United Kingdom: The way arable farmers should manage their spring malting barley crop to ensure that they achieve the correct specification for today's market is outlined in the HGCA's new Topic Sheet.

"Specifications for malting barley quality have changed in recent years both for home use and export. Both markets require some barley with a higher nitrogen percentage than is acceptable for traditional ale or distilling," The Journal quoted Professor Graham Jellis, HGCA director of research. HGCA-funded projects, led by The Arable Group, looked at the agronomy of spring malting barley. The aim was to produce high yields with a 1.65-1.80 nitrogen percentage that would suit market requirements. "Projects investigated the effect of strobilurin use together with other agronomic factors including lower plant population, nitrogen splits and timing, and PGR use, to see if they helped achieve the nitrogen percentage required," said Professor Jellis.

"Traditionally, only 100-125kg of nitrogen per hectare has been used on malting crops but the higher yields achieved with strobilurin use dilute grain nitrogen percentage and to balance this more nitrogen fertiliser may be required. However, applying additional nitrogen fertiliser increases the risk of disease and lodging," he warned.

02 March, 2005