Effect of sowing time and cutting - management on growth, productivity and economics of barley (Hordeum vulgare)

An experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the performance of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as influenced by sowing time and different cutting-management practices. Crop sown on 15 October had the maximum plant height, dry-matter accumulation and tiller density throughout the life span of crop as compared to the other 2 sowing dates i.e. 30 October and 15 November. This date also resulted in significantly higher grain yield and fodder yield than the other 2 sowing dates. Fodder cutting at 50 days after sowing (DAS) provided at par grain yield with no-cutting treatment during both the years. Though fodder cutting at 60 DAS resulted in more green fodder (40.5 to 41.8%) than 50 DAS, significant reduction in grain yield (20.6–22.7%) was recorded in both the years. Economically, crop sown on 15 October produced significantly higher gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost (B: C) ratio than the other 2 sowing dates. However, fodder cut at 60 DAS + N₁₅ gave significantly higher gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio as compared to the other treatments.