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 field trial evaluated nitrogen fertilisation and seeding rate effects on naked food barley ('Havener' and 'Julie' varieties) grown under no-till management in the Palouse region (Washington and Idaho) from 2016–2018. Increasing nitrogen fertilisation significantly increased grain yield up to 95 kg N ha⁻¹ across both varieties and locations, with 'Havener' yielding higher grain mass but 'Julie' producing superior nutritional quality (higher β-glucan and protein content). The findings indicate that β-glucan concentration in naked barley is determined by genotype, environment, and agronomic inputs in dryland cropping systems, with implications for breeding and fertiliser management strategies in low-input no-till systems.

UK applicability

The study's findings on nitrogen rates and seeding density are potentially relevant to UK temperate cereals production, particularly in low-input and no-till systems gaining interest for sustainability. However, the Palouse climate (semi-arid dryland) and specific variety selections differ substantially from typical UK conditions; UK application would require validation under higher-rainfall maritime temperate conditions and with varieties adapted to British growing seasons.

Key measures

Grain yield (kg ha⁻¹), β-glucan content (%), protein content (%), plant emergence, plant height (cm), days to heading, days to maturity, test weight, percent plump kernels, percent thin kernels

Outcomes reported

The study measured the effects of nitrogen fertilisation rates (0–162 kg N ha⁻¹) and seeding rates (250–375 seeds m⁻²) on grain yield, β-glucan content, protein content, and agronomic characteristics (emergence, plant height, days to heading/maturity, test weight, kernel quality) of two naked barley varieties in no-till systems. Grain yield increased with nitrogen up to 95 kg N ha⁻¹, with variety-dependent responses; β-glucan and protein content varied significantly by genotype and were influenced by environmental and agronomic factors.

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