Barley Yield Research Articles

Malt Barley Yield and Quality Response to Crop Water Stress Index

Malt barley is a crucial irrigated crop in the semi-arid Western United States, where the states of Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah account for 92% of the irrigated production acreage and 30% of total U.S. production. In this region, spring malt barley’s seasonal evapotranspiration ranges from 400 to 650 mm, and competition for limited water supplies, coupled with drought, is straining regional water resources. This study aimed to investigate the use of canopy temperature for deficit irrigation scheduling of malt barley. Specifically, the objectives were to use data-driven models to estimate well-watered (TLL) and non-transpiring (TUL) canopy temperatures, correlate the crop water stress index (CWSI) with malt barley yield and quality measures, and assess the applicability of CWSI for malt barley irrigation scheduling in a semi-arid climate. A 3-year field study was conducted with five irrigation treatments relative to estimated crop evapotranspiration (full, 75%, 50%, 25%, and no irrigation) and four replicates each. Continuous canopy temperature measurements and meteorological data were collected, and a feedforward neural network model was used to predict TLL, while a physical model was used to estimate TUL. The neural network model accurately predicted TLL, with a strong correlation (R2 = 0.99), a root mean square error of 0.89 °C, and a mean absolute error of 0.70 °C. Significant differences in calculated season-average CWSI were observed between the irrigation treatments, and relative evapotranspiration, malt barley relative yield, test weight, and plump kernels were negatively correlated with the season-average CWSI, while seed protein was positively correlated. The relationship between daily CWSI and fraction of available soil water was well described by an exponential decay function (R2 = 0.72). These results demonstrate the applicability of data-driven models for computing CWSI of irrigated spring malt barley in a semi-arid environment and their ability to assess plant water stress and predict crop yield and quality response from CWSI.

Growth, Yield, and Photosynthetic Dry Matter Remobilization Response of Barley to Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Nitrogen

A two-year factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replicates was carried out on barley cultivar LB-IRAN at the research farm of the Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran, during the cropping years of 2019–2021, in order to survey the impact of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield, and remobilization of photosynthetic dry matter in barley. The first factor included five nitrogen levels: 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, 100 kg/ha net nitrogen; the second factor contained grain inoculations with four bacteria: no inoculation (control), Azotobacter chroococcum race 5, Azospirillum lipoferum race of, and a combination of the two mentioned bacteria. Fertilization was performed at the planting, tillering, and grain filling stages. Results revealed that the number of plant/m2, tiller per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain per spike, grain yield per unit area, biological yield, rate of dry matter remobilization from stem to the grain, contribution of dry matter remobilization from stem to the grain, rate of remobilization from whole of the plant to the grain, contribution of remobilization from whole of the plant to the grain, single grain weight, and harvest index significantly increased. Nitrogen rate increment resulted in the higher rates of the above-mentioned traits as 100 kg/ha nitrogen significantly showed the highest amounts while control showed the least. Combined treatment of the bacteria resulted in a higher rates as compared to the single bacteria, and the control showed the lowest amounts. It was also observed that application of 100 kg/ha nitrogen on Azotobacter chroococcum race 5 and Azospirillum lipoferum race of resulted in the lowest rate of dry matter remobilization from the stem and whole plant to the grain as well as the contribution of dry matter remobilization from the stem and whole plant to the grain, while control treatments of nitrogen and of PGPRs caused the highest rates. Difference between the highest and lowest rates of grain yield was observed by applying nitrogen (24%) and PGPRs (40%).

