Sowing density and nitrogen fertilization influences on yield components of barley

Abstract

Introduction The yield and quality of spring malting barley have a high degree of variability depending on both weather and soil conditions and applied soil and crop management. Adequate sowing density and nitrogen (N) applications by top dressing are important factors of barley growing and their optimal values are mainly associated with hereditary and environmental factors (Maksimovic et al., 1996; Paunovic, 2001; Lalic et al., 2006; Kovacevic et al., 2006). The ear number is the most important yield component of small grains. The tendency of barley to stalk lodging is an additional problem of N application by top-dressing. The aim of this study was to test the effects of sowing densities and N fertilization on yield components of five commercial spring malting barley cultivars under environmental conditions of central Serbia (Sumadija region).