Study of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on the nutritional value of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

A field trial (Rabi 2024-2025) evaluated how three organic manures-poultry, goat and vermi- compost and two bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilising bacteria) influence grain carbohydrate and protein concentrations in barley grown on an acid sandy-loam soil of Arunachal Pradesh. Seven treatment combinations were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. Grain carbohydrate and protein were quantified by the Anthrone and Kjedahl methods respectively. Poultry manure + PSB (T2) produced the greatest improvements, raising carbohydrate and protein contents significantly over the uninoculated control. Result demonstrate that integrating nutrient- rich organic manure with targeted microbial inoculants can enrich barley grain nutritionally while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.