Growth, Yield and Nitrogen Utilization of Barley

Production of barley is affected by many factors: sowing, topography, fertilization, temperature flux etc. Among them temperature plays an important role in plant growth and development. Due to high temperature, vegetative phase shortened and steep rise in temperature at the grain filling stage which causes abortion of florets and reduced kernel weight. Most of the characters were highest in early sown (S1 and S2) and higher nitrogen (N4). Grain filling duration from anthesis to physiological maturity was shortened by 1.37 and 1.77 day /°C rise in temperature, grain weight decreased by 0.18 and 0.82 mg/°C rise in temperature and grain weight increased by 0.30 and 0.07 mg/day increase in grain filling duration in two consecutive years. Fertile tillers/plant, panicle length, number of spikelet/spike, 1000-grain weight and grain protein contents were proved to be the most stable yield components. Nitrogen utilization was also higher in early sowing and higher nitrogen concentration. NUE increased significantly up to N2 but NHI increased significantly up to N1. Experimental findings will help the barley growers and researchers to intensify their knowledge of proper crop management.