Species Selection Information System

Barley is an annual grass with a bunch-type habit. 

Barley cultivars are classified as winter, spring, or facultative. When choosing a cultivar, determine which cultivars have a survival potential that fits into your cropping system. Winter-type barley cultivars must be planted in the fall to receive sufficient cold units to flower the following spring, otherwise it will remain in a vegetative state. Spring barley does not require chilling, but lacks winter hardiness, so those cultivars are best planted in the spring in cold-winter regions. Facultative barley is winter hardy and does not require chilling; it can be planted in the fall or spring. 

Winter Hardiness

Barley winter hardiness is determined by genetics, the duration of the low temperature cold-hardening induction period, presence or absence of snow cover, frequency of freeze/thaw cycling, and management. Before including fall-planted barley in your crop rotation, consult with your local extension specialist for cultivar recommendations. Also, determine whether crop insurance is available for fall-planted barley in your region. Plant at an optimum date, rate, and depth, and use as deep a furrow as possible to reduce wind exposure and to trap snow. Stubble from the previous crop will help to trap snow. Typically, fall-planted barley will yield 25% more grain than spring-planted barley at the same location in the Pacific Northwest, west of the Cascades, and in the Columbia and Snake River Basins. In northern-tier states, ongoing research indicates that fall-planted barley may be suitable for areas east of the Rockies, including Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. In the upper Midwest, fall planted barley does well in areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin and is more generally adapted eastward to New England. Fall-planted barley does well along the Eastern Seaboard into the Carolinas and westward across the Great Plains. In the Southwest and California, at lower elevations, spring barleys can be planted in the fall and winter barleys will generally receive sufficient chilling.

Fertility Needs

Crops grazed or harvested for hay or silage need a high level of mineral nutrition. Nitrogen is important for protein and dry matter yield. Having adequate phosphorus is important for good establishment and even seasonal growth.  Potassium is also important for forage crops as there is large removal of K when the whole plant is removed in comparison to just removing the grain. To ensure good production, perform a soil test and obtain expert recommendations for nutrient needs. Top dressing with nitrogen after cutting or grazing will increase quality and quantity of regrowth.