Evaluating Agronomic Practices’ Impacts on Barley Production and Economic Outcomes in Alabama

Abstract

This research explored the practicality of winter barley production in Alabama. With the growth of craft breweries and increasing demand for locally sourced grain, further investigation into barley cultivation across the southeastern United States is justified. Field studies conducted in North Alabama at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center (TVREC) and in South Alabama at the Brewton Agricultural Research Unit (BARU) assessed the effects of various agronomic practices on yield and quality. The experiments focused on different nitrogen and seeding rates for two barley cultivars: a six-row type (Secretariat) and a two-row type (Avalon). Results showed that neither nitrogen nor seeding rates significantly affected yield at either site, although nitrogen levels influenced malt quality in both cultivars. The Secretariat yielded more at BARU than at Avalon, but the yield difference between cultivars was not significant at TVREC. Avalon is the recommended barley cultivar for Alabama, providing optimal yield and quality when managed with 100.9 kg of nitrogen per ha to maintain performance and quality.

Another field study assessed how harvest moisture levels influence cultivar performance and quality. Cultivar and harvest moisture levels significantly influenced nutrient composition, with Secretariat generally higher in protein, fiber, fat, and ash, and Avalon higher in starch. High moisture reduced starch and protein but increased fiber, reflecting dilution effects. These changes had minimal impact on germination within the tested range, indicating that kernel moisture primarily affects physical rather than chemical properties. The results concluded that harvesting at a normal moisture level of 14% is the recommended timing.

An additional study evaluated the response of six barley cultivars (Avalon, Marouetta, Secretariat, VA21M-20, Thoroughbred, VT Beahm) to seven herbicide treatments (Non-treated, Zidua SC, Tricor 75DF, Axial Bold, Harmony Extra SG, Quelex, Sterling Blue) commonly used in cereal grain production. Injury levels range from 0% to 10% points across all cultivars. The highest injury was observed with the Zidua SC and Tricor 75DF treatments (5% to 10%), while the lowest injury was 0% in the Axial Bold, Harmony Extra SG, Quelex, and Sterling Blue treatments. Yield was not significantly influenced by any of the herbicide treatments. Application of barley-labeled herbicides at recommended rates and timings, not Zidua SC, which is not labeled for barley use, is safe for use in Alabama.

An economic analysis based on grain quality and market value identified the most profitable management strategies for each nitrogen and seeding rate combination. Intermediate nitrogen (100.9 kg per ha) and seeding rate levels (2.97 million seed per ha) yielded the highest numerical net returns ($1,856.02 per ha) for barley production in North Alabama. South Alabama had the highest returns from Avalon production under 100.9 kg ($787.47 per ha) and 134.5 kg ($804.50 per ha) of nitrogen per ha. Overall, these findings demonstrate that winter barley can be effectively integrated into Alabama’s cropping systems, supporting local supply chains and underscoring the need for ongoing research on agronomic management and market development in the southeastern United States.