Research Coordinator: Dr. Akim Omokanye
Location: Fairview Research Farm (NW-5-82-03-W6)
From: Peace Country Beef & Forage Association 2013 Annual Report
Barley varieties are generally classified as two rows or six rows, as feed grain or malting, as covered or hulless; and these are used for animal feed as grain, whole plant (hay, silage or green feed) or straw. Several studies have shown that forage of barley is higher in CP than forage of oat, triticale and spring wheat. Sixteen forage type barley varieties were tested by PCBFA as part of the Regional Silage Variety Trials (RSVT). It is necessary to test new barley varieties as they become available and identify those with superior yield and quality that could replace the present varieties used by producers or varieties that could be incorporated into the producers current forage production systems in the different regions of the province.
Objectives
To compare barley varieties for forage yield and quality
To communicate findings to beef cattle producers in the Peace Region and to other parts of Alberta through the RSVTs (The results will also be reported in the Alberta Seed Guide (www.seed.ab.ca)).
Methods
The trial took place at Fairview Research Farm (NW5-82-3W6) on RR #35, MD of Fairview. The site was left to fallow in the summer of 2012, but had a Pioneer® brand canola variety trial in 2011. Prior to seeding, soil samples were taken at 0-6” depth for N, P, K & S tests, after which the site was harrowed. After harrowing, a pre-seed weed control was carried out with Credit®. The soil test showed that the site had a pH of 5.4 and 8.8% organic matter.
Plant Material, Experimental Design, Seeding and Crop Management
The treatments consisted of 16 barley varieties (10 two-row and 6 six-row varieties). Most of them have been briefly described in the “2013 Cereal Research Report” by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada & Alberta Agri-culture and Rural Development (http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/fcd5506/$FILE/2013_cereal_research_report.pdf).