Barley seedbeds

Phosphoras and potassium index levels are assessed by soil analysis and can be high on the many arable farms. On fields with high reserves, only maintenance dressings are reqitired or, indeed, none at all. AppUcations can be made at any convenient time dining the growing season. If soil levels are very low (index 0 or 1), the fertiliser should either be appUed to the seedbed or combine drilled. Care must be taken with potassium applications if straw is removed from the field rather than incorporated. Barley straw, especially, contains fairly high levels of potassium and removal could well mean that subsequent apphcations of potassium will need to be increased (Table 13.3). 

Winter barley can be sown from mid-September to early November. It is important to have the plants well-estabhshed before the winter. Too forward crops can be susceptible to frost damage as well as fohar disease and BYDV. Spring barley can be sown from January to early April. A good seedbed is more important than early drilling. Yields are usually reduced from drilhng after the end of March. The sowing of barley follows the same fines as for wheat. 

Early application of nitrogen to winter barley often encourages foliar diseases. The nitrogen should be apphed to the seedbed with late-sown spring crops (other than on sands), whereas with the early-sown crop it should be spUt to avoid leaching. 

Seedbed and methods of sowing These are similar to wheat and barley. 

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