Impact of varied NPK fertilizer application rates and seed quantities on barley yield and soil nutrient availability in chestnut soil of Azerbaijan

Abstract

In the Gobustan district of Azerbaijan, the cultivation of barley is influenced by a complex interplay of soil properties, climate change effects, and agricultural practices. This study explores the impact of varying NPK fertilizer application rates and seed quantities, under natural climatic conditions, on barley yield and soil nutrient availability within Chestnut soils. The district's unique Chestnut soils, combined with evolving precipitation patterns due to climate change and the role of agricultural irrigation, create intricate challenges for successful barley farming. The experiment, conducted from 2016 to 2019, utilized a randomized complete block design with four replications to investigate the "Celilabad-19" barley variety. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between nitrogen application and grain yield. Notably, treatment 140-N60P45K45 (140 kg seed rate, 60 kg N/ha, 45 kg P/ha and 45 kg K/ha) demonstrated the highest average grain yield of 5.14 t/ha. The years 2017-2018 exhibited higher yields, possibly due to favorable climate conditions. Soil analyses indicated that higher NPK application rates led to elevated soil nutrient levels. However, nutrient content declined as plants progressed through growth stages, emphasizing the dynamic nutrient exchange between plants and soil. This study underscores the importance of adaptive agricultural strategies that consider climate variability and changing environmental conditions. The findings offer insights into sustainable cultivation practices essential for food security and crop production in the evolving climate of the Gobustan district.