Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of water deficit on millet growth and yield parameters under fertilization conditions using laying hen droppings. To achieve this, a split-plot experiment with three replications was carried out, studying two main factors: Water regime (H0: normal watering, H1: 10-day suspension of watering at the vegetative stage, H2: 10-day suspension of watering at 50% flowering stage) and fertilization (D0: 0 g, D1: 240 g/pot). The results showed an increase in height, the number of tillers produced, flower count, ear and grain weight (GW), total dry biomass, and drought resistance index in fertilized plants subjected to water deficit at both the vegetative and 50% flowering stages. However, in unfertilized plants, water deficit applied at the vegetative stage reduced plant height, total dry biomass, and the drought resistance index. Water deficit applied at the 50% flowering stage resulted in a reduction in the number of flowering tillers, ear, and GW of unfertilized plants. Water deficit applied at the 50% flowering stage was significantly more damaging to plants. The results suggest that fertilization with laying hen droppings appears to be beneficial in crop environments subject to pockets of drought, especially at the vegetative stage.

Key words: Pennisetum glaucum, laying hen droppings, water regime, drought resistance index.