Formation of the yield of multi-row spring barley depending on the application of a moisture sorbent and mineral fertilizers in the conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan

The article is devoted to the study of the effect of a moisture sorbent (Aquasin) and mineral fertilizers (NPK) on multi-row spring barley productivity in the conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan. The relevance of the study is due to insufficient moisture supply in critical phases of crop development and the need to optimize agricultural technologies to increase productivity. Field experiments (2022-2024) were carried out on gray forest soils using Tevkech variety. The doses of moisture sorbent (0, 50, 100 kg/ha) and fertilizers (control, N5P5K37, N37P60K73), their effect on leaf photosynthetic potential (LPP), net photosynthetic productivity (NPP), crop structure and biological yield were studied. The results showed that the use of moisture sorbent improves soil water retention, increasing LPP by 16.3% with an increase in the dose from 0 to 100 kg/ha. The maximum yield (4.56 t/ha) was achieved with a combination of 100 kg/ha of sorbent and N37P60K73 fertilizers, which is 23% higher than the control. Net photosynthetic productivity decreased with an increase in the doses of hydrogel and fertilizers due to an increase in leaf mass and an insignificant accumulation of dry matter. The crop structure has improved: the number of productive stems has increased to 324 pcs/m2, the ear length – to 6.8 cm. The saturation effect has been revealed: at high doses of the sorbent, the role of fertilizers becomes dominant. The study confirmed the synergy of moisture sorbents and mineral fertilizers, as well as the need to adapt agricultural practices to dry conditions. The results are of practical importance for increasing the resistance of barley to climate risks and optimizing resource-saving technologies in the region.