Unlocking Yield Potential: Influence of Varieties and Fertilizer Levels on Malt Barley in Medium Black Soils

Abstract

Malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth and yield performance were examined in relation to various cultivars and fertiliser concentrations. Three malt barley varieties (DWR-UR-52, RD 2035 and PMVM 10/2 R) and four fertilizer levels (GRDF 100:75:50 kg NPK ha-1,GRDF 80:60:40 kg NPK ha-1, GRDF 60:45:30 kg NPK ha-1 and GRDF 100:75:50 kg NPK ha-1) were studied in rabi season of 2024-25. The trial was conducted in a split-plot design and replicated thrice across two locations: Manjari and Nagpur R&D farms of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute. The results of this study indicated that maximum emergence (153.56 plants m-²), dry matter production (374.95 g m-2) at 60 DAS, grain weight per ear (1.33 g) and highest grain yield (31.82 q ha⁻¹) were recorded in RD-2035 barley variety. While plant height, ear length and grain yield was maximum with 100:75:50 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O ha⁻¹ fertilizer level. Based on field performance it proved that, exploring the maximum potential of malt barley under the agro-climatic conditions of the study area, integrated approach can be recommended for achieving higher productivity and economic returns in malt barley cultivation.