Despite being a last minute addition for many growers following the wet autumn and winter last year, spring barley delivered above average yields in many cases.
According to Limagrain’s arable technical manager Ron Granger, this was due to tiller retention. Now, he has highlighted six ways to maximise yields for the next season.
Understanding end market requirements
The variety and agronomic inputs will most likely be determined by the targetted sector. This will especially influence nitrogen strategies, so growers must be clear about the desired criteria.
This is particularly true for those trying to achieve a contract premium, such as in the distilling sector which requires 1.65% N or lower, while brewing sets this between 1.65 and 1.85%, and grain distilling requires above 1.85%.
For animal feed, the grain nitrogen level is typically not a concern.
The right variety
Variety will often be dictated by the end market, however, for those still undecided, Ron says that dual-use varieties can offer flexibility.
Barley varieties with greater tillering ability drives yields, with more tillers helping to compensate for losses if stressful conditions arise.
Wait for good conditions
Barley needs a good seedbed with warming soils and the correct temperature to germinate, so patience is needed for the right window.
Trials from Limagrain showed that earlier drilling can improve yield potential, although this is only likely on lighter, free-draining soil that will dry and warm quickly.
Earlier drilling also comes with an increased risk of disease, so variety choice will be crucial here. Weed growth needs to be controlled in the early stages, so a chemistry set that does not impact crop growth will be important.
Optimise seed growth
A high yield potential requires a tiller count of between 775 and 800/sq m, so this figure should be used to help calculate the seed rate, with adjustments made for soil type, drilling date, seedbed conditions and weather.
A survey conducted by Limagrain in 2022 showed that 49% of growers were typically sowing at between 300 and 350 seeds/sq m, with 76% targeting 8t/ha.
For higher tillering varieties sown around mid-March, a seed rate of 350 is considered optimum according to trials. Lower rates might be acceptable if drilling in ideal conditions, but when forced to sow later into April, pushing rates up between 400 and 450 may be more appropriate.
Maintain tillers
Final ear counts are the best way to achieve high yield potential, says Ron. The AHDB recommends ear populations of 775 ears/sq m. For yields between 8 and 9t/ha, this should be closer to 800 ears.
Prolonged dry periods can cause crops to drop tillers, but the plentiful moisture last year benefitted many barley crops, especially on lighter land. Ron notes that while we cannot control the weather, laying strong foundations will help tiller production and retention.
Optimise inputs
Balancing macro and micro nutrition will boost rooting and canopy development, with Ron recommending that the bulk of the nutrition be applied early, either to the seedbed or soon after drilling.
While barley is seen as a low input crop, growers shouldn’t be afraid to push new high-tillering varieties with more nitrogen. Higher yielding barley crops respond positively to this, and will dilute grain nitrogen content.
Limagrain trials have shown that an extra 30kg/N applied in the second split generated up to 1t of extra yield in some varieties, while still achieving low grain nitrogen.
Other macronutrients such as phosphate, potash, magnesium and sulphur have also been shown to boost tiller retention and yield.
Tissue analysis can help identify any shortfalls before symptoms appear, while micronutrients such as manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and boron, applied at the stem extension phase into flowering, are also useful.
Growers should also consider an early growth regulator application to promote rooting and uniform tillering. At least two fungicide applications are also recommended, with the first at GS25-31 and the second between GS39-55.
Ron notes that spring barley can move quickly, so close monitoring will be essential to stay on top of inputs.
For more information go to www.lgseeds.co.uk