Response of barley to nitrogen management at varying growth stages under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2005–06 and 2006–07 at Avikanagar (Rajasthan) on malt variety of barley cv. RD 2618 to find out the economic rate and optimal time of nitrogen application for better quality and higher yield of irrigated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Application of 90 kg N/ha gave the highest grain (38.35 q/ha), straw (50.44 q/ha) yield and crude protein content in grain and straw (13.21 and 7.26%). The efficiency of N application was also higher when it was applied in 3 equal splits, i.e. at sowing, crown root initiation (CRI) and first node (FN) stage with respect to grain and straw yields. Results of pooled data showed that application of nitrogen in 3 equal splits gave 1.15 and 3.16 q/ha higher grain yield and 1.91 and 4.96 q/ha straw yield over other split combinations (½ at sowing and ½ at CRI stage and ½ each at sowing and FN stage). Application of 90 kg N/ha in three equal splits each at sowing, CRI and first node stage was found better in obtaining higher gross return (Rs. 33570/ha), net return (Rs.19307/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.35) as compared to other modes of split application.