Evaluating Different Application Methods of Silicon on Growth, Nutritional Aspects, and Yield of Barley under Rainfed Conditions
Habib Ali
Abstract
Barley, a versatile cereal crop, is crucial for global food security due to its adaptability to diverse climates. It serves as a vital source for human consumption and livestock feed, contributing significantly to the global food supply. However, some innovative techniques are needed to enhance nutritional aspects in order to enhance the morphological and yield traits of Barley. The basic aim of this pot study was to explore the different application methods of silicon including seed priming (0 ppm, 25 ppm, 50ppm and 75 ppm) and foliar application (0 ppm, 25 ppm, 50ppm and 75 ppm) on growth, nutritional aspects and yield traits of Barley (Sultan-17). The 0 ppm dose was considered as control. The experiment was designed under CRD and repeated three times. The results showed that foliar application of silicon @75 ppm gave best growth of Barley as compared to seed priming treatments. The N, P and K of both grains and straws were significantly increased in foliar application @75 ppm as compared with control. Similarly, the yield components of Barley including biomass and grain yield were also augmented. It is suggested to apply silicon @75ppm as a foliar for better growth and yield production of Barley.