Influence of weed management and nitrogen fertilization on weed dynamics, nutrient depletion by weeds, productivity and profitability of barley (Hordeum vulgare) in hot semi-arid region of western India

Field experimentation was conducted during rabi 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess the performance of weed management practices and nitrogen (N) fertilization on weed dynamics, productivity and profitability of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Results indicated that hand weeding at 25 and 50 days after sowing (DAS), and metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g/ha resulted in significant reduction in weed infestation and weed biomass production at different growth stages. The highest weed control efficiency (WCE) was recorded with 2 HWs' at 25 and 50 DAS followed by metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g/ha with lowest NPK depletion by weeds than other treatments. Two HWs' also remained superiormost w.r.t. grain (5.21 tonnes/ha) and straw (7.13 tonnes/ha) yields. Application of metsulfuron methyl also exhibited higher grain yield with minimum weed competition index (8.57%). Among N levels, application of 90 kg N/ha to barley resulted in highest weed count, weed intensity, weed infestation and their dry weight at all the stages as well as higher NPK concentrations in weeds and NPK depletion by weeds at harvest stage. Application of 90 kg N/ha also produced 20.8 and 20.6% more grain and straw yields over control (N-o). Overall, metsulfuron methyl and N application at the rate of 90 kg/ha proved their superiority w.r.t. weed management, productivity and profitability in barley in hot semi-arid region of western India.