Determination of Critical Period of Weed-Crop Competition in Malt <i>Barley</i> (Hordeum <i>vulgare </i>L.) in North Showa Zone, Central Ethiopia

Weeds are the principal limiting biological factor in national barley production, with losses that vary from region to region, depending on the cultivation system, predominant weed communities and weed control methods employed by the farmers. Therefore, field experiment was conducted under rain fed conditions in 2017 cropping season to determine the critical period of Weed-Crop Competition in malt barely (Hordeum vulgareL.) at Debre Birhan University in North Showa Zone, Central highlands of Ethiopia. A total of eighteen treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of increasing duration of weedy and weed-free set each consisted weed competition and weed-free durations up to 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 days after crop emergence (DAE) were compared with two checks namely completely weedy and weed free up to harvest. The major weed families competing vigorously with barley were Compositae and Gramineae and Cyperaceae. According to the current study, the weed density and weed dry weight were decreased, whereas crop parameters like the number of days required to reach heading of barely, the number of days required to reach physiological maturity, number of seed per spike, spike length, thousand seed weight, aboveground dry biomass, grain yield and harvesting index of crop were highly increased, with increasing duration of weed-free periods. The highest yield loss due to weed competition from the weedy check treatment of barely as compared to weed free check. Uncontrolled weed growth significantly reduced barely grain yield by 70.38% compared to the grain yield obtained from the weed-free check plots. The beginning and the end of critical period of weed crop competition were based on 5 and 10 % acceptable yield loss levels, which were determined by fitting logistic and Gompertz equations to relative yield data, representing increasing duration of weed-interference and weed-free periods. In conclusion, the results of the study revealed that, to reduce the loss in the grain yield of barley by more than 10% and higher economic return, it is important to keep the crop weed-free between 33 to 49 days after crop emergence (639 to 1049 GDD) at Debre Berhan.

Influence of photothermal quotient in the critical period on yield potential of cereals–A comparison of wheat and barley

ContextResearch in grain crops has focused on understanding the critical period (CP) for yield formation to develop genetic and agronomic options that minimize stress or resource limitation during this time. While the link between the photothermal quotient (PTQ) in the CP and yield potential is known for wheat, it needs re-evaluation with current genetics and agronomy, and is less explored in barley, especially in high productivity areas. ObjectiveOur aim was to determine if a) the PTQ-yield relationship in wheat has evolved with new cultivars and agronomic practices, and b) if barley shares similar CP timing and duration with wheat or requires species-specific adjustments in high production zones. MethodsFrom trials In the Australian high production zones, we compiled a dataset (25 site-years) of high-yielding wheat and barley from carefully managed field experiments. The sites analysed had barley and wheat varying in genetics and management across different photothermal environments and where seasonal water supply exceeded 400 mm, and were not constrained by nutrients, allowing us to evaluate the sensitivity to relationship between radiation and temperature during the CP on yield potential. ResultsWe created a new PTQ-based yield potential frontier for wheat and barley, measuring yield increase per PTQ unit. The best model used PTQ data from 20 days before to 10 days after flowering. In barley, changes in the CP timing and length didn't affect the results as expected. The slope of the relationship was lower for barley, indicating lower yields at higher PTQ compared to wheat, highlighting their physiological differences. ConclusionsOur study shows Australia's wheat and barley yields, over 15 Mg ha−1 in wheat and >12 Mg ha−1 in barley respectively, are more influenced by PTQ during the CP than by seasonal water when water supply estimates exceed 400 mm in Australia. We present a simple, physiologically sound PTQ equation as a yield benchmark for wheat (WPYptq= 10.62PTQ-2.85) and barley (BPYptq= 6.73PTQ+1.65). ImplicationsEfforts in agronomy and breeding should aim at enhancing resource availability and partitioning during the CP and aligning the CP with environmental conditions. The straightforward PTQ model for predicting yield potential in Australia's higher production areas matches complex simulations well, aiding in optimizing production systems and guiding future yield potential research.

