Managing spring barley establishment this year

Establishment has a big impact on spring barley output

ALTERNATING conditions of frost followed by rain may have created drilling delays for spring barley growers in England. But with spring barley being a crop which ‘prefers’ to establish itself quickly, it’s vital not to rush it in to poorly-prepared seedbeds.

Otherwise, any resultant capping (or frost heave) could have a big impact on growth and yield potential over the rest of the season.

Instead, ideal seedbeds should be fine, firm and free from clods. In England, it can be much better to drill a crop into a good seedbed in March than a ‘forced’ one in February.

Seed rates

As well as preparing good seedbeds, remember also to match seed rate to variety and drilling date with spring barley.

Most people already know optimum seed rates for established varieties such as Optic and NFC Tipple, but with newer varieties such as Quench (brewing) plus Publican and Forensic (distilling) now gaining real.

momentum (see over page) it will be important to use optimum seed rates for these too. The table below has been compiled to provide examples over coming months.

Fertiliser use

Finally, fertiliser use must also be correct.

In England, if drilling is delayed until the end of March, consider bringing fertiliser application forward or applying it all as soon as tramlines are visible, to help crop growth catch up. If growing as a second or third cereal (because OSR couldn’t be sown) soil nutrient levels may be somewhat depleted. So this needs taking into account. Any micronutrient deficiency, especially manganese, should also be corrected – e.g. with the first fungicide spray.

Example seed rates in good conditions

Seed rates are dependent on soil conditions, rotation and time of drilling: the more difficult the environment, the higher the seed rate must be to compensate for potential plant loss