Examining the Sowing Dates and Nitrogen Fertilization for Enhancing Growth and Yield Attributes of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Barley growth and yield attributes depend partly on sowing date and nitrogen supply, but their combined response in variety BH 393 under Sri Ganganagar conditions required evaluation. A field experiment was conducted during 2025–26 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Tantia University, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India. Treatments comprised three sowing dates (5 November, 20 November and 5 December) and three nitrogen levels (75%, 100% and 125% of the recommended nitrogen dose), arranged in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Plant height, dry matter accumulation, tillers per square metre, grains per ear head and test weight were assessed. Sowing on 20 November recorded the highest plant height (104.56 cm), dry matter accumulation (65.38 g plant⁻¹), tiller density (208 m⁻²) and grains per ear head (37.56). Across the nitrogen treatments, 125% of the recommended dose produced the highest numerical values for plant height (107.54 cm), dry matter accumulation (66.82 g plant⁻¹), tiller density (202 m⁻²) and grains per ear head (40.56). Both experimental factors significantly affected several growth and yield attributes, whereas their effects on test weight were non-significant. The sowing date × nitrogen interaction was significant for tiller density but not for the other recorded traits. Under the specific conditions evaluated, sowing on 20 November and higher nitrogen supply were associated with improved vegetative growth and selected yield attributes. These findings apply to the tested cultivar, location and growing season.