Better Barley Yield at Hankomolicha Sidama Zone, Ethiopia

Soil acidity is one of the major yields limiting factors for crop production in the Southren of Sidama Region, Ethiopia. A study experiment was done on acid soils to assess the ameliorating capacity of lime when applied in split application and its effects on Barley yield and selected soil properties in the study area. And The treatment was arranged five levels of lime such as control (T1):(without any input), (T2):(25% of the full dose of lime, 25% of the dose applied in the first year, 25% in the second year, 25% in the third year and the rest 25% in the (T3) 33% of the dose applied in the first year, 33% in the second year and the rest 33% in the third year, (T4) 50% of the dose applied in the first year and the rest 50% in the second year, (T5) 100% of the Full dose of lime apply on each treatment based on the experimental objectives, and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Lime requirement was determined based on exchangeable acidity of the soil. Soil analysis revealed that split lime application at different year raised soil pH from 4.73 to 5.07 and reduced the exchangeable acidity from 1.09 - 0.74 cmolc/kg of soil. Likewise yield of Barley was significantly affected by the treatments. In order to reduce the large amounts of lime at once, split application of lime also gave similar higher yield of Barley as that of at 33% of the full dose split lime application. However, for sustainable and drastically increments of productivity of barley production in Hankomolicha southern Ethiopia. 33% of the full dose of split lime application had shown positive response on soil reaction and Exchangeable acidity. Therefore, application of lime at once is un-affordable due to large amounts required per hectare of land and split application of lime could be considered as an alternative option for poor resource farmers for sustainable soil health and crop productivity.

Relay Intercropping of Soybean and Winter Barley in Polish Climatic Conditions—Importance of Strip Width and Yearly Weather

Climate change and the increasing demand for food necessitate innovative agricultural methods. Relay intercropping, where one crop is sown into another already-grown crop, offers a promising alternative to traditional systems. In the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, a field experiment was conducted to assess the relay intercropping of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. polistichon) with soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr). This experiment took place at the Brody Experimental and Educational Station of the University of Life Sciences in Poznań, Poland. Soybean was sown into designated strips within the barley field, and both crops were cultivated simultaneously until the barley was harvested. After the barley harvest, the soybean plants continued to grow and were harvested at full maturity. The results varied between the two years of this experiment. In the first year, characterized by drought conditions, the soybean yield was completely lost, while the barley maintained a stable yield. In the second year, with more favorable weather, the yields of barley and soybean were interdependent. The use of the relay intercropping system did not increase the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) above 1. Additionally, total protein yield remained consistent across different cultivation systems. Relay intercropping can serve as a method for protecting crop protein yields under adverse weather conditions and may offer a viable alternative for soybean cultivation in challenging climates.

From Waste to Worth: Using Fermented Orange Pomace in Sustainable Feed Production.

Modern agriculture faces the dual challenge of producing environmentally friendly feed while minimizing chemical fertilizers and energy use. This study evaluates the use of orange pomace fermentation liquor (OPFL) as a bio-fertilizer to enhance the growth and nutritional content of sprouted barley for sustainable feed production. We conducted multiple assays to determine OPFL's growth-promotion potential, including in vitro phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial effects. Biosafety assays confirmed the absence of coliforms and hemolytic activity. Four barley varieties (Giza 2000, Giza 138, Giza 132, and Giza 126) were treated with OPFL in a hydroponic germination system, with significant improvements observed across several parameters. For example, in Giza 2000, chlorophyll content increased from 4.28 to 4.74, protein content rose from 12.15% to 22.07%, and plant height grew from 13.6 cm to 16.4 cm, representing increases of 10.7%, 81.6%, and 20.6%, respectively. Fresh biomass yield also saw a slight increase, though not statistically significant. This comprehensive evaluation suggests that OPFL is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enhancing barley yield and quality in animal feed systems.

