Increasing Barley Grain Numbers Per Ear

The number of grains on each ear depends on the number of fertile spikelets on the central stem of the ear. In barley, each spikelet contains only one floret, while wheat spikelets contain two to five fertile florets. In two-row barley, spikelets form in threes. However, only the floret in the central spikelet is fertile. In six-row barley, florets in all three spikelets are fertile.

Crop Nutrition and Barley Grain Numbers per Ear

The grain number is itself a function of the number of fertile shoots per unit area and the number of grains per head. The grower therefore needs to consider the nutrients that can have an impact on the grain numbers / ear (spike) which are mainly nitrogen, potassium, copper, zinc, boron and manganese.

Nitrogen 

By using the nitrogen to create the correct leaf canopy and therefore final grain site numbers, the result is more grains / ear at harvest.

Copper

Zinc 

Zinc is also important in achieving a high grain number in the ear/spike.

Manganese

Boron 

Boron is well documented at having an effect on pollen viability and therefore deficiency can lead to a reduction in the number of grain sites per spike. A measurement used to observe the effect of boron is Grain Set Index and normally expressed as a %. A high Grain Set Index is the target as this will lead to more grains per ear / spike. Care needs to be taken with boron as if applied at the incorrect timing and rate, yield reduction through decreased tillers can result.

These very large differences / effects show how important boron is as an essential plant nutrient.

Recommended Yara Fertilizers for Barley