Cropping sequence and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the productivity and quality of malting barley and soil fertility in the Ethiopian highlands

Agegnehu, Getachew, Lakew, Berhane, and Nelson, Paul (2014) Cropping sequence and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the productivity and quality of malting barley and soil fertility in the Ethiopian highlands. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 60 (9). pp. 1261-1275.

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Abstract

The productivity and quality of malting barley were evaluated using factorial combinations of four preceding crops: faba bean, field pea, rapeseed and barley as main plots, and four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 18, 36 and 54 kg N ha-1) as sub-plots with three replications, at two sites on Nitisols of the Ethiopian highlands in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Preceding crops other than barley, and N fertilizer significantly improved yield and quality of malting barley. The highest grain yield, kernel plumpness, protein content and sieve test were obtained for malting barley grown after faba bean, followed by rapeseed and field pea. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased yield, protein content and sieve test of malting barley. All protein contents were within the acceptable range for malting quality. Inclusion of legumes in the rotation also improved soil fertility through increases in soil carbon and nitrogen content. We conclude that to maximize yield and quality of malting barley it is critical to consider the preceding crop and soil nitrogen status. Use of appropriate break crops may substitute or reduce the amount of mineral N fertilizer required for the production of malting barley at least for one season without affecting its quality.

Item ID: 30932
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1476-3567
Keywords: cropping sequence, malting barley, malt quality, nitrogen, productivity
Funders: Asella Malt Factory, St. George, Meta Abo, Harar and Bedele Brewing Industries
Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2014 05:48
FoR Codes: 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0703 Crop and Pasture Production > 070302 Agronomy @ 100%
SEO Codes: 82 PLANT PRODUCTION AND PLANT PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8205 Winter Grains and Oilseeds > 820501 Barley @ 60%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9609 Land and Water Management > 960904 Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Land Management @ 40%
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