Impact of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Improving Nutrients and Production in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Barley is an important rabi cereal crop cultivated in Rajasthan under semi-arid conditions where soil fertility and water availability are often limited. Integrated use of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers is considered essential for improving soil nutrients, sustaining crop productivity, and enhancing barley yield in nutrient-deficient soils. A field experiment was conducted in Rabi season during 2024-25 and 2025-26 to study the Shri Khusal Das University Hanumanghar Rajasthan to Impact of Organic Manure and inorganic Fertilizer on Improving Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Crop Production in Rajasthan, India. The results revealed that significantly higher values were recorded under the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) ha⁻¹ compared with the other fertility levels; however, the results remained statistically at par with 50% RDF ha⁻¹ during both years of experimentation. The maximum accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in grain and straw, as well as the total nutrient uptake, was observed under these treatments. Furthermore, the combined application of these fertility treatments significantly enhanced N, P, and K content in grain and straw, together with total nutrient uptake, compared with inoculation using Azotobacter alone during the course of the investigation. The data further indicated that the highest available soil N, P, and K contents were recorded under the application of 100% RDF, which was significantly superior to the application of 50% RDF throughout the experimental period. These findings suggest that balanced fertiliser application improves nutrient availability in the soil and enhances nutrient assimilation and translocation within the crop, thereby contributing to improved crop productivity and soil fertility status. In addition, the germination process has been reported to improve the mineral composition of barley, particularly with respect to calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P). Germination also significantly reduces crude fat, ash content, and flour yield characteristics, while enhancing the nutritional quality of barley through improved bioavailability of essential nutrients. In addition, germinated barley flour demonstrated elevated levels of total flavonoids and enhanced antioxidant activity, reflecting notable improvements in its nutritional properties. These findings suggest that germination serves as an effective bioprocessing approach for improving the nutritional quality, functional attributes, and storage stability of barley flour.