Determination of Optimal Planting Configuration of Low Input and Organic Barley and Wheat Production in Arizona, 2012

Abstract

Markets for organic barley and wheat are expanding. A major problem growing organic barley and wheat is controlling the weeds. Organic barley and wheat were grown in conventional 6-inch drill spacing but also in 30 inch spacing so weeds could be cultivated in a study at the Larry Hart Farm near Maricopa. The weed pressure was moderate and the weed biomass was about 1 to 5% of the crop biomass near maturity. The primary weed was Palmer amaranth. Grain yields of the wheat (durum) were similar regardless of row spacing, but the barley grain yields were 3921 lbs/acre in the 6 inch spacing and 2530 lbs/acre in the 30 inch spacing.