Irrigation practices and Solum test weight and yield, 2002

Abstract

Solum is a barley adapted to one or two irrigations but the grain produced is often low in test weight. Studies were conducted on two commercial farms near Maricopa and Coolidge in an effort to verify data from previous studies suggesting that delaying the first post-emergence irrigation until boot increases test weight compared to earlier irrigation, but does not affect yield. The irrigation treatments consisted of 1) two irrigations – planting and boot, or 2) three irrigations – planting, 5- to 6-leaf stage, and heading (grower standard). The irrigation treatments had no effect on grain yield, test weight, kernel weight, or lodging at either location, but delaying the second irrigation until boot reduced plant height at Coolidge. Despite the lack of positive results from these studies, applying the second irrigation at boot may still be preferable to earlier applications because of reduced plant height and the risk of lodging. We have not been able to measure a benefit from a third irrigation for Solum barley in these or previous studies.