Influencing Barley Grain Quality

Nitrogen 

A high nitrogen content in barley grain tends to arise from a large uptake or redistribution of nitrogen late in the season, or poor starch deposition. Nitrogen applications will highly influence barley grain protein concentration.

Delaying nitrogen applications will give higher levels of grain nitrogen. If the barley is autumn sown then nitrogen applications should be made around Zadoks G.S. 25-31. In spring sown barley at least 60% of the nitrogen should be applied into the seedbed at planting, with the remaining going on at Zadoks G.S. 13. Where high nitrogen (protein) is required to improve the livestock feeding quality, nitrogen rates can be higher, and some delayed to give increased protein concentration.

Potassium 

Excess potassium can indirectly affect the grain quality. Sufficient potassium gives good stem strength, reducing the potential for ‘lodging’ and ‘brackling’, (straw stems breaking), causing ears / spikes to fall to the ground. Very often the grains in the ear begin to germinate, thereby reducing barley grain quality.

Sulphur

Sulphur is an important protein component. Sulphur deficiency leads to limited barley yield, giving a concentration effect from the nitrogen applied and leading to higher grain nitrogen levels. Where sulphur is applied, higher yields are obtained by diluting the nitrogen, which gives lower nitrogen values in barley grain. Where sulphur is deficient, it has been shown to impair the activity of the germinating enzymes. They are important during the malting process (F.J. Zhao et al, 2005).

Manganese and Zinc 

Manganese and Zinc play an important role in many plant processes, including the metabolism of nitrogen. Improving nitrogen metabolism increases the amount of nitrogen incorporated into developing proteins.

Recommended Yara Fertilizers for Barley