Fertilization Type Differentially Affects Barley Grain Yield and Nutrient Content, Soil and Microbial Properties

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Intensified agriculture with artificial fertilizers causes soil depletion and environmental pollution.
• Organic fertilizers offer a sustainable alternative to mitigate these negative impacts.
• Understanding the effects of different soil amendments on crop development is crucial for sustainable farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of vermicompost, biochar, and mineral fertilizer on winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth and soil parameters.
• To compare the efficacy of organic fertilizers against conventional mineral fertilizers.
• To determine the optimal soil amendment strategy for improving barley yield and soil quality.

Main Methods:

• A randomized complete block design with four replications was employed.
• Treatments included vermicompost, biochar, mineral fertilizer, a combination of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer, and an untreated control.
• Key parameters measured were barley grain yield, plant count, soil organic carbon, microbial activity, and enzyme activities (e.g., β-glucosidase).

Main Results:

• Vermicompost application resulted in the highest statistically proven grain yield and grain protein content.
• Total soil organic carbon increased by 70.2% with vermicompost and 44% with combined treatment compared to the control.
• Soil microbiome and enzyme activities, particularly β-glucosidase, were significantly higher in the vermicompost treatment.

Conclusions:

• Vermicompost demonstrated superior performance as a soil amendment for winter barley cultivation compared to biochar and mineral fertilizer.
• The use of vermicompost effectively enhances soil fertility, crop yield, and nutritional quality.
• Organic fertilization, especially with vermicompost, presents a sustainable approach to counteract soil degradation in agriculture.