Response of fodder barley to the application of nano-urea in conjunction with zinc fertilization in Trans-Gangetic Plains of India

In contemporary agriculture, nano-fertilizers have great promise for improving nutrient use efficiency and minimizing nutrient loss to the environment. However, little is known about the effectiveness of zinc (Zn) and nano-urea fertilization on different barley varieties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different application rates of the recommended dose of fertiliser (50, 75 and 100 %) along with nano-urea sprays and zinc fertilization in evaluating growth and yield performance of two varieties of barley (PL 172 and PL 426). The study also focused on how different treatments affected the soil characteristics. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design and was replicated thrice. The results confirmed that green and dry fodder yields, quality attributes and final soil nutrient status were significantly influenced by different treatments under consideration. The results showed that maximum green fodder yield (t ha-1), dry fodder yield (t ha-1), crude protein (%), ash content (%), crude fiber (%) and total carbohydrate content (%) were obtained with PL 172 variety and with the application of 75 % Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + two nano-urea sprays + two foliar zinc sprays.