Effects of incorporating biochar on soil quality and barley yield in microplastics-contaminated soils

Biochar has been recognized for its potential to improve the fertility soils by reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers, mitigating carbon emissions, and fostering soil microbial growth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of biochar addition on the physicochemical properties of arid and semi-arid soils containing microplastics, while also assessing its effect on Barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield under drought stress. The experiment was conducted in a glass greenhouse. Plastic pots containing 3 kg of soil were each planted with 6 barley grains. Biochar was applied at three doses (B0 = 0 g biochar/kg soil, B1 = 6 g biochar/kg soil, B2 = 10 g biochar/kg soil), while microplastics were added at three levels (M0 = Control without microplastics, M1 = 0.5 g/kg soil, and M2 = 1 g/kg soil) on the same sowing date. Water stress was induced when the plants reached the four-leaf stage. ANOVAs and Tukey post-hoc tests were employed for multiple mean comparisons of soil and plant parameters. Drought stress and microplastics negatively influenced soil parameters namely soil moisture, organic carbon, and nitrates, while also affecting electrical conductivity and pH. Biochar exhibited minimal effect on soil properties but significantly altered pH, nitrates, and total CaCO3. Plant chlorophyll levels decreased under stress, particularly with microplastic dose M1. However, biochar and microplastics enhanced chlorophyll a content, except for dose B1 of biochar, which leads to a decrease in chlorophyll b (0.91 ± 0.138 μg/g FM). Microplastics, at dose M2, improved chlorophyll b content (1.11 ± 0.090 μg/g FM). Aboveground biomass, leaf area, and yield were generally unaffected by tested stresses. Nonetheless, barley grain yield decreased in biochar and microplastic dose M1 (0.47 ± 0.108 g/plant), while it improved with microplastic dose M2 (0.65 ± 0.168 g/plant). Leaf relative water content increased under water stress and microplastics but not with biochar alone. Interaction between microplastics and biochar enhanced plant water content. Drought stress and microplastics diminished soil parameters, whereas biochar lowered nitrates and pH without significantly affecting soil organic carbon. Plant productivity parameters generally exhibited no significant change under water stress, microplastics, or biochar, except for yield and chlorophyll pigments.

Effect of different level of fertilizer and various organic manure on growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Effect of different level of fertilizer and various organic manure on growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

A Study on the Allelopathic Effects of Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum) Residue Incorporated with Soil on Growth of Some Plant species

This study examines the allelopathic effects of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) on the growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Shamamar-Hawler/ Kurdistan Region of Iraq using a complete randomized factorial design (CRD) within 3 replications. The roots, shoots, and seeds of wild barley were dried, powdered, and added to the soil at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in 500 g pots. Each pot was planted with 5 seeds, which were later reduced to 3 seedlings. Growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths, dry weights, number of tillers, weight of spikes, seeds number per plant, and biological yield was measured. The results indicated significant effects of wild barley residues on the studied crops. Wheat showed the highest roots, shoots and total lengths were (29.56 cm, 17.05 cm and 46.58 cm, respectively) and the highest shoots and roots dry weights were (0.24 g and 0.30 g). Barley showed the highest number of stems (1.96) but the lowest shoots and dry weights of roots were (0.11 g and 0.23 g). Wild barley had the highest biological weight and harvest index (HI). Among the plant parts, seed extracts significantly enhanced growth parameters, while roots and shoots extract had the greatest inhibitory effects as wild barley residue concentrations increased. Nevertheless, the HI showed a decline as the concentrations increased, suggesting a detrimental effect on growth efficiency. The study shows the potential of wild barley as a bio-herbicide, emphasizing its allelopathic effects. This suggests that agricultural practices should be carefully considered to maximize the efficiency of crops. Incorporating these results into precision agriculture can greatly improve crop management and increase yield.

Increasing nitrogen use efficiency in agronomically important plants: An insight into gene characteristics on a genome-wide scale in barley

