Background Information
Newer malting barley varieties have been released and are starting to account for many of the seeded acres. Understanding the new varieties fertility requirements, specifically for nitrogen is crucial to optimize these varieties for yield and malt selection.
Results
These are preliminary results. Since 2024, enough nitrogen was supplied to the malting barley at the majority of trial sites using farmers’ normal fertility practices, as grain yields were not significantly improved with additional nitrogen fertilizer.
Grain quality analysis for malt selection was assessed by CMBTC. Four out of eight sites had grain protein levels below12.5 per cent. There was an overall trend of increased grain protein with higher nitrogen rates, but this trend was only significant at one site (2024 – BV03). At most sites (88 per cent), kernel plumpness was not significantly impacted by nitrogen rate. At one site (2024-BV01), there was a significant decrease in kernel plumpness with increased nitrogen supplied, although the reduction did not result in grain plumpness going below 85%, the threshold for malt selection.
Weather Info
