Layered pelleting of seed with nutrient enriched soil enhances seed germination in Dinanath grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum)

Abstract

In the present experiment, a resource poor farmer’s recipe with modified process was standardized for grass seed (Dinanath) pelleting that improved the seed germination and vigour with the use of an indigenous, tyre based automatic machine for efficient and quick seed pelleting at farm level. Small beads of pelleting material were prepared initially by controlling the rotation of the tyre and then true seeds of grass were dusted on the beads in the rotating tyre. Soil was proved to be the best pelleting material both economically and technically. A number of seeds ranging from 8-10 per pellet accumulate enough force to come out of the pellet. Soil seed pellets when enriched with combination of nutrient mixture [nitrogen through urea (1%), phosphorous through single super phosphate (10%), potassium through muriate of potash (2%) and other micronutrients in minute concentration], cold solution of KNO3 (0.2%) and Bavistin as fungicide, resulted in enhanced seed germination, boosted growth and reduced mortality of grass seedling.