Effect of Various Fertilizer Applications on Growth, Nutritive Value, and Nutritional Quality of Barley Sprouts

Abstract

Effect of various fertilizing techniques on the growth, nutritive value, and nutritional quality of barley sprouts produced in a hydroponic chamber were examined in this study. Four experimental groups were designed as control (without fertilizer application); S (fertilizer application to seeds before planting); S1 (fertilizer application to sprouts fertilizer after 4 days of planting), and S2 (fertilizer application to seeds before planting and to sprouts after 4 days of planting). The highest shoot height, root length, and fresh and dry forage weights were seen in S2 group. Different fertilizer applications increased the dry matter content and decreased the dry matter loss of sprouts compared to the control group. Crude protein, ether extract, ash, in vitro dry matter digestibility, crude fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents of sprouts were greater in all the treatment groups compared to the control group. After harvesting, lower neutral and acid detergent fibers, nitrogen-free extract, and hemicellulose were detected in the fertilized groups than control group. The relative feed value and relative feed quality in S2 group were the highest among all groups. In conclusion, the application of fertilizer to both seed and sprout may improve the growth, nutrient content, and quality values of barley sprouts. Keywords: Green sprout yield, hydroponic system, Nutritional composition, Hydroponic system.