Barley Yield Research Articles

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) through Biochar and NPK Fertilizers: Impacts on Physio-Biochemical Behavior and Grain Yield

Increased soil salinity significantly inhibits crop production around the world. Over the last decade, biochar has been used in agriculture to improve plant productivity, soil quality, and as an alternative to plant amendment. This study was aimed to study the effect of biochar, NPK, and their combination on the growth, physio-biochemical traits, mineral contents, and grain yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Thus, a pot factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was performed. Experimental treatments included four levels of biochar (0, 2, 5 and 10% of total pot mass), four different NaCl levels (0, 75, 125, and 200 mmol L−1), and with or without NPK fertilizer. The results showed that a negative effect on gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigments, SPAD value, minerals contents, and grain yield of barley under salinity treatments. In addition, our funding showed the negative effect on biochemical traits such as proline, soluble sugars, individual sugar, and phenolic compounds. The use of biochar, combined with NPK fertilizers, considerably increases these parameters and especially improves barley grains yield under severe salinity conditions (200 mM) with a dose of 2% and 5% (394.1 and 280.61 g m−2, respectively) of total pot mass. It is concluded that biochar amendment could be a promising practice to enhance barley growth under severe saline irrigation and NPK fertilization regimes.

A wild barley nested association mapping population shows a wide variation for yield-associated traits to be used for breeding in Australian environment

This study aimed to identify wild barley alleles controlling grain size and weight with the potential to improve barley yield in Australia and worldwide. The HEB-25 nested association mapping population was used, which samples 25 different wild barley accessions in a ‘Barke’ genetic background. The HEB-25 population was evaluated in field conditions at Strathalbyn in South Australia in 2015 and 2016. Seven yield component traits reflecting ear length, grain number per ear and grain dimension were measured. Among 114 quantitative trait loci (QTL) identified for the seven traits in both years, many co-localise with known genes controlling flowering and spike morphology. There were 18 QTL hotspots associated with four loci or more, of which one at the beginning of chromosome 5H had wild alleles that increased both grain number per ear and thousand-grain weight. A wide range of effects was found for wild alleles for each trait across all QTL identified, providing a rich source of genetic diversity that barley breeders can exploit to enhance barley yield.

Crop capacity and grain-beet crop rotation productivity as a result of 85-year application of fertilizers under conditions of the Central-Black Earth Region

Fertilizers applied during 85 years in the grain–beet crop rotation provided the most significant (by 12.0– 71.0% to control) an increase in the yield of barley and annual grasses using only the aftereffect of fertilizers, with direct action – sugar beet in the steam link (by 20.9–39.9%). There was a significant increase in the productivity of 1 ha of arable land (by 16.3–35.7% relative to the option without fertilizers). It is proved that an increase in the fertilizer saturation of 1 ha of crop rotation area per 1 kg of NPK increased the yield of sugar beet to the greatest extent, and oats and winter wheat in the clover link to the least. The highest productivity of 1 ha of arable land was provided by a system that included double application in the crop rotation of N135P135K135 for sugar beet in combination with manure of 25 t/ha in a pair (saturation with fertilizers – N30P30K30 + manure 2.8 t/ha).

Перспективы применения различных органоминеральных удобрений на яровом ячмене

The results of field experiments on spring barley conducted in 2023 on the experimental fields of the Agrobiotechnopark of the Kazan State Agrarian University are presented. The purpose of the research was to assess the impact of the use of various compositions of organomineral fertilizers based on natural minerals (zeolite, diatomite, perlite), humates and food industry waste (buckwheat husk, beet molasses) developed at the Institute of Agrobiotechnologies and Land Management of Kazan State Agrarian University on the formation of the yield and grain quality of spring barley. The objectives of the research included studying the nature of changes in plant growth and development, yield and protein content in grain when using experimental organomineral fertilizers. The object of the study was spring barley of the Raushan variety. The control was the option without fertilizers; the standard was the application of 100 kg/ha of azofoska. Experimental fertilizers were applied at a rate of 120 kg/ha. All fertilizers in the experiment were applied before sowing. The studies were carried out on gray forest highly cultivated soil. The growing season conditions in 2023 were characterized by periodically severe drought phenomena, which affected the growth and development of spring barley plants. It was found that the application of experimental fertilizers contributed to the growth of the length of roots and above-ground parts of plants, and also reduced the damage to plants by root rot. Diatomite-based fertilizer had the greatest positive effect on reducing root rot damage. The largest increase in yield over the control (by 0.73 t/ha) and standard (by 0.22 t/ha) was obtained when using diatomite-based fertilizer. The use of all organomineral fertilizers (especially those based on zeolite) leads to an increase in the protein content in the grain.

