Research Coordinator: Dr. Akim Omokanye
Location: Fairview Research Farm RR #35, MD of Fairview
From: Peace Country Beef & Forage Association 2014 Annual Report
In 2014, PCBFA took part in the Regional Variety Testing program (Regional Silage Variety Trials (RSVT). The program includes testing of new barley varieties as they become available for adaption, forage yield and quality. This year, 17 forage type barley varieties were tested. In addition to the findings presented here from our trial, the results across the different trial sites in the province will also be reported in the Alberta Seed Guide (www.seed.ab.ca).
Methods
The study site was at Fairview Research Farm (NW5-82-3W6) on RR #35, MD of Fairview. The site used was left to fallow in the summer of 2013. Prior to seeding, soil test at 0-6” soil depth done at Exova laboratory (Edmonton) showed an OM of 7.1% and a pH of 5.8. The site was rotor tilled and we sprayed Credit® as a pre-seed weed control after tilling.
The treatments consisted of 17 barley varieties (10 two-row and 7 six-row varieties), which were arranged in a randomized complete block design in 4 replications in small plots (8.5 m long 6 rows). Seeding rate was 250 live seeds m-2. We seeded with a plot drill at a spacing of 23 cm (9 inches) between rows on May 23, 2014. All seeds were treated. We fertilized with a blend of 90N-30P-20K-30S (lbs/acre). In crop spraying was done once with Frontline XL at 2-4 leaf stage of barley. The 17 barley varieties tested are listed below.
Two-row barley varieties-
1. Busby- feed barley, rough awned
2. CDC Austenson-rough awn variety
3. CDC Cowboy-forage barley
4. CDC Coalition - general purpose type, good yield potential