Vol. 8, Special Issue 8, Part G (2024)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P.) during the Rabi season of 2022–23 to study the effects of organic manure, mulching, and chemical fertilizer on the growth and yield of barley crop in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment used a randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments: T₁= recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), T₂ = T₁ + FYM 5 t ha^-1, T₃ = T₁ + FYM 5 t ha^-1 + mulch, T₄ = T₃ + ZnSO₄ spray @ 0.5%, T₅ = T₄ + 2 ZnSO₄ sprays at flag leaf and post anthesis stages, T₆= 50% RDF + 50% N Vermicompost, and T₇ = Absolute control. The results showed that the application of T₅ (T₄+ 2 spray of ZnSO₄ at flag leaf and post anthesis) led to the maximum plant height, number of tillers, and dry matter accumulation of barley. Similarly, the maximum number of effective tillers and spike length were recorded with the application of T₅, while the minimum growth parameters were observed in the absolute control. Various treatments had no significant effect on grains per spikes and on test weight. The grain yield, straw yield, and biological yield of barley were recorded maximum with the application of T₅, while the harvest index did not significantly influence due to different nutrient management practices.