Evaluating Intra-Field Spatial Variability for Nutrient Management Zone Delineation through Geospatial Techniques and Multivariate Analysis

This research study underscores the importance of effectively managing soil nutrients in a site-specific manner to enhance crop productivity while considering the spatial variability of the soil. The objective is to identify subfields with similar soil characteristics, referred to as management zones (MZs), to promote sustainable land utilization. This study was conducted in two central pivot fields located in Southern Idaho, USA, where barley and sugar beets were grown. Soil samples were collected from each field in a grid pattern and analyzed for various chemical properties. These properties included soil pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, excess lime, electrical conductivity, total inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron. Descriptive statistics and normality assessments were performed, and the coefficient of variation was calculated to assess the heterogeneity of soil properties, revealing significant variability. To determine the spatial variability of soil properties, ordinary kriging was used revealing diverse spatial patterns for each location and soil variable examined with moderate to strong spatial dependence. To develop the MZs, a combination of principal component analysis and fuzzy k-means clustering was utilized, and specific parameters that represented the overall variability of soil properties in each field were identified. Based on the identified parameters, two clusters were created in each field. The first management zone (MZ1) exhibited lower values of soil pH, excess lime content, and electrical conductivity compared to the MZ2. Consequently, higher crop productivity was observed in MZ1 in both fields. The biomass yields of barley and sugar beets in MZ1 surpassed those in MZ2. This study highlights the effectiveness of the methodology employed to delineate MZs, which can be instrumental in precise soil nutrient management and maximizing crop productivity.

Adapting the grassland model BASGRA to simulate yield and nutritive value of whole-crop barley

Ensiling of whole-crop biomass of barley before full maturity is common practice in regions with a short growing season. The developmental stage of barley at harvest can have a large impact on yield and nutritive composition. The relationships between crop growth, environmental conditions and crop management can be described in process-based simulation models. Some models, including the Basic Grassland (BASGRA) model, have been developed to simulate the yield and nutritive value of forage grasses, and usually evaluated against metrics of relevance for whole-crop silage. The objectives of this study were to: i) modify the BASGRA model to simulate whole-crop spring barley; ii) evaluate the performance of this model against empirical data on dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value attributes from field experiments, divided into geographical regions; and iii) evaluate DM yield, nutritive value and cutting date under current and future climate conditions for three locations in Sweden and four cutting regimes. Main model modifications included addition of a spike pool, equations for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) allocation to the spike pool and equations for C and N translocation from vegetative plant parts to spikes. Model calibration and validation against field trial data from Sweden, including samples harvested from late anthesis stage to hard dough stage that were either pooled or divided into regions, showed better prediction accuracy, evaluated as normalised root mean squared error (RMSE), of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (7.58–18.4%) than of DM yield (16.8–27.8%), crude protein (15.5–23.2%) or digestible organic matter in the DM (DOMD) (12.0–22.2%). Model prediction using weather data representing 1990–2020 and 2021–2040 climate conditions for three locations in Sweden (Skara, Umeå, Uppsala) showed lower DM yield, earlier harvest and slightly higher NDF concentration on average (across locations and developmental stage at cutting) when using near-future climate data rather than historical data. The model can be used to evaluate whole-crop barley performance under production conditions in Sweden or in other countries with similar climate, soils and crop management regimes.

Isolation and Inoculation Effect of Trichoderma reesei on Growth and Yield of Barley

In today’s world, usage of chemical fertilizers has become necessity for betterment of crop yield; however they have negative impact on the environment, quality of soil and human health. Therefore, involvement of substitute for chemical fertilizers is an essential requirement of present time. Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) serves as a best alternative in place of chemicals to enhance plant growth, crop productivity and improve nutrients availability for plants. They also show an involvement in ceasing growth of plant pathogens, hence acting as a bio control agent. The aim of our study is to screen and examine plant growth promoting fungi effect on barley crop. A total seven fungal strains were isolated from wheat rhizosphere. The isolated fungal strains were screened for their In vitro plant growth promotional traits. Among total, one isolate 14F found positive for five different plant growth promoting traits. This isolate was further identified at molecular level by amplification and sequencing of ITS gene region and was identified as Trichoderma reesei. Trichoderma reesei was inoculated with barley seeds and its effects were analyzed. Significant increase was observed in terms of plant height (root length and shoot length), plant weight (Dry and wet weight) as compared to un-inoculated plants. This Trichoderma strain could become a fantastic bio-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Study on the influence of fertilizers on the yield and quality of barley and potatoes

