Barley yield/N balance quest
Barley yield/N balance quest
BALANCING yield and nitrogen levels in malting barley destined for the export market is the goal of a new joint project involving the 20-member Border Grain farmers co-operative and SAC Scottish Agronomy.
Border Grain has been selling barley for export with a nitrogen content of 1.65-1.85% – offering more flexibility for growers than the lower nitrogen requirements of the domestic malting and distilling market.
"We have enjoyed a strong export trade in recent years and believe there is room for considerable future expansion," says Gareth Baird, chairman of Berwicks-based Border Grain.
Now new advice to optimise the yield/nitrogen balance is to be developed to help growers secure the best returns. The aim is to have better nitrogen and yield guidelines for growers ahead of 2002, says SAC Scottish Agronomys Huw Phillips. *