Influence of Varied Nitrogen Quantities on the Growth, Harvest Index, and Economic Viability of Barley

Author: Dundigala Ravali, Sahadeva Singh, Abul Kalam Azad, Ibrahim Kaleel, Ashirbachan Mahapatra, Pradipta Ranjan Pradhan, Arpita Kotnala and Amar Nath Singh

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Abstract

Farmers in the Indian state of Haryana widely cultivate barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) due to its popularity. Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth and development. In areas where soil nitrogen is limited, the yield of barley is dependent on the amount of N fertilizer applied. Therefore, determining the optimal amount of N fertilizer is crucial for achieving profitable barley cultivation. During the winter season of 2019-2020, research was carried out at the research farm of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SoAS), Gurugram, Haryana. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six N levels (0, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 kgha-1) and four replications. The growth parameters and harvest index (HI) of the barley crop were documented, and an economic analysis was performed to determine the net return and benefit-to-cost (B:C) ratio of the crop. Ensuring consistent environmental conditions throughout the crop growth phase posed a challenge for this study. The plots that received 60 kg N ha-1 had the highest growth parameters and HI. However, the plots that were treated with 90 kg N ha-1 had the highest net return and B:C ratio compared to other treatments. Therefore, it is recommended that barley crop growers use this dosage for better profitability. These findings can be useful for barley farmers and policymakers in making informed decisions on N application for optimal crop growth and economic benefits. Additional research can be conducted over an extended period to investigate various parameters of the barley crop.

Keywords

Barley, Nitrogen, Crop yield, Growth parameters, Harvest index and Economics

Conclusion

The application of higher levels of N significantly influenced the growth parameters and HI of barley crops, ultimately impacting their economic viability. The study concluded that the optimal N dose for barley growth and HI was 60 kg N ha-1. The treatment with 90 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest net income and B:C ratio, making it a recommended option for farmers to improve their productivity and profitability in barley.

References

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How to cite this article

Dundigala Ravali, Sahadeva Singh, Abul Kalam Azad, Ibrahim Kaleel, Ashirbachan Mahapatra, Pradipta Ranjan Pradhan, Arpita Kotnala and Amar Nath Singh (2023). Influence of Varied Nitrogen Quantities on the Growth, Harvest Index, and Economic Viability of Barley. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 234-238.