Effect of Nitrogen, Organic Manures and Zinc Foliar Spray on Different Growth Parameters of Two-Row Barley (Hordeum distichon L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season 2024–25 at the Agronomy Research Farm, R.S.M. (P.G.) College, Dhampur, Bijnor (U.P.), India to study the effect of nitrogen, organic manures and zinc foliar spray on growth of barley (Hordeum distichon L.). The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments and thrice replications, including recommended dose of nitrogen, poultry manure, vermicompost, and zinc foliar spray in different combinations. The results indicated that the integrated application of 80% RDN + 20% N through poultry manure + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 30 DAS and flowering (T₅) significantly improved growth parameters (plant height, tillers, leaf area, plant fresh and dry weight), compared to control and sole inorganic treatments. The study concluded that integrating organic manures and foliar-applied zinc with reduced nitrogen fertilization (80% RDN + 20% N through poultry manure + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 30 DAS and flowering) enhances growth parameters of barley while promoting sustainable nutrient management.