Improved plant nutrition when applying organic and mineral fertilizers occurs due to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from fertilizers and soil. A significant part of them is fixed by soil. Depending on the amount of fertilizer applied and the mobility of soil nutrients, different conditions for the formation of the crop and its quality are created. Reproduction of soil fertility and increase in crop yields can only be achieved on the basis of the scientifically based use of fertilizers and other chemicals in crop rotations. Currently, the rational use of fertilizers, both organic and mineral, to increase productivity, quality of crops and improve soil fertility is of particular importance. Studying the effectiveness of various fertilizer systems in crop rotations and biologization of agriculture are currently becoming particularly important. Hence, this study highlights the comprehensive information on the influence of various fertilizer on the yield and quality of barley and potatoes.

In situ charcoal production in Acacia decurrens‐based taungya system improved soil properties and productivity of three agricultural crops in the highlands of Ethiopia

AbstractShort‐term in situ charcoal production‐induced changes in soil properties and crop productivity of acidic soil in Acacia decurrens‐based taungya system were assessed in the Guder watershed of northwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected through field study, pot experiment and interviews with local farmers. The field study involved a survey of 36 paired charcoal production kiln sites and adjacent reference sites in 18 croplands to analyse soil physicochemical properties and productivity of tef (Eragrostis tef), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). A pot experiment was undertaken with wheat to investigate seed germination and chemical fertilizer needs at charcoal production sites. Local farmers were interviewed for their perceptions and management practices. The production and short‐term presence of charcoal in kiln sites significantly increased sand fraction, pH, organic carbon, available phosphorous, exchangeable Mg2+ and exchangeable K+ compared with the reference sites. Charcoal production practice raised pH by 0.83 units, organic carbon, available P and exchangeable K+ by 40%, 92% and 303%, respectively. Exchangeable acidity and exchangeable Al3+ were lowered by over 80% at kiln sites. Both aboveground biomass and grain yield of tef, barley and wheat were, on average, 135% higher at kiln sites than at the reference sites. Furthermore, crops grown at kiln sites were taller and had greener and larger leaves. Farmers' responses indicated higher crop productivity and reduced inorganic fertilizer application at kiln sites. Results from the pot experiment provided evidence of faster seed germination, enhanced crop productivity and reduced inorganic fertilizer needs in charcoal‐treated soils. The study suggests that the inclusion of charcoal remnants and heating can increase carbon storage, improve soil properties which promote crop productivity and reduce the need for inorganic fertilizer in degraded, acidic agricultural soil.

Research on the Efficiency of Complex Fertilizer Produced from the New Serpentine-Based Ingredient

Using serpentine, which is widespread in Armenia, we developed two new fertilizers. First fertilizer, is composed of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, as well as amorphous silicon dioxide, and fertilizer 2, which contains a small amount of phosphorus (in the form of a mixture in the mineral), calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and amorphous silicon dioxide. Fertilizers were soluble in water and a 1 % ammonium carbonate solution. Laboratory studies have shown that fertilizers positively affect spring barley seed germination percentage, germination rate, growth, yield, and grain NPK content. The yield of spring barley increased by 28.4-33.1 % under the influence of fertilizers, which is equivalent to the efficiency of double superphosphate. However, serpentine, the most common in Armenia, can be used to obtain recommended fertilizers in a much cheaper and safer manner.

Productivity of spring barley on soils of different agroecological groups of r. Tatarstan, Nizhnekamsk district

In this work, the contribution of the group of main agroecological factors to the final yield of spring barley was assessed using the model of principal component method and multivariate regression. It was found that in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of Tatarstan the most significant factors are the group of variables that determine the conditions of heat and moisture availability, namely: the amount of precipitation during the growing season, the amount of temperature during the growing season, morphometric parameters of slope steepness and exposure. The method and depth of tillage did not have a significant effect on the final yield, as well as a number of other variables analyzed: forms of fertilizers used, predecessors in crop rotation, etc. Such variable as Exposition was not significantly related to Yield. With Pearson correlation method R=0.30 units, which is not reliable at n=31, but Exposition had a significant effect on Temperatures > 10 and Precipitation (R=0.78 units and -0.77 units), the strongest and most important factors in the formation of Yield. The information obtained will be very valuable in the development of management approaches, rational agro-technologies and adaptive systems.

Biologically active substances and their influence on spring barley yield

Biologically active substances and their influence on spring barley yield

Effects of Mixed Application of Chemical Fertilizer and Liquid Swine Manure on Dry Matter Yield and Feed Value of Whole Crop Barley

Effects of Mixed Application of Chemical Fertilizer and Liquid Swine Manure on Dry Matter Yield and Feed Value of Whole Crop Barley

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and its contributing traits in Barley (Hordeum vulgar L.)

