Influence of variety and mineral N-fertilization on yield and brewing quality of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Western Turkey

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine yield and quality potentials of spring barley varieties under ecological conditions in the Aegean region (Western Turkey). The main focus of the research was to investigate essential brewing quality parameters of different barley varieties. The yield of barley varieties, which was determined at the Aydin location, was approximately two times higher compared to practical agricultural conditions in the region. The German brewing barley variety Scarlett yielded 61.2 kg ha−1 which presented the highest grain yield. This is primarily due to autumn planting and longer vegetation periods. Limited water supply and high temperatures during the main growing season caused important fluctuation of yield components and lead to yield losses. All brewing quality parameters that depend on mineral N-fertilization showed target values, except for low sieving value (grading fraction > 2.5 mm), for all varieties in 2005. It was determined that protein content 80 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilization for Turkish varieties and 120 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilization for the German variety Scarlett should not be exceeded. The German brewing barley variety Scarlett showed better brewing properties than Turkish brewing barley varieties Kaya and Serife-Hanim at the Aydin location. However, differences between Scarlett and Kaya were minor. It was found that growing spring barley varieties for their higher grain yield potential, external grain quality and brewing quality parameters should be developed at the Aydin location and extended to the Aegean region.