Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulfur on Malt Barley
Determine the effect of phosphorus, potassium and sulfur on the yield and quality parameters of malt barley across the agro-ecological regions of Alberta.
IPNI-2003-CAN-AB22
09 May 2003
Justification
- Most malt barley growers reduce N fertilizer application to ensure moderate protein levels are kept between 10 and 13%. Recent AAFRD research (McKenzie et al 2001) has shown that potential yield losses of 10 to 40% occur by following this widely accepted practice. Assuming a conservative yield loss of 10%, the annual financial loss in western Canada could be in the range of $100,000,000 per year in lost yield. The benefits of increased yield with optimum fertilizer and utilizing new malting barley varieties can result in annual increased financial benefits to prairie malt barley growers. Preliminary work by McKenzie has shown that highest malt barley yield and lowest protein occurs with earliest seeding dates. Optimum seeding rates are in the range of 150 to 250 plants/m2, depending on location. However, the highest kernel plumpness occurs at later seeding dates. Research is needed to identify how P, K and S fertility and seeding management can be manipulated by growers to maximize yield and ensure optimum malt quality.