Key Points
- Two nitrogen timing/rate trials were conducted in the 2001/02 season in Canterbury and two in Otago/Southland with three barley cultivars, Dash, Cask and Optic
- N fertiliser increased ear populations and grain yields in all cultivars similarly
- At three of the four sites, the most economic treatment was 120 kgN/ha at sowing, followed by 60 kgN/ha at tillering
- At most sites, grain protein and test weight increased with N fertiliser application
- Over the last three years, the most consistent yield increase has been from 60 kgN/ha applied at sowing or N at tillering
- Over the 3 years, Optic has had lower levels of protein than other cultivars in all years and, even at the high rates of N, has only exceeded the maximum level for malting at two trial sites