Effect of Microdosing Fertilizer on Growth and Forage Yield of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L) .

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in winter season 2017/2018, at the experimental farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST), at Shambat, to study the effect of microdosing fertilization at two different application times on forage barley. A spilt plot arrangement on completely block randomized design (RCBD) was used with three replicates. Sowing time viz. at planting and after 15 days of planting was set as the main plot while the microdosing treatments (control, 2g, 3g and 4g) were assingned in the Sub_ plot .Mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) was the fertilizer used for microdosing. Plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant and stem diameter (cm) were measured 15, 30 and 45 days after planting. Other parameters measured were plant height (cm), number of leaves , stem diameter (ml) fresh weight per plant (g), dry weight per plant (g) , number of tillers per plant and forage yield(t/ha).The results revealed significant differences for number of tillers per plant for time of sowing and non-significant differences for the rest of the parameters. The microdosing showed significant differences for fresh weight (g), dry weight (g) per plant and yield (t/ha) and non significant difference for the rest of the parameters. Application after planting showed better results than sowing at planting . 4g microdosing showed the best results.