Integrated use of fertilizers and manures with foliar application of iron in barley (Hordeum vulgare)
A field experiment on integrated use of fertilizers and manures with foliar application of iron in barley {Hordeum vulgare (L.)} was conducted at Jobner on loamy sand soil during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2009–10 and 2010–11. Results of the study revealed that application of 50% RDF + VC @ 2 t/ha recorded significant increase in dry matter accumulation (DMA)/metre row length (364.5 g), yield attributes viz., spike length (10 cm), number of spikes/metre row length (81.6), grains/spike (48.9) and test weight (43.0 g) as well as grain (5.48 t/ha) and straw yield (7.85 t/ha). Application of 50% RDF + VC @ 2 t/ha also recorded significantly higher total uptake of N (111.1 kg/ha), P ((20.1 kg/ha), K (28.1 kg/ha), and Fe (8,399 g/ha) by barley. Application of 0.5% FeSO4 as foliar spray at tillering + flowering stages resulted in significantly higher dry matter accumulation (342.1 g), higher yield attributes and grain (5.27 t/ha) and straw yield (7.37 t/ha) with higher total nutrient uptake. Interactive effect on grain yield was found significant between fertilizers, organic manure and foliar spray of iron. Application of 50% RDF + VC @ 2 t/ha along with foliar application of iron 0.5% FeSO4 at tillering + flowering stage gave significantly higher yield over control.