSTRACT In India fnger millet is mostly cultivated in resource poor soils of tropics and sub-tropics. Synchronizing nutrient supply with crop demand is essential to maximize yield and fertilizer use efciency. It has been found that incorporation of N fertilizer during seeding stage increased yield as compared to broadcasting of fertilizer. The continuous application of inorganic N fertilizer reduced the soil organic carbon level. The foliar application of 2% urea produced higher grain and straw yield. Application of fertilizer P @ 125% recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) with recommended N, K and FYM in diferent fertility soils recorded higher grain and straw yield. Nutrient management for targeting production and sustainability, integrated nutrient management (INM) will be the most suitable option. Application of 100% NPK along with FYM @ 10 t ha -1 recorded signifcantly higher grain and straw yield and enriched the soil organic carbon. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) alone or in a combination with chemical fertilizers contributed to higher amounts of carbon inputs and build up a higher soil organic carbon pool in rain fed groundnut–fnger millet rotation in alfsol of semi-arid region. Cropping system approach either sequential or intercropping with legume was found benefcial. Treating seeds with Azospirillum brasilense (N fxing bacterium) and Aspergillus awamori (P Solubilizing fungus) @ 25 g kg -1 seed of fnger millet found to be benefcial. Soil test crop response (STCR) need to be considered for supplying nutrients more precisely with a target yield output. In the present paper, the available literature on diferent options of nutrients application to fnger millet for sustainable productivity is reviewed. Highlights m The maximum yield potential of fnger millet can be achieved through proper nutrient application. m Balanced fertilization and cropping system infuence fnger millet productivity. m Integrated nutrient management and STCR based nutrient management are beter options of nutrient management in fnger millet. Keywords: Finger millet, integrated nutrient management, cropping system, productivity, sustainability Millets exhibit unique characteristics amongst cereals. These can grow well under dry and aberrant weather conditions, can cope with relatively poor soils and require comparatively less external inputs than major cereals, namely rice, wheat and maize. Millets are a staple food with superior nutritional qualities and used both as food and fodder. In addition, millets sequestrate carbon, thereby adding to CO 2 abatement opportunities, contribute to enhanced agro-biodiversity by their rich varietal diversity, ecologically benefcial (Brahmachari et al. 2018), allow for mutually benefcial intercropping with other important crops (Maitra et al. 2000). Under the changing scenario of global warming and climate change, cultivation of ecologically sound and hardy millets may be a wise alternative for optimum output with food and nutritional security. India is the largest producer of various kinds of millets. Out of the total minor millets produced, fnger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) accounts for about 85% of production in India (Sakamma et al. 2018) and it has the pride of place in having highest