In breeding programs, direct selection based on crop yields is paradoxical due to its complex polygenically inherited nature, that is impacted by its component traits. To determine the degree of relationship between yield and yield components and other traits in nine barley varieties, a field experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jashore during Rabi 2021–2022. For plant height, disease and insect reaction, and grain yield, substantial heritability together with strong genetic progress as a percentage of mean were detected, indicating a prevalence of additive gene action in the expression of these traits. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, the correlation coefficient between grain yield was shown to be positively correlated with plant height and thousand grain weight, indicating that an increase in these traits will boost grain production. Both genotypic and phenotypic analysis of the path coefficient demonstrated that plant height and thousand grain weight had a direct positive impact on grain production, highlighting the significance of these parameters as the primary contributors to yield. For the purpose of genetically improving barley yield, a genotype with a higher extent of these qualities could be chosen as a parent from among genotypes that already exist. SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 15-25 (2023)

Azospirillum brasilense: Inoculation and Nitrogen Management on the Development and Yield of Barley

ABSTRACT The nitrogen (N) requirement for barley cultivation can vary from 90 to 130 kg ha−1 cycle−1, representing 30% of production costs. Furthermore, obtaining mineral N is difficult due to constant conflicts involving producing countries. Excess N will increase the cost of production and contaminate the soil and groundwater, unbalancing the fauna, flora, and microbiology of the environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the management of inoculation and N fertilization with A. brasilense on the development and productivity of barley. Field experiment was carried out for two years. A randomized block design was used in a 5 (Factor A) × 2 (Factor D) factorial arrangement with four replications. In which the “factor A” included five doses of A. brasilense, whereas the “factor D” was evaluated N management (with or without N management). The inoculant used had approximately of 2.0 × 108 viable cells mL−1 (Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 strains). Innoculation was carried out on the seeds 1 hour before sowing, in order to homogenize the inoculant in the seeds, to guarantee homogeneity of the distribution of microorganisms on the seeds. The best dose of A. brasilense was 12.5 mL kg−1 of seed, which provided an increase in plant height, number of ears, mass and grain productivity. The use of A. brasilense showed significant improvements in management with or without the use of mineral N. However, better results are obtained when the association between N management and the use of inoculant is made. Thus, when using up to 22.5 kg of N, the best results were observed.

SOIL CULTIVATION METHODS’ IMPACT ON SOIL WATER-PHYSICAL PROPERTIES UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS OF SOUTHEAST KAZAKHSTAN

For the rational use of rainfed lands in Southeast Kazakhstan, the practical study aimed to determine the influence of different cultivation methods on the water-physical properties of the soil. The results revealed that, on average, for two years, the reserve of productive moisture in the ground during the spring with plowing at 20–22 cm was 127.8–146.4 mm, with minimal tillage at 8–10 cm (132.3–157.0 mm), and with zero tillage (122.2–140.8 mm) for all studied crops. With insufficient rainfall in summer, the moisture reserve decreased to 21.5–26.2 mm with plowing, 23.5–28.0 mm with minimal tillage, and 27.8–37.6 mm with zero tillage. In the studied crops, the soil density in the arable soil layer (0–30 cm) showed significant variations depending on the methods of soil cultivation. In spring, the soil was in a loose and weakly compacted state (1.17–1.22 g/cm3), and during harvesting, it increased and became dense (1.29–1.32 g/cm3), especially with zero tillage. Soil tillage methods provided the best structural aggregate condition (58%–71%) during the growing season of the studied crops of agronomically valuable aggregates (0.25–10 mm). However, the maximum content of structural aggregates (69%–71%) was evident with zero tillage by sowing safflower, spring barley, and Sudan grass. It indicates the excellent aggregate state of the soil under natural conditions with these crops. However, its minimum amount (58%) occurred with plowing (20–22 cm) under safflower. The water-resistant aggregate content was highest in no-tillage variants of the studied crops, varying between 17.6%–18.9%. With plowing, the water resistance of aggregates decreased to 13.1% under different crops. Over two years of research, the highest average yield of spring barley (2.42 t/ha) emerged with minimal tillage, while the lowest grain yield of Sudan grass (0.67 t/ha) came from plowing. As a result, the highest grain yields of spring barley, peas, and safflower emanated with minimal tillage, while in the Sudanese grass, with zero tillage.

