Barley Yield is all about Tiller Retention

Spring barley was a get-out-of-jail card for some growers last season, after wet weather prevented autumn drilling, yet many crops went on to deliver above average yields.

Why they performed so well owes much to the age-old issue of tiller retention, Ron Granger says.

Maximising spring barley yield is all about retaining maximum tillers through to harvest. In some seasons, prolonged dry periods can cause crops to drop tillers and reduce this potential, yet last year, plentiful moisture availability throughout the growing season benefitted many spring crops, especially on lighter land. We cannot control the weather, but there are five actions that will help barley produce and retain as many tillers as possible this spring. Such foundation work is essential, whatever the weather.

1. Select The Right Variety
Choosing a variety with greater tillering ability drives yield, and having more tillers helps crops compensate for tiller loss, should stressful conditions arise.

2. Wait For Optimal Conditions
While earlier drilling can increase yield potential, this may only be possible on lighter, free-draining land that dries and warms faster than heavier soil. Barley must go into a
good seedbed with warming soils and temperatures to germinate and establish quickly, so be patient.

3. Optimise Seed Rate
For high yield potential, aim for a final tiller count of 775-800/m², and work back from this to calculate seed rate, varying according to soil type, drilling date, seedbed conditions and weather. LG trials indicate 350 seeds/m2 is optimal for more vigorous, higher tillering varieties drilled in ideal conditions around mid-March, although 300-325 seeds/m2 might suffice if drilling
into an “onion bed”. Later drilling dates reduce tillering potential, so once into April, closer to 400 seeds/m2 may be more appropriate. Higher seed rates should also be considered for black-grass control.

4. Tailor Nutrition
Balanced macro and micro nutrition improves rooting and canopy development, which benefits tiller survival. Apply most nutrition early, to the seedbed or soon after drilling. Don’t be afraid to push new, higher tillering varieties with more nitrogen. In continued LG trials, an extra 30 kg N/ha applied in the second split generated 0.5-1 t/ha extra yield in some varieties, with crops still achieving low grain N.

5. Minimise Weed Competition
Weeds compromise crop establishment and tillering capacity, so drill into good condition and control early weed growth with effective chemistry sets that do not “knock” early plant development.

For more information, watch our spring barley agronomy series.