Growing Barley Cover Crop: The Benefits and How to Grow It

Growing barley as a cover crop has been gaining popularity in recent years. Not only does it provide numerous benefits to the soil and the environment, but it can also be a profitable crop for farmers. In this article, we will explore the benefits of growing barley as a cover crop and provide a step-by-step guide on how to grow it.

What is a Cover Crop?

A cover crop is a type of crop that is grown primarily to benefit the soil and the environment rather than for harvest. Cover crops are planted during fallow periods or between cash crops to improve soil health, reduce erosion, control pests and weeds, and increase biodiversity.

Benefits of Growing Barley as a Cover Crop

Improves Soil Health

Barley is an excellent cover crop for improving soil health. It has a fibrous root system that helps to loosen compacted soil, increase water infiltration, and enhance soil structure. The roots of barley also release organic acids that help to break down soil nutrients, making them more available to other plants.

Reduces Erosion

Barley cover crop can prevent erosion by providing ground cover and stabilizing the soil. The dense foliage of barley helps to slow down water runoff, allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. Barley also helps to protect the soil from wind erosion by trapping soil particles with its leaves and stems.

Controls Weeds

Barley is an effective weed suppressor when used as a cover crop. It competes with weeds for nutrients, light, and moisture, reducing their growth and preventing them from becoming established. Additionally, barley produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the germination of weed seeds.

Increases Biodiversity

Barley cover crop provides habitat and food sources for beneficial insects and wildlife. The dense foliage and root system of barley provide shelter and refuge for insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles, which are natural predators of pests. Barley also produces abundant pollen and nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Profitable Crop

In addition to the environmental benefits, growing barley as a cover crop can also be a profitable venture for farmers. Barley is a relatively low-input crop that requires minimal fertilizer and pesticide applications. It can also be sold as a cash crop for feed or malt production, providing an additional source of income for farmers.

How to Grow Barley as a Cover Crop

Now that you know the benefits of growing barley as a cover crop, here are the steps to grow it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Variety

There are numerous varieties of barley available, each with its own characteristics and traits. When choosing a variety for cover cropping, look for those that have a high biomass yield, good disease resistance, and strong roots.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and tilling it to a depth of 6-8 inches. Barley prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If necessary, add lime or sulfur to adjust the pH.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Plant the barley seeds at a rate of 60-120 pounds per acre, depending on the desired density. Barley can be planted in either the fall or the spring, depending on the climate and the intended use. For fall planting, plant the seeds 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. For spring planting, plant the seeds as soon as the soil can be worked.

Step 4: Manage the Cover Crop

After planting, manage the barley cover crop by monitoring its growth and controlling weeds if necessary. Avoid using herbicides, as they can harm beneficial insects and microorganisms. Instead, use mechanical or cultural methods such as mowing or hand weeding.

Step 5: Terminate the Cover Crop

The cover crop should be terminated before it becomes too mature and difficult to manage. Barley can be terminated by mowing, rolling, or crimping, or by using an herbicide. Allow the cover crop to decompose for at least two weeks before planting the next crop.

A farmer harvesting barley crop

Growing barley as a cover crop offers numerous benefits to the soil, the environment, and farmers. By improving soil health, reducing erosion, controlling weeds, increasing biodiversity, and providing a profitable crop, barley cover crop can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices. By following the steps outlined above, you too can grow barley as a cover crop and reap its many benefits.

Barley, cover crop, soil health, erosion control, weed suppression, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture