The response of four malting barley varieties to varying N nutrition – Walgett, Moree and Bithramere in 2012

Abstract

Key findings • Navigator[PBR] and Bass[PBR] appear to be more protein responsive to N applications compared to Commander[PBR] and are approximately 1–1.5% higher, which indicates the need to be careful growing these varieties on soils with high residual N. • Commander[PBR] and Bass[PBR] had the most consistent grain quality across the different sites and soil N levels, however, Commander[PBR] would be more suited to higher starting N (with the caution of increased lodging risk). • Commander[PBR] was the highest yielding variety across all sites, while Bass[PBR] and Navigator[PBR] were only slightly better than Gairdner[PBR]. • High starting soil N should be avoided for Gairdner[PBR] due to the large risk of high screenings and low retention, particularly when there is a dry finish to the season.