Does nitrogen application timing and sources influence barley grain yield?

Resumo

The suitable management of nitrogen (N) fertilization can increase barley grain yield, since it is the nutrient required in greater quantity. In this sense, the source and timing of nitrogen application are relevant factors. The objective was to evaluate the effects of N sources and splitting on the performance of barley. The experiment was carried out under a clayey Cambisol (550 g kg^-1), in Curitibanos, Santa Catarina. Factorial randomized blocks were used: three mineral sources of N: urea (45% N); urea with urease inhibitor-NBPT (45% of N) and nitrate (30% of N), associated with two nitrogen splitting fertilization: i) split of the rate of N in two seasons: beginning of tillering and full tillering and ii) single application at full tillering. 100 kg ha^-1 of N were applied. There was no interaction between the factors and there was no effect of treatments for plant height, ear length, grains per ear, ears per m² and mass of a thousand grains. Yield was influenced by the N source, where nitrate exceeded the yield from amidic sources by 16%. The splitting of N in two times did not present advantages over the single application. Urea with NBPT was not viable in relation to readily soluble forms of N, with the highest yield obtained with a nitric source.