Spring Barley Production Guide - College of Agricultural and Life ...

Basic Recommendations
IDAHO SPRING BARLEY PRODUCTION GUIDE
• Timing of production operations is critical. Prepare a seasonal production plan
and a schedule of operations before planting the crop.
• Use rotations and cultural practices that minimize weed, disease, and insect
problems and reduce the need for chemical controls.
• Plant early to avoid moisture stress. Inspect fields periodically to detect problems
before significant losses have occurred.
• Select varieties with appropriate disease resistance, maturity, and quality characteristics
for the intended use.
• Always use certified seed to assure seed purity and viability.
• Test soil to determine exact fertilizer requirements. Avoid over-fertilizing, particularly
with nitrogen.
• Any moisture stress will limit spring barley yields. Schedule irrigations to maintain
50 percent or greater available soil moisture for most growth periods.
Schedule irrigation to maintain 60 percent or greater available soil moisture
during tillering and boot through flowering.
• Adjust combines properly to reduce kernel damage, especially for barley intended
for malting.
• Store the crop in clean, insect-free bins, and check frequently for developing
trouble spots.
• Plan ahead for storage and marketing.
Idaho Spring Barley
Production Guide
• Examine short- and long-term benefits with an enterprise budget system.
Chemical and Variety Disclaimer
Use of chemical names and trade names does not imply endorsement of named chemicals. These
references are for comparison only.
Recommendations of use or non-use of a specific variety is not stated or implied. Variety approval
by AMBA for malt production does not guarantee acceptance by the trade for a specific variety.
2