Effects of grazing on grain yield of winter barley and triticale: The position of the apical dome relative to the soil surface

Abstract

Abstract ‘Illia’ winter barley and ‘CT 138n7/1’ hexaploid winter triticale were sown at depths of 25 (nonnal) and 60 mm (deep) and the position of the apical dome measured at weekly intervals before grazing with sheep in early spring. For both species the dome was below the soil surface at the time of grazing but approached the surface once lemma primordia became visible on the apex. Apical development and dome elevation occurred later in triticale than barley. Approximately 1200 kg dry matter (DM)/ha was removed by grazing, the sheep showing preference for the barley. Deep sowing delayed the time of dome elevation slightly in triticale but not in barley. Grazing did not reduce grain yield, with both species producing about 8 t/ha. Deep sowing increased the grain yield of both species by about 8%, an effect which was associated with more grains per ear. Herbage and grain yields are discussed in relation to temperature and manipulating the time of grazing. Both species had produced 7–8 mainstem leaves at t...