Optimizing Wheat and Barley Yield Through Programming Techniques: Mineral Fertilizers, Plant Protection, and Agricultural Practices in South-Eastern Kazakhstan

Optimizing Wheat and Barley Yield Through Programming Techniques: Mineral Fertilizers, Plant Protection, and Agricultural Practices in South-Eastern Kazakhstan

Investigation of Chlorophyll Mutations in Gamma Irradiated Naked Barley Genotypes

The consumption of naked barley is significantly increasing as more people become aware of its benefi-cial role as a source of dietary fiber and β-glucan. As a result, breeding programs paid more attention to naked barley. Improvement of yield and quality of naked barley is hindered by the lack of available germplasm. Mutation breeding is an effective tool for generating variation for plant breeding. Chlorophyll mutations are often used as visual indicators in breeding research to determine the optimum mutagen dosage. The purpose of this study was to identify the types and frequency of chlorophyll mutations brought on by different gamma radiation doses in two genotypes of hulless barley and determine the effective dose (ED50) based on the mutation frequency. Seeds of naked barley line YAA7050-14 and cv. Yalin that have been irradiated with doses of 100, 150, 200, and 300 Gy gamma rays delivered by a Cobalt-60 source. Chlorophyll mutations were observed in 8-day-old M2 plants grown under greenhouse conditions. In the M2 plants of cv. Yalin, the highest mutagen frequency was observed at 250 and 300 Gy, while in line YAA7050-14, the highest mutation frequency was found at 300 Gy. The rate of chlorophyll mutation rose in both genotypes as the gamma ray doses increased. The albino type of chlorophyll muta-tion was found in the cv. Yalin at the greatest rate, whereas the xantha type was found in the line YAA7050-14. The most common chlorophyll mutation type was albino, while the least common type was viridis when both genotypes were considered together. Based on the mutation frequency, 250-300 Gy doses could be used to effectively in further research to create mutations in the naked barley genotypes.

The effect of climate change on crop yield anomaly in Europe

AbstractEvery human needs sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to live an active and healthy life. Climate change, especially more frequent extreme climate events, increasingly affects crop yields. Unpredictable losses in crop production pose a high risk to our food systems, thus threatening agricultural producers and consumers worldwide. This study analyzes the effect of climate change on wheat, maize, and barley yield anomalies for the major producing countries in the EU. Applying the Random Forest machine learning model, climate indicators, comprising mean and extreme climate conditions, explain 18% of crop yield anomalies across crops and countries from 1961 to 2020. The predictive power of climate indicators is highest for maize with 24%, followed by barley with 22% and wheat with 3%. However, mean climate indicators are stronger associated with crop yield anomalies than extreme climate indicators. Temperature‐ and soil moisture–related indicators are more important than precipitation‐related indicators. The results reveal a nonlinear relationship between climate indicators and crop yields. Thresholds lead to a sharp decrease or increase in crop yields. Under SSP3‐7.0, rising temperatures tend to increase crop yield losses until 2100 without effective adaptation measures. The impact of changing soil moisture–related indicators depends on crop and country. Our study discusses adaptation strategies but also emphasizes the relevance of global mitigation efforts to reduce climate‐induced crop risk and to improve our food system's resilience.

Assessing the Effects of Whey Hydrogel on Nutrient Stability in Soil and Yield of Leucosinapis alba and Hordeum vulgare

Agriculture and related crop production are highly dependent on climate and economic factors, and agricultural intensification is associated with a dramatic increase in the consumption of fertilizers. A significant amount of the elements from the most commonly used fertilizers is degraded and lost due to climatic and environmental factors. The soil application of novel whey-based hydrogel represents an innovative approach toward efficient fertilizing and soil water balance that resonates with the concepts of sustainable agriculture and circular economy of waste products. Results of previous research show the positive effect of whey-based hydrogel on water retention after the various levels of hydrogel have been applied into artificial soil. With a view to verifying the effect of the whey hydrogel on soil quality and related crop cultivation in real conditions, the pot experiment compared two different doses of whey hydrogel with control soil, with the conventional NPK treatment of soil and with a mixing strategy combining the conventional NPK treatment with hydrogel application. The controlled pot experiment was conducted with haplic Cambisol, with white mustard (Leucosinapis alba) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) as the testing crops. Soil pH, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), available forms of the essential macronutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg), and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined in Cambisol samples before and after the experiment. The crop yields of barley and mustard were compared among the various treatments of experimental soils. Results demonstrated that the amendment of whey-based hydrogel increased the bioavailable nutrients’ concentrations, which persisted even after the harvest. The nutritional quick boost after the whey-based (co)-application significantly increased the experimental crop yield.