Barley

The number of tillers, leaves and shoots determines the size of the canopy and the final ear density at harvest. This ear density will be dependent on the total number of shoots produced and how many of these are fertile and survive.

Plant nutrients predominantly increase barley yield and quality, however, a well balanced fertiliser programme will also increase crop health and help the plant protect itself from disease.

The fundamental agronomic principals behind barley production are to first build an efficient leaf canopy and then keep this photosynthetically active for as long as possible through to harvest. An effective crop nutrition programme is necessary to achieve both of these objectives.