After selecting and testing the barley variety (for example, a regionally adapted one), growers can prepare their fields for sowing. The appropriate seedbed preparation can dramatically affect all growth stages, from germination to maturity, leading to higher final yields, which is the desired result.

Soil preparation

A young farmer-agronomist from the region of Thessaly, Greece, suggests that a soil analysis should be carried out every three years to have an idea of what is happening in the field. Remember that a soil analysis is representative as long as you select the soil sample properly. Many growers follow the “W pattern” to take samples across the field.

Except for this, it’s important to have in mind that:

  • This process takes place when the soil’s moisture content is sufficient.
  • Soil formation is also important and can take place by

-Using ripper. This process loosens and ameliorates soil’s aeration while leaving the organic matter at the top.

-Using subsoiler. This machinery results in a lower soil disturbance and is preferred when the topsoil is in good condition. Also, it is used when the farmer has followed a no-tillage system.

It’s essential to avoid techniques that could result in soil compaction, such as excessive use of machinery. At the same time, growers often incorporate in the field residues of previous cultivation in the case of monoculture, as it increases the soil’s concentration in organic matter and enriches it with nutrients.

Barley Soil requirements and pH

Barley establishes effectively in prepared seedbeds, and some growers support that it can be successfully no-tilled. It prefers moderate moisture levels and finds it challenging to grow in waterlogged soils. The ideal soils for barley growth are the well-drained, fertile loams or light, clay ones in areas with cool, dry, and mild winters. It also gives good results on light, droughty soils and has a higher tolerance in alkaline soils than other cereal crops (Clark, 2007). Additionally, it seems more resistant to salinity than other cereal crops.

The ideal soil’s pH for barley cultivation ranges from 6 to 8. However, the plant is sensitive to acidic (pH<5) and over-moistured soils. To increase the soil’s pH, growers usually add lime (1). The ideal pH for barley cultivation is 6.5 (2).

Seeding requirements

One factor differentiating winter from spring barley is the first’s need to be exposed to cold temperatures (vernalization). This process enables it to produce heads and grain later. For this reason, winter barley is usually sown in the fall, and it completes its development during the following spring and summer. On the contrary, spring barley doesn’t have to be exposed to low temperatures and can be sown in spring. Spring types usually mature later than winter ones (3). Even for winter types, 5 °C or 41 °F  is mentioned as the minimum temperature.

Seeding date and plant density (as a result of seeding rate) can dramatically affect yield and malting grade. Barley growers in western Canada often have difficulty achieving malting grade. This is usually due to unfavourable climate conditions, but sub-optimal agronomic practices may also be a factor. Field experiments were conducted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 at eight locations in western Canada (24 site-years) to evaluate the effects of seeding date (relatively early and late) and seeding rate(100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 seeds/m2) on AC Metcalfe barley yield and malt quality parameters. Delayed seeding often resulted in negative effects including increased protein concentration, decreased kernel plumpness and yield. However, at 6 site-years, higher yields occurred at the later seeding date. 300 seeds per m2 was usually optimal. In most cases, seeding at more than 300 seeds m2 did not result in an improved outcome, and there was a risk of reduced yield and kernel plumpness at rates above this level (7).

References

  1. https://grdc.com.au/resourcesandpublications/grownotes/cropagronomy/barleysouthernregion/GrowNoteBarleySouth-5-Nutritionandfertiliser.pdf
  2. https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2015/TheSpringBarleyGuide.pdf
  3. https://extension.umn.edu/growingsmallgrains/springbarleygrowthanddevelopmentguide#seedlingestablishmentandleafproduction-792761
  4. https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/barley/whatoptimumplantdensityyourbarleyvariety
  5. https://grdc.com.au/resourcesandpublications/grownotes/cropagronomy/barleywest/GrowNoteBarleyWest-3-Planting.pdf
  6. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/516180/Procropbarleygrowthanddevelopment.pdf
  7. https://www.academia.edu/68109026/Effect_of_seeding_date_and_seeding_rate_on_malting_barley_production_in_western_Canada
  • Clark, A. (2007) Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd ed. Sustainable Agriculture Network, Beltsville, MD

Barley History, Plant Information, and Nutritional Value

Principles for selecting the best Barley Variety

Barley Soil preparation, Soil requirements, and Seeding requirements

Barley Irrigation Requirements and Methods

Barley Fertilization Requirements and Methods

Barley Pests and Diseases

Yield, Harvest, and Storage of Barley

Weed Management in Barley Farming

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