Response to date of sowing and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and yield attributes and economics of fodder barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under north Gujarat condition

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S.D.A.U., Sardarkrushinagar to study the “Response of fodder barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) To date of sowing and nitrogen levels” during Rabi season of 2018-19. The soil of experimental field was loamy sand in texture with low in organic carbon (0.25%) and available nitrogen (163 kg/ha), medium in available phosphorus (38.2 kg/ha) and high in available potash (288 kg/ha) having pH value of 7.40. Total twelve treatment combinations comprising four levels of date of sowing in main plot viz., 20th October, 1st November, 10th November and 20th November and three levels of nitrogen in sub plot viz., 80 kg N/ha,100 kg N/ha and 120 kg N/ha were laid out in split plot design with four replications. Sowing of the fodder barley on 10th November recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, green forage (362.7 q/ha), dry fodder (93.7 q/ha), net returns (38,104 ₨/ha) and BCR ratio (2.11) at total of both cuts than other date of sowing. Fertilizing the fodder barley crop with 120 kg N/ha gave significantly higher value for all growth and yield attributes, green forage, dry fodder, net returns and BCR ration than other nitrogen levels.