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Sustainable strategies for low-carbon fodder pearl millet systems: integrating nitrogen sources to enhance productivity, energy efficiency, and carbon sustainability

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient governing fodder pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ) productivity; however, excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers often leads to poor nitrogen-use efficiency, soil degradation, increased production costs, and higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Integrating organic and inorganic nutrient sources may provide a sustainable strategy to enhance productivity while improving energy and carbon efficiency in semi-arid production systems. Therefore, a two-year field experiment (2021–2022) was conducted during the kharif season under a randomized block design with nine nitrogen management treatments comprising urea, vermicompost (VC), poultry manure (PM), and their combinations to supply the recommended dose of 80 kg N ha⁻¹. Results revealed that integrated nitrogen management significantly improved fodder productivity, energy dynamics, and carbon sustainability compared with sole chemical fertilization. Compared with the 100% urea treatment, the integrated application of 75% urea-N + 25% VC significantly increased 30.73% and dry fodder yield by 43.56% (P < 0.05). The same treatment also achieved the highest carbon efficiency (10.73±0.20 and 11.09±0.46 kg CE kg⁻¹ CE in 2021 and 2022, respectively), together with the lowest carbon footprint per unit yield (150.19±2.87 and 145.78±6.28 kg CO₂-e Mg⁻¹). The same treatment also achieved the highest carbon efficiency (10.73±0.20 and 11.09±0.46 kg CE kg⁻¹ CE in 2021 and 2022, respectively), together with the lowest carbon footprint per unit yield (150.19±2.87 and 145.78±6.28 kg CO₂-e Mg⁻¹). Partial substitution of urea with organic manures substantially reduced carbon emissions while sustaining higher productivity and resource-use efficiency. Overall, integrated nitrogen management, particularly the 75:25 urea–vermicompost combinations, emerged as an effective climate-smart strategy for sustainable and low-carbon fodder pearl millet production in semi-arid regions. However, wider adoption may depend on the availability, quality, and transportation economics of organic nutrient sources, warranting long-term and region-specific validation.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112453