Influence of Weed and Nitrogen Management on Growth, Productivity and Economics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Background: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity is often constrained by severe weed competition and improper nitrogen management, which adversely affect crop growth, yield, and nutrient use efficiency. Integrated weed and nitrogen management is therefore essential to enhance productivity and profitability under semi-arid conditions. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021–22 at the Agronomy Research Farm, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications, comprising four weed management treatments (W₁: weedy check, W₂: weed-free, W₃: metsulfuron, W₄: 2,4-D) Observations on growth, yield attributes, yield, nitrogen uptake, and economics were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: Weed management and nitrogen levels significantly influenced growth, yield attributes, and productivity of barley. Treatment W₂ and W₃ improved plant growth, dry matter accumulation, and yield attributes over W₁. Among nitrogen levels, N₃ recorded superior performance, followed by N₂. Grain yield, biological yield, and nitrogen uptake increased with effective weed control and higher nitrogen levels. Among interaction W₂* N₂ showed maximum productivity and nutrient uptake.W₃ resulted in higher profitability, while N₃ recorded maximum returns, though N₂ was more cost-effective.