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 study is part of an evaluation of best practices for sustainable malting barley production in New England. Specifically, we conducted field trials examining 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. The trials involved planting multiple malting barley varieties with varying rates of seeding and multiple levels of nitrogen application to examine nitrogen contribution of winterkill cover crops and the effects of seeding rates on malting barley quality. We also evaluated the potential for harvesting barley straw as livestock bedding, which would make barley a value-added, dual-use crop.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Matthew Zarif, co-founder of Stone Cow Brewery, a Farm Brewery at Carter & Stevens Farm, collaborated with graduate student Caroline Wise and technical advisor Dr. Masoud Hashemi of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to conduct on farm field trials. Field preparation and planting of cover crops were completed in mid-2015. In spring of 2016, experimental field plots were planted with a factorial design with four replications. Additional ~1ac plots were planted to determine straw harvest yields and to potentially produce enough malting barley for commercial farm brewery production.

The experimental field plots planting, harvest, and yield analysis portion of the study is on track. However, barley quality analysis via laboratory testing has been delayed until there is availability for the testing laboratory to process the samples. Furthermore, the farm brewery business startup was a larger time commitment than previously anticipated. Caroline Wise, Technical Advisor/Project Participant at UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture, has contributed a great deal of her personal time in addition to her university responsibilities, playing a large role in plot design, data analysis, planting, coordinating the use and transport of tractors, planters, and personnel from UMass. Caroline is currently processing and coordinating the analysis of grain samples. We have been granted approval to reallocate a portion of the study’s funding to reflect the additional personal time commitment that Caroline has graciously contributed to this project.

Since barley quality parameters from laboratory testing will be necessary for the final analysis, the final report and the outreach event, which were originally planned for Fall of 2016, have been postponed until early 2017.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Tillage radish cover crop 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. Cover crop growth did not appear to be impeded by these early frosts, and continued to grow well into the unusually mild winter, with observable growth up to 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 the farm store. We were very impressed with tillage radish cover crop and would consider using it as a winterkill cover crop for other crops in the future.

In the spring of 2016, winterkilled tillage radish left the soil permeable, which contributed to the ease of no-till planting. The early season weed pressure was quite minimal in comparison to observations of nearby fields that did not have a cover crop during the winter. However, in some scattered areas, crimson clover persisted throughout the growing season and had to be manually removed. As the growing season progressed, increasing late spring and early summer weed pressure proved to be a challenge and cause of concern. Midway through the season, we decided to conduct limited broadleaf herbicide application on the larger field plots to limit the possibility of being unable to harvest barley due to weed growth. The experimental test plots were continued without any herbicide application as originally planned.

Initial analysis of field data from the experimental plots display correlation between seeding rate, nitrogen application, variety, and yield. We will conduct further analysis in the final report to draw conclusions from this data.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Yield data tables below will be analyzed in final report:

Yield and TGW

Yield and TGW

Collaborators: