Influence of different planting techniques and cutting practices on chlorophyll content index and nutrient uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of different planting techniques and cutting practices
on chlorophyll content index and nutrient uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) during the rabi
season of 2014-15 at Student's Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The soil of
experimental field was moderately alkaline (8.3) to strongly alkaline (8.8). The experiment was laid
out in randomized block design (RBD) with 9 treatments having three planting techniques viz.
unidirectional (UD), bidirectional (BD), broadcasting (BC) and three cutting practices viz. uncut
(UNC), cut at 50 DAS (C50 DAS) and cut at 60 DAS (C60 DAS) with four replications. The chlorophyll
content index at 50 and 90 DAS was significantly higher in bidirectional planting techniques and
uncut than other treatments. The N, P and K content (grain and straw) and uptake under bidirectional
planting techniques were higher than broadcasting and unidirectional planting techniques. The
cutting practices in uncut treatment recorded significantly higher CCI, N, P and K content and
uptake than C50 DAS and C60 DAS of barley. The bidirectional planting techniques and uncut
treatment recorded significantly higher protein yield than other treatments of dual purpose barley.
Partial nutrient balance (PNB) under bidirectional planting technique and uncut were significantly
higher than other treatments. Nutrient efficiency ratio (NER) was significantly better in uncut
treatment compared to other treatments.