Effects of Different Zinc Doses on Zinc and Protein Contents of Barley

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different zinc doses and application methods on zinc and protein contents and some yield components of barley (cv. Sahin 91) grown under the semi-arid conditions of south-eastern Anatolia. Foliar and soil application and seed dressing methods at varying levels were tested. Teprosyn F-2498 (600 g Zn L^-1) was dressed on seeds with four doses (0, 3, 6, 9 l ton^-1). Four doses (0, 10, 20, 30 kg ha^-1) of ZnSO₄·7H₂O fertilizer were applied into soil at sowing time and four doses (0.0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 %) (0.0, 110, 330, 550 g Zn ha^-1) of ZnSO₄·7H₂O solution were sprayed three times on to the plants at 15 d intervals, starting from stem elongation onward. Seed dressing affected significantly the protein content of grain, spike length and kernel weight in barley. Soil zinc applications affected spike length and protein content of grain. Foliar Zn applications significantly affected grain weight and the Zn content of barley. Second and third doses of all application methods affected the grain yield, yield components and Zn content of the plants significantly. It was determined that the application of 30 kg ZnSO₄·7H₂O ha^-1 to the soil or the application of 6 L ton^-1 Teprosyn F-2498 to the seed or 0.3 % of ZnSO₄·7H₂O solution to the plants should be more efficient in terms of their economically feasible aspects and yield increases.