THE EFFECT OF SWATHING AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF MATURITY UPON THE BUSHEL WEIGHT AND YIELD OF BARLEY

Abstract

Tests were conducted over a 4-year period with Vantage and Olli barley to determine the earliest stage of maturity at which these grains could be swathed without loss of test weight or yield.Plots were cut daily over a period of several days using kernel moisture content as a measure of maturity, an attempt being made to keep within the moisture range of 50 to 14.8 per cent. Weights per bushel and yield in bushels per acre were determined at the time of picking up the swath with the combine.An analysis of variance of the data indicated that Vantage and Olli barley may be swathed at a kernel moisture content of 40 per cent without significant loss of bushel weight or yield. A calculation of the correlation of kernel moisture at swathing with final bushel weight and with yield indicated that an association existed until the 40 per cent moisture level was reached, but the relation was not significant at later stages of maturity.