Adapting innovative solutions for increased barley profitability in Alberta: expanding malt cultivar end-use using a PGR and N management

Laurel Thompson, Lakeland College

Start Date: April 1, 2019
End Date: March 31, 2021

Alberta Barley’s contribution: $ 2,865

This project will address the decline in planted barley acres in AB that is resulting in reduced crop diversity and threatening the cropping system sustainability in the province. Lower profitability and lodging of barley relative to other major crops is a contributing factor to the decline in barley acres. We will test adapted and creative agronomic practices from other international geographies and from other barley end-use classes to increase the yield, stand-ability and profitability of barley production in AB. We will also determine how appropriately implement these adapted practices into the barley production system for maximum benefit to AB barley producers and barley end users. These practices will include: new nitrogen (N) management regimes applied to malt cultivars, using feed end-use markets for malt barley cultivars; and effective integrated plant growth regulator (PGR) use in the barley production system.