Nitrogen (N) is a critical element for plant growth and development. Hence, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is vital for reducing costs and the environmental impact of agricultural practices. Understanding the genetic control of N metabolism is crucial to improve NUE, especially in agronomically important plants, such as barley (Hordeum vulgare).Using bioinformatics and functional genomics tools, we identified and characterized sixteen barley nitrogen metabolism-related gene families (HvNMGs) on a genome-wide scale, analysing gene features and evolution. These genes, located on six of seven barley chromosomes, are highly conserved in plants (including barley, rice, and Arabidopsis), as shown by phylogenetic analysis. We further explored the evolutionary relationships of NMGs through a genome-to-genome synteny analysis, which indicated higher conservation of NMGs between barley and other monocots, suggesting that these orthologous pairs predate species divergence. Protein-protein interaction analyses revealed that all of the HvNMGs show interactions, mainly with each other. The H. vulgare miRNAs target sites (hvu-miR) prediction identified six hvu-miR in 4 HvNMGs (HvGABA-T2, HvALDH10-1, HvALDH10-2 and HvARGAH), indicating their potential involvement in stress responses. The expression patterns analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data revealed that HvNMGs are expressed in all developmental stages of barley, and they respond to different stress conditions, indicating their essential role in plant growth, development and stress response. The organ-specific expression analysis, conducted using qPCR, of HvNMGs revealed higher expression of HvNiR and HvNRs in the leaf and significantly higher expression of HvARGAH and HvALDH10 in the spike than in other tissues, showing that some of the genes may be particularly important in some tissues than others. This data provides a foundation for understanding HvNMG function and could be used to improve barley yield by enhancing NUE — an important goal for both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.

Establishment of recombinase polymerase amplification detection method for Dactylobotrys graminicola

Hulless barley sheath rot is a spike disease caused by Dactylobotrys graminicola. In recent years, it has generally occurred in hulless barley growing areas in China, resulting in reduced hulless barley yields. In this study, primers and probes were designed based on conserved genome sequences, and a method was established using recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification-lateral flow burette (RPA-LFD) technology for the rapid diagnosis of sheath rot in hulless barley. The method can be successfully established in five minutes at a constant temperature of 39℃, and the results are consistent with those of normal PCR analysis. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with a detection limit of 10 fg/µL. Furthermore, the rapid method was able to successfully detect D. graminicola in hulless barley during field incubation, which highlighted the significant advantage of the method in practical applications. In conclusion, the RPA method established in this study exhibited several advantageous characteristics, including high efficiency, simplicity, rapidity and practicality, which provide a theoretical basis for the early detection and prevention of D. graminicola.

The Jyndevad Experiment: Revealing long-term interactions between liming and phosphorus fertilization in a coarse sand soil

The Jyndevad field experiment, initiated in 1942 on a coarse sand soil in South of Denmark, explores the effect of four liming levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 Mg lime ha−1). These were in 1944 combined with two levels of mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizer (0 and 15.6 kg P ha−1 year−1), with or without a high initial dose of 156 kg mineral P ha−1. This study assesses interactions between liming and P fertilization on soil pH, Olsen-P contents and barley yields covering the last three decades. Annual P application improved barley yield regardless of liming, but the optimal liming level differed from year to year. This emphasizes the need for long-term field experiments to detect the complex interactions between liming and P availability on crop performance. The initial high P dose in 1944 and annual P fertilization increased Olsen-P contents in soil. The unlimed soil with pH(CaCl2) values below 4 had the highest Olsen-P content. The Jyndevad Experiment now harbors wide gradients in soil P (Olsen-P contents: 9–82 mg P kg−1 soil) and pH (3.6–6.9), providing a unique research platform for future studies on interactions between liming and P fertilization on coarse sand soils. We present a selection of studies that have used the Jyndevad Experiment to illustrate the research potential of the experiment.

Reduced nitrogen rate sustains malt barley yield and quality in malt barley‐pea rotation

