Spring barley stand structure as an indicator of lodging risk

Abstract

Field experiments were performed in Kroměříž, Czech Republic in 2012-2014 and evaluated for spring barley comprising treatments which different sowing rates and nitrogen fertilization rates. The objective of this study was to determine parameters of stand structure in early (BBCH 39) growth stages of barley that would enable evaluation of lodging risk. Lodging was significantly affected by both year and nitrogen fertilization rate. Increased nitrogen fertilization rates demonstrably increased lodging. Higher fertilization rates manifested in increased tiller biomass weight, greater plant height, and smaller roots. Similarly, the protein content of harvested grain was strongly affected by year and nitrogen application rate. Higher fertilization rates also resulted in grain with higher protein content. Sowing density did not affect either lodging level or protein content. Yields were affected only by year. Increased tiller biomass weight and increased plant height during early growth stages are significant indicators of lodging risk. Correlation between lodging and tiller biomass and plant height was higher than 0.5 and statistically significant (P = 0.000).