Diversifying crop rotations with pulses enhances system productivity.

Agriculture in rainfed dry areas is often challenged by inadequate water and nutrient supplies. Summerfallowing has been used to conserve rainwater and promote the release of nitrogen via the N mineralization of soil organic matter. However, summerfallowing leaves land without any crops planted for one entire growing season, creating lost production opportunity.

Effects of seeding rate, nitrogen rate and cultivar on barley malt quality.

Background: Crop management tools have been shown to affect barley kernel size and grain protein content, but the direct effect on malt quality is not well understood. The present study investigated the effect of seeding rate, nitrogen fertilisation and cultivar on malt quality.

Results: Higher seeding rates produced barley with less grain protein and smaller, more uniformly sized kernels.