AbstractRotational benefit of pea (Pisum sativum L.) may reduce N fertilization rate and sustain malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation. This study examined the effect of cover crop [oat (Avena sativa L.) cover crop vs. none] and N fertilization rate (0, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 kg N ha−1) on malt barley growth, yield, and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation from 2012 to 2019 in the northern Great Plains. Cover crop biomass yield and N accumulation were greater in 2016 than other years. Compared to fallow, malt barley plant density with cover crop was 9%–13% lower from 2013 to 2015, but 10% greater in 2017. Malt barley straw yield was 38% greater in 2017 and grain yield 15%–39% greater in 2017 and 2018, but grain plumpness was 5%–10% lower in 2014 and 2017 with than without cover crop. Increasing N fertilization rate linearly increased grain yield and N uptake, but reduced grain test weight and plumpness in most years. Straw N concentration and uptake and grain protein concentration varied by year. Because of the similar grain yield, protein concentration, plumpness, and test weight between 60 and 80 kg N ha−1, 60 kg N ha−1 can be recommended to sustain malt barley yield and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation, regardless of cover crops. This helps to reduce N fertilization rate by 20 kg N ha−1 for malt barley in dryland cropping systems of the US northern Great Plains.

Yield, varietal zoning of spring barley in Tyumen region and assessment of ecological plasticity and stability of its varieties

The purpose of the study is to assess the yield of spring barley in the production and state variety testing of the Tyumen region for 2017-2022, its varietal zoning, as well as the yield and adaptability of varieties for 2021-2023 in the conditions of the subtaiga. There was a significant excess of yield in state variety testing compared to production, which averaged 15.0 c/ha in 2017-2022. The originators of most of the varieties approved for use are the Federal Research Centers of the Urals and Western Siberia. The variety Kudesnik (44.8 c/ha) was the best in terms of average yield, and Chelyabinsky 99 (69.2%) – in terms of the realization of its potential. Stress resistance is low in all varieties, which ranged from -31.2 (Orda) to -49.0 (Nord 18/2613). All varieties had significant yield variability, ranging from 42.7% (Orda) to 69.4% (Nord 18/2613). Strong responsiveness to changes in conditions was detected in the varieties KVS Jessy (bi = 1.10) and Nord 18/2613 (bi = 1.34), which are classified as intensive. The varieties Acha, Despina, Kudesnik, Divny and Abba, with a regression coefficient equal to or close to one, were characterized as plastic, and the varieties Orda, Chelyabinsky 99 and Abalak were poorly responsive to changes in conditions (bi < 1). Yield stability is low in all varieties, from St2 = 0.52 (Nord 18/2613) to St2 = 0.82 (Abalak, Orda). The variety Kudesnik (Ei..=4.8) was characterized the greatest indicator of the genotypic effect, and the variety Abalak (143.5%) – the indicator of the yield and stability of the variety. The varieties Abalak (sum of ranks 32) and Kudesnik (sum of ranks 35) were recognized as the best by the sum of the ranks of the indicators of yield and adaptability of spring barley for 2021-2023 in the subtype of the Tyumen region.

Response of Biofertilizer and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The field experiment was conducted during rabi season, 2023-24 at research farm, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The treatments consisted of biofertilizers like Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and three level of Molybdenum (400, 600 and 800 ppm) and control. The soil in the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (7.81), Organic Carbon (0.21%), Available N (132.5 kg/ha), Available P (21.13 kg/ha) and Available K (203.24 kg/ha). Seed rate is 100 kg/ha. The application of biofertilizers + PSB + 800 ppm Mo significantly increased the Plant height (110.46 cm), Dry matter accumulation (542.54 g/m2), No. of tillers/ running row meter (93.51), Number of effective tillers m-2 (199.86), Number of grains spike-1 (53.60), Grain yield (3450 kg/ha) and Straw Yield (6562 kg/ha) of barley over the control.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare.L) under North Plain Zone of Dehradun, Uttarakhand

This article as a brief review, give concise information on the “Effect of Integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of barley under north plain zone of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Block Design with 3 Replications and 7 Treatments. Generally analysis of variance shows significant difference between the treatments. Application of T3 75%RDF+ 100% FYM 10q per ha-1 gave higher number of tillers. The higher plant height was obtained from T3 75%RDF+ 100% FYM 10q per ha-1 .Higher spike length, Grain weight, optimum yield and economic return recommended for barley was recorded under T3 75%RDF+ 100% FYM 10q per ha-1 at Dehradun District.

