Soil Properties of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Crop as Affected by Zinc-Based Fertilizers

Abstract

The field experiment conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 at the Agricultural Research Sub-station in Vallabhnagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan, aimed to assess the influence of zinc-based fertilizers on soil properties including chemical and biological properties after harvest of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop. The experimental design followed a split plot arrangement, with main plot treatments consisting of a control, 5 kg Zn per hectare as soil application, and seed treatment with zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) at a rate of 5 ml per kg of seed. The sub plot treatments included a control and three foliar sprays of nano Zn at 5 ml per litre of water, applied at 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing. Each treatment was replicated three times. The soil application of zinc @ 5 kg Zn ha-1 along with foliar spray of nano Zn @ 5 ml per litre of water at 45 days after sowing had significantly influenced availability of macronutrients (N and K), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) as well as microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) in post-harvest soil of barley crop over control. The combined application of conventional zinc fertilizer and foliar spray of nano zinc offers a promising strategy to improve nutrient availability and enhance soil microbial population in soil after the harvest of barley crop.