Barley is a widely cultivated cereal grain found across the globe, alongside rice, wheat, and corn. Interestingly, barley often yields more than wheat, especially in the arid conditions of Kazakhstan. It is classified agronomically into spring and winter varieties, and biologically into two-row and six-row types.
In Kazakhstan, barley is grown both for export (to China and Iran) and for the domestic market, where it is in demand as both a feed crop and a raw material for beer production.
The brewing industry primarily uses two-row spring barley, which has uniform grain size and shape, a thinner husk, higher carbohydrate and enzyme content, and lower protein levels. Malt made from such grains is characterized by superior quality and high extract yields.
Currently, a significant volume of beer is produced in Kazakhstan, thanks to the efforts of 103 enterprises. In 2023, the republic produced 611.2 million liters of this beverage.
- We have contributed varieties from our portfolio, - Willi Drevs, a consultant for the breeding and seed production division of the EcoNiva Group and a doctor of agronomy, told the portal ElDala.kz. - Our variety portfolio includes 9 spring barley varieties, mainly universal types. The new varieties include “ABBA” (2023), “Evgenia” (2022), and “Formula 1” (2021). We also have time-tested varieties like “Grace” (2011), “Calcul” (2012), “Explorer” (2012), and “Eiffel” (2014). These varieties remain highly popular among our clients and business partners. The listed varieties exhibit high drought resistance and are well-known, with strong demand.
This year, “ABBA” yielded 52 quintals per hectare in Northern Kazakhstan, while “Formula 1” yielded 54 quintals per hectare. The “Calcul” variety produced 50 quintals per hectare in the Aktobe region.
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In the photo: spring barley, variety "ABBA"
Optimal Cultivation Conditions
Unlike spring wheat, the accumulated active temperature sum (from sowing to harvest) required for spring barley is slightly lower - 1300-1500 degrees (for barley) compared to 1500-1700 (for wheat). This allows for later sowing, which was important this season, for instance, when fieldwork in May was hampered by rains.
This crop has a growing season of 70 to 85 days, depending on the prevailing conditions. In a dry year, barley matures very quickly and yields low (70-75 days). In a favorable year, like the current one, barley ripens very slowly, extending into August. However, it can still be harvested earlier than spring wheat.
Agricultural producers find barley attractive because it is not considered a finicky crop. Additionally, there are economic benefits to cultivating it when technological norms are followed.
- If brewers do not take barley, we suggest growing it using feed technology with enhanced fertilizer application, which promotes protein accumulation. In brewing technology, it is essential to adhere to strict requirements regarding protein content, which should not exceed 12%. Germination on the 5th day should reach 95%. Grain weight must be between 650 and 700 grams per liter. For brewing purposes, large grains are essential. The grain size is determined by the ratio of the weight of barley grains that pass through a sieve with holes measuring 2.5 by 20 mm to the weight of the main grain in the analyzed sample. The extractability of the malt should be 85%. If all these parameters meet the standards, brewers will accept this barley, - shared the speaker.
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In the photo: spring barley, variety "Formula-1"
- It is very disappointing when farmers contract with a brewing company to grow barley using expensive brewing technology, but natural conditions hinder achieving the required quality, - emphasized Willi Drevs. - If air temperatures exceed 25 degrees, the growing period can shorten by 10 to 20 days, which leads to reduced enzyme activity. Temperatures above 32 degrees can cause thermal shock, resulting in a sharp increase in protein regardless of the barley variety, reaching 13-14 %. This batch of grain then gets classified as feed. This is where the danger lies.
What do the agronomists at EcoNiva Seeds recommend? It is necessary to select a predecessor crop and conduct a soil analysis for available nitrogen content. It is undesirable to sow after predecessors like potatoes or legumes, as they release a lot of protein during the growing season. Brewer's barley tends to accumulate nitrate nitrogen. It is important to balance potassium and phosphorus fertilizer amounts, and the management of stubble must meet the standard.
Additionally, fungicide treatment should be applied: diseases such as septoria must be avoided to ensure quality brewing barley.
If a farmer doubts their ability to grow brewing quality barley, they can opt to cultivate a feed variety instead. This allows for higher fertilizer application without worrying about drought and heat risks.
When Phosphorus is Lacking
The application of fertilizers in barley cultivation depends on the results of agronomic field assessments. If there is sufficient phosphorus and potassium, only a small amount of nutrients is needed. In Kazakhstan's soils, potassium is abundant, but phosphorus is scarce. It is recommended to apply phosphorus fertilizers at a rate of 60-80 kilograms per one row. If using a double-row seeder, apply more. This will also be effective in subsequent years.</