Значение предшественников и минерального питания в формировании урожайности и качества ярового ячменя в Пермском крае

Abstract. The purpose is to evaluate the influence of previous culture and mineral nutrition on the yield and quality of grain and seeds of spring barley in the conditions of the Middle Urals. Methods. The research was conducted at the Perm Agricultural Research Institute (a branch of the Perm Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) over the period 2021–2023 on sod-podzolic heavy loam soil. A two-factor field experiment with different previous culture and mineral nutrition backgrounds was carried out. Data were processed using B. A. Dospekhov’s methods, and grain quality was determined using standard techniques. Results. The limiting factor affecting plant growth and productivity is soil moisture, which influences both the size and quality of crops. Studies have shown that the soil under vetch-oat mixtures had the highest level of productive moisture at the start of the growing season. However, by the end of the season, the highest level was found under clover. During the research period, the most significant decrease in soil moisture was observed after barley, possibly due to the smaller surface area covered by this crop. The study of barley seed germination showed that they met the required standards. Seeds grown after vetch-oat had the best germination rate (95 %), while those preceding barley had the worst (92 %). This suggests that choosing the right precursor and providing optimal nutrition can lead to increased yield and improved grain quality. The yield of barley can vary widely, ranging from 1.06 to 3.77 tons per hectare. The study results show that using vetch-oat as a precursor can provide the best indicators for barley yield and quality. The optimal combination of precursor and mineral nutrient background can significantly improve the efficiency of barley production in agriculture. Scientific novelty: The complex effect of fertilizers and precursor substances on the formation of barley productivity and quality is being studied in the Perm region for the first time. The methods of barley management and quality control studied allow for obtaining highly productive seeds and achieving the planned yield.

Productivity of Alternative Barley Genotypes under Variable Intraspecific Competition Resulting from Increasing Sowing Density

Sowing density and row spacing of barley affect the crop efficiency, resource use and final yield, with different genotypes likely to respond differently to this agrotechnical factor. The effect of sowing density on the barley yield, as shaped by structural yield elements such as the number of ears, number of grains per ears and thousand grain weight, depends on the interaction of this factor with the genotype and the growing conditions. Two spring barley genotypes with a black grain color (H. vulgare L. var. nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui), differing in ear structure and affiliation to the original wild forms, were studied. Two independent, two-year field experiments were conducted in 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 at two locations with contrasting soil conditions. The effects of genotype and sowing density interactions on the yield, harvest index and structural elements of the yield were assessed. The arley yield was dependent on the interaction of genotype and sowing density but also varied by location. H. v. var. nigricans yielded better at higher densities, while H. v. var. rimpaui showed greater tillering potential at low densities. Environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature and soil composition affected the number of fertile ears, number of grains per ear and thousand grain weight.

Local sediment amendment can potentially increase barley yield and reduce the need for phosphorus fertilizer on acidic soils in Kenya

Soil acidification and low nutrient availability are two major challenges facing agriculture in most regions of East Africa, resulting in aluminum toxicity and poor crop yields. The amendment of local sediments to cropland can potentially alleviate these challenges, but responses are variable. In this study, we investigated the potential of two different local sediments influenced by volcanic deposits to increase soil pH, Si and P availability and reduce Al toxicity, thereby improve barley yield. Hence, a field experiment was established in Eldoret, Western Kenya, using 1% and 3% addition by weight of two sediments in barley cultivated plots. The Baringo 3% amendment significantly increased soil pH (from 4.7 to 7.0), the available P content (from 0.01 mg g−1 to 0.02 mg g−1) and decreased the Al availability (from 3.03 mg g−1–2.17 mg g−1). This resulted in a barley yield of 4.7 t/ha (+1061%). The Nakuru 3% and Baringo 1% amendments increased yield to 2–3 t/ha, while the Nakuru 1% did not significantly increase yield. These results highlight that, from a biophysical perspective, there are natural and local opportunities to reduce soil acidification and to partly replace mineral fertilizer, but its magnitude depends on the sediment and the amendment rate.