Evaluating Malting Barley Production in New England Using a Winterkill Cover Crop Cocktail Combined With Flame Weeding and No Till Planting

Evaluating Malting Barley Production in New England Using a Winterkill Cover Crop Cocktail Combined With Flame Weeding and No Till Planting

Summary

Our project is attempting to evaluate best practices for sustainable malting barley production in New England. Specifically, we will examine the use of a winterkill cover crop cocktail of forage radish and crimson clover, combined with no-till planting and flame weeding for spring barley production, based on its success with other crops and its potential application for various soil compositions throughout the region. We will examine nitrogen contribution of winterkill cover crops and the effects of seeding rates on malting barley quality. We will also evaluate the potential for harvesting barley straw as livestock bedding, which will make barley a value-added, dual-use crop.

In 2015, Matthew Zarif (project coordinator), Masoud Hashemi (technical advisor), and Caroline Wise (participant) designed an experimental plot with a factorial design and 4 replications. Soil samples, field preparation, and planting of cover crops were completed in the summer/fall of 2015.

Objectives/Performance Targets

In the summer of 2015, soil samples were taken and sent to the University of Massachusetts laboratory for standard soil analysis to determine baseline nutrient levels and soil pH. The field was harrowed and compost applied. We made some revisions to cover crops and seeding rates, based on information from researchers and farmers at a weekend Malting Barley seminar (Valley Malt Farmer Brewer Winter Weekend). Namely, we decided to omit oats due to a potential increased risk of fusarium. Fall cover crops were planted via a Herd Broadcast Seeder (model GT-77) in late August, 2015, using a seed mix of pre-inoculated clover (approximately 7lbs/ac) and tillage radish (approximately 4lbs/ac). Seeds were rolled with a corrugated roller immediately after planting.

We have been observing cover crop growth throughout the fall and winter.  Barley will be planted in spring of 2016 as described in the proposal. Varying seeding rates and N application levels will be used in the test plot. Upon harvest, samples will be submitted for laboratory analysis of standardized parameters to determine grain quality for malting. Outreach will include a final report, a barley field day at our farm, and a video documenting the project and highlighting the process of growing and malting barley.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Early observations: Tillage radish germinated extremely quickly and grew rapidly. The crimson clover in the mix was slower to germinate, however, allowing some weeds to infiltrate. Weeds mainly consisted of Lambsquarters, Goosefoot, and Galinsoga, and initially seemed to be a matter of concern. However, early overnight frosts almost entirely killed all weeds in the field well before they could go to seed. Tillage radishes and crimson clover growth did not appear to be impeded by these early frosts.

Tillage radishes and crimson clover have continued to grow well into this unusually mild winter, with observable growth up to the writing of this report in late December. Tillage radish roots grew 12-18” or more in length and 2-3+ inches in diameter. As an added benefit, we were able to harvest some extra radishes to eat and sell in our farm store. We are very impressed with this cover crop and will likely consider trying tillage radish as a winterkill cover crop for corn and vegetable fields in the future.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

TBD

Collaborators: