Growth, yield components, and yield response of food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to the application of sulfur nutrient under balanced fertilization at North Central Highland of Ethiopia

Abstract Deficiency of sulfur (S) is increasingly being reported in the soils Ethiopia. While some studies have shown significant response barley to S application, information on application conspicuously lacking. The average yield Ethiopia lower compared world and potential yield. It mostly constrained by depletion soil fertility, caused imbalanced fertilization, limited organic manure, intensive cropping. A field experiment was conducted at two locations for three consecutive years (2014–2016) determine effect growth, components, food barley. An consisting six levels (0, 10, 20,30,40, 50 kg ha −1 ) laid out RCB design with replications. study results revealed that growth components were not affected various S. In case grain straw significantly control treatment. Application 20 increased 16.8 20.2% control, respectively. produced highest marginal rate return (MMR) (3493.2%). present result has been improved fertilizer. Therefore, initiate be further most economically feasible treatment production Basona woreba district.