Effects of Vermicompost and Chemical Fertilizer Combinations on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Vermikompost ve Kimyasal Gübre Kombinasyonlarının Arpa (Hordeum vulgare L.) Verim ve Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi
Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty, cilt.23, sa.2, ss.905-919, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 23 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.33462/jotaf.1808442
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.905-919
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Integrated Nutrient Management, Nutrient use efficiency, Organic amendment, Soil fertility, Sustainable agriculture
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The long-term and intensive use of chemical fertilizers has led to the deterioration of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. These deteriorations have caused adverse effects such as the loss of organic matter, decreased microbial activity, nutrient imbalances, and reduced soil fertility. In the face of this situation, which threatens the sustainability of agricultural production systems today, the integration of organic-based inputs into agricultural production, the protection of soil health, and the reduction of dependency on chemical fertilizers have become a strategic necessity. Based on this necessity, this study was conducted to determine the effects of different combinations of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers applied at varying rates on yield and quality parameters in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivation. The study was carried out under field conditions in Ankara, Türkiye, according to the completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments consisted of four groups: 75% chemical fertilizer + 25% vermicompost (AKV1), 50% chemical fertilizer + 50% vermicompost (AKV2), vermicompost alone (V), and chemical fertilizer alone (KG), which were compared with a control (K) group. The findings showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments in terms of plant height, stem thickness, number of grains per spike, thousand-grain weight, total grain weight, grain and straw nitrogen content, and crude protein ratio. The highest values were obtained from the 50% chemical fertilizer + 50% vermicompost (AKV2) treatment. Vermicompost applications increased soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activities, accelerated nutrient mineralization, and supported root development, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic efficiency. This biological improvement created a synergistic interaction when combined with chemical fertilizers, maximizing yield and quality. The results indicate that vermicompost offers an environmentally friendly and economical fertilization strategy for barley production and, in accordance with the principles of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), allows a 50% reduction in chemical fertilizer use without compromising yield and quality parameters.