 |
ProCrop |
Determining the Proper Seeding Rate for Barley
Studies at ND research centers suggest that obtaining a stand of one million plants per acre of barley is an optimal goal. This is about 23 plants per square foot. Actual seeding rates will have to be about 20-25 percent higher than one million seeds to establish one million plants due germination and emergence losses under average seedbed conditions. Poor seedbed conditions may create a need to increase the seeding rate. One and a third million seeds may need to be planted to reach the goal of one million established plants. Plump barley seed may weigh around 12,500 seeds per pound. It would require around 100 lbs of this sized barley seed per acre to establish one million plants. Determining the actual seed weight allows calculation of a more accurate seeding rate.
If lodging is probable due to variety, nitrogen levels or environment a reduced seeding rate would be wise since increased seeding rates tends to increase lodging. Moderate lodging generally results in lower yield, percent plump, test weight and higher DON (vomitoxin). If lodging should occur, any benefit due to increased seeding rate would be lost.
Back to Seeding
Rates - Barley Menu
Back to Barley Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index
