A frequent question among UK farmers is: Which type of barley is best—winter or spring?
Many believe that winter barley provides higher grain and straw yields, making it the obvious choice. However, while yield is important, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. When choosing between winter and spring barley, farmers must consider:
• Disease pressure
• Input costs
• Soil health
• Weed management
• Weather resilience
For many UK farmers—especially in South West England—spring barley is the better option. Here’s why.
1. Lower Disease Pressure in Spring Barley
Disease resistance is a key factor in barley production. Winter barley is more susceptible to fungal diseases due to prolonged exposure to wet and mild winter conditions. Some of the most damaging barley diseases include:
• Rhynchosporium (Scald): A major disease in wet climates, causing significant leaf spotting and yield losses.
• Net Blotch: Reduces grain quality and yield, with infections spreading from overwintered crop residues.
• Powdery Mildew: A common fungal disease in winter cereals, requiring fungicide applications for control.
Why is Spring Barley Less Affected?
• Shorter growing period: Less exposure to high-risk disease periods.
• Planted in drier months: Lower humidity reduces fungal spread.
• Fewer fungicide applications needed: Lower production costs.
2. Lower Input Costs – A More Cost-Effective Option
Spring barley is cheaper to grow than winter barley, primarily due to lower input requirements.
Cost Savings with Spring Barley:
• Fewer fungicides: Reduces chemical expenditure.
• Lower herbicide needs: Less weed competition compared to autumn crops.
• Less nitrogen fertiliser required: More efficient nutrient uptake in spring soils.
Comparison:
A study by Teagasc (Ireland’s Agriculture Authority) found that spring barley requires 30-40% less nitrogen fertiliser than winter barley. Given rising fertiliser costs, this provides significant savings for farmers.
3. Reduced Soil Erosion & Compaction
Why Winter Barley Poses a Risk?
In South West England, winter barley is often planted in wet conditions. This can cause:
• Soil Erosion: Heavy winter rainfall washes away topsoil.
• Compaction: Machinery use on wet soil leads to poor root growth.
How Spring Barley Helps
• Spring drilling avoids winter damage, leading to:
• Better soil structure: Less compaction improves drainage.
• Higher organic matter retention: Improves soil fertility and microbial activity.
• Sustainable farming benefits: Reduces soil degradation over time.
4. Flexibility in Crop Rotation & Weed Control
Spring barley fits better into crop rotations than winter barley. It helps to:
• Break disease cycles: Reduces pathogen carry-over from autumn crops.
• Control difficult weeds: Spring drilling disrupts weed germination.
• Improve soil health: Allows incorporation of cover crops.
Controlling Grass Weeds Like Blackgrass
Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides) is one of the most problematic weeds in UK arable farming. It thrives in autumn-planted crops and is difficult to control in winter barley.
Spring barley is an effective tool in blackgrass control because:
• Later sowing disrupts weed germination cycles.
• Reduces the need for herbicides.
• Improves long-term weed management without resistance issues.
5. More Resilient in Unpredictable Weather Conditions
The UK’s climate is notoriously unpredictable. For farmers in South West England, autumn-drilled winter barley can face serious establishment risks, including:
• Waterlogging: Excess winter rainfall drowns seedlings.
• Early frosts: Can damage young plants.
• Delayed emergence: Slower growth due to cold temperatures.
Why Spring Barley Performs Better
• Planted in drier spring conditions – Avoids waterlogging.
• More stable temperatures at sowing – Better establishment.
• Less risk of late-season frost damage – Protects yield stability.
Conclusion: Why Spring Barley is the Best Choice for Many UK Farmers
While winter barley may be attractive for early harvesting, spring barley offers numerous practical and financial benefits:
• Lower disease risk – Reducing reliance on fungicides.
• Lower input costs – More profitable and sustainable.
• Improved soil health – Less erosion and compaction.
• Better weed control – Helps tackle blackgrass and resistant weeds.
• More consistent yields – Reduced weather risks.
With sustainability and cost-efficiency becoming key priorities in UK agriculture, spring barley provides a reliable, profitable, and eco-friendly option.
Contact Siggs and Co to discuss how spring barley can work on your farm.
