Effect of Nitrogen and Seeding Rate on β-Glucan, Protein, and Grain Yield of Naked Food Barley in No-Till Cropping Systems in the Palouse Region of the Pacific Northwest

Summary

This two-year field trial across two no-till farms in the Palouse region evaluated agronomic management effects on nutritional and yield traits of naked food barley. Increased nitrogen fertilisation significantly increased grain yield up to 95 kg N ha⁻¹, with the Havener variety outperforming Julie for yield, whilst Julie demonstrated superior β-glucan and protein content. The findings indicate that β-glucan content in dryland barley is influenced by genotype, environment, and agronomic management practices.

UK applicability

The Palouse region's semi-arid dryland climate and soil conditions differ substantially from most UK growing regions, which are typically wetter and have higher soil organic matter. However, the findings on nitrogen management and variety selection for naked barley may inform UK research on cereal quality optimisation in no-till systems, though site-specific agronomic trials would be needed to validate recommendations for UK conditions.

Key measures

Grain yield (kg ha⁻¹), β-glucan content (%), protein content (%), plant height (cm), days to heading, days to maturity, test weight, percent plump kernels, percent thin kernels, emergence rate, nitrogen rates (0, 62, 95, 129, 162 kg N ha⁻¹), seeding rates (250, 310, 375 seeds m⁻²)

Outcomes reported

The study measured grain yield, β-glucan content, protein content, and phenotypic characteristics (emergence, plant height, days to heading/maturity, test weight, kernel plumpness) of two naked barley varieties under varying nitrogen fertilisation and seeding rates. Results demonstrated that increased nitrogen significantly increased yield up to 95 kg N ha⁻¹, with variety-specific differences in nutritional composition.

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