The effect of seedbed conditions at the time of sowing
on the grain yield and quality ex-farm of spring-sown
malting barley was examined in three experiments in the
south-east of Ireland in 1993–95.
Blenheim malting barley sown in good seedbed conditions gave
significantly (P<0·05) greater yields
(3·1–9·6% more) than the identically treated
crop, sown several days earlier, in less suitable seedbed
conditions in all three experiments, but there was no effect
on grain nitrogen content or the amount
of screenings. The better soil conditions gave significantly
(P<0·05) better plant emergence, a greater
number of fertile tillers and more grains per ear.
Enhancing grain yield and quality of winter barley through agronomic strategies to prolong canopy greenness