Effect of Nitrogen Levels on the Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Effect of nitrogen levels on the growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties” was carried out during the Rabi season of 2021-22 near the polyhouse research farm of wheat, barley, and mustard section, ITM University, Gwalior. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Twelve treatments consist of four levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha-1) and three barley varieties (RD-2035, KBS-D-341, and BH-393). Results indicated that the application of different nitrogen levels and varieties had significant effects on plant growth parameters such as plant height, number of tillers, leaf area, and dry matter accumulation. Increased levels of nitrogen considerably influenced the yield characters and were maximum when 120 kg N ha-1 was applied; however, it was at par with 80 kg N ha-1. The highest grain yield (4312.23 kg ha-1) was recorded with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 which was significantly higher as compared to lower levels (0 and 40 kg N ha-1) of nitrogen except for 80 kg N ha-1.The application of 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha-1 increased the grain yield by 57.13, 73.48, and 74.29 per cent, respectively over 0 kg N ha-1. Among varieties, KBS-D-341 produced maximum plant height, number of tillers, leaf area, and dry matter accumulation compared to other varieties. It also recorded a maximum grain yield, no. of effective tillers, no of grains per spike, and 1000 grain weight. This was followed by the variety BH-393 and RD-2035 performed poorly. In terms of economics KBS-D-341 obtained maximum net returns of (Rs. 88887.05 ha-1) with a BC ratio of (2.11) at 80kg N ha-1 as compared to other varieties.