Effects of integrated nutrient management on yield and economics of barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 201718 and 201819 Udaipur, Rajasthan, to study the nutrient status of plant and soil as influenced under integrated nutrient management in bar- ley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial), comprising combina- tions of 6 fertility levels and 4 liquid bio-inoculants. The results indicated that, application of 125% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) in conjunction with 5 t farm yard manure (FYM)/ha had significant effect on yields (grain, straw and biological yield) which was at par with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM/ha. However, both these fertility levels sig- nificantly increased the grain weight/ear over application of 75% RDF + 5 t FYM/ha, 125% RDF, 100% RDF and 75% RDF during both years. Both 125% RDF + 5 t FYM/ha and 100% RDF + 5 t FYM/ha fetched net returns of `66,492 and 64,933 with benefit: cost ratio 2.15 and 2.14, respectively. The barley crop under the influence of con- joint inoculation with liquid biofertilizers, consisting combination of Azotobacter + Azospirillum + phosphates solubilizer + plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) recorded significantly higher grain, straw and biological yields and was found at par with inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB inoculation, and both these treatments signifi- cantly influenced the grain, straw and biological yields. Inoculation of barley seed with liquid bio inoculant consist- ing combination of Azotobacter + Azospirillum + Phosphates solubilizer + PGPR recorded maximum net returns (67,906) and benefit: cost ratio 2.44 closely followed by seed inoculation with liquid bio inoculant Azotobacter + PSB with net returns of 65,006 and benefit: cost ratio of 2.31, registering significantly higher over inoculation with Azotobacter and PSB alone.