Growing winter barley

Introduction

Planning is critical to successful winter barley growing. The first decision is whether to grow a feed or malting variety.

Varieties should be selected on the following criteria:

  • Quality needed -- malt or feed? (Acceptance by local merchants and IOB)
  • Is BaYMV resistance needed?
  • Past experience of varieties

Sowing

There is not the same advantage of sowing winter barley early as there is winter wheat. Winter barley is more prone to frost damage on forward crops in the spring and the most common period for drilling is from the end of September to the end of October.

When drilling early (before the fourth week of September) it is best to select a later maturing variety that will be less affected by frost. This cannot always be guaranteed as late frosts in May can still cause problems.

Seed rate

Winter barley varieties do differ in tillering ability. Consequently, in combination with different drilling dates, different varieties require different seed rates. Check the technical sheets on the profile of NFC varieties.

Examples:

6 row hybrids Conventional 6 row 2 row
Very high tillering Medium tillering Low to high tillering
200-260 seeds/m2 375-450 seeds/m2 325-450 seeds/m2

Nitrogen Applications

Malt Production

All malt production requires a lower level of nitrogen than feed production. Some malting contracts specify the grain nitrogen required. Nitrogen rates will depend on soil type and fertility levels but all applications should be completed by the end of March.

Timing of Nitrogen Application (malt)

Application First Second
Timing 2nd - 3rd week of Feb 3-4 weeks after 1st
Amount 60% of total 40% of total

Feed Production

When going for maximum yield the main application of nitrogen can be applied later than when growing for malting. Later applications will help the crop produce:

  1. Stronger tillers
  2. Higher yield by means of a larger grain size

Timing of Nitrogen Application (feed)

Application First Second
Timing 3rd week of Feb 1st - 2nd week of April
Amount 30% of total 70% of total

Use of Plant Growth Regulators

Plant growth regulators not only help in the prevention of lodging, but are important in the promotion of root development and spring growth. On average, maximum yield potential is achieved when head counts are in the range of 850 -- 950 per square metre.

Over-production of tillers will produce lower specific weights and a variable nitrogen content in the grain. The use of PGR's at GS 30-32 will help to combat this.

General Recommendations

High Risk
  • Moddus + chlormequat once crops have taken up nitrogen applications and are rapidly growing (GS 30-32)
  • A repeat application of PGR may be required 2-3 weeks later Low Risk
Low Risk
  • Moddus + chlormequat at GS 30-32

Please take advice from your agronomist on application, rates and timings.

Fungicide Programmes

Winter barley has shown excellent results from the use of strobilurins. These new fungicides in combination with Unix have given good control against the major diseases of Rhynchosporium and net blotch. The new strobilurin, in particular, has given good control of both these diseases. The rates of fungicide required will differ depending on each variety's own disease resistance. Please refer to the variety technical sheets.

A two spray programme is generally recommended on all varieties.
Forward crops with high levels of mildew may also require autumn fungicides.

Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BaYMV) Resistance

This soil-borne virus can reduce yields by up to 40%. Select a BaYMV resistant variety in areas with a known history of the disease e.g. Gleam for malt production or Laurel for feed production.

Harvesting and Storage

All malting varieties need to be kept separate at harvest to prevent contamination and to obtain the maximum premium.

Feed varieties may be bulked together but care must be taken not to mix 6 row and 2 row varieties.

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