Biomass of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in relation to fertilising

Abstract

The study was aimed to determine the effect of the fertilizer dose on growth of barley. In the experiment we used calcium sulphate, which is a waste during gas desulphurisation in heat and power stations. We assumed that dihydrate calcium sulphate would react with aluminium and form insoluble AlSO4 . We weighed the biomass of barley, underground and aboveground parts separately, determined the content of chlorophyll and the change in soil reaction caused by the applied doses of fertilisers. The vase experiment with barley of the brewery variety Propino was conducted in a setting of sub-blocks with fertilizing as the one changing factor. One experimental block included 5 variants in 5 repetitions. During growth period we conducted detailed observations of growth and development of barley. Calcium sulphate has positive effect on the growth of biomass and chlorophyll content in leaves of barley. Application of a double dose of calcium sulphate did not bring measurable increase in the growth of biomass and the height of barley stems.