How much fertiliser does bajra (pearl millet) need per acre in dryland?

For rainfed bajra a common recommendation is about 16 to 20 kg nitrogen and 8 to 12 kg phosphorus per acre, while irrigated or assured rainfall crops can take 32 to 40 kg nitrogen per acre. In dryland, apply full phosphorus and half the nitrogen at sowing as basal, and top dress the remaining nitrogen at around 25 to 30 days after sowing only if there is adequate soil moisture. Always base the exact dose on a soil test. Adding 2 to 3 tonnes of well rotted farmyard manure per acre before sowing improves moisture holding in sandy soils. Avoid heavy nitrogen if rains are failing, as it can cause lodging and waste money.