Fast Facts
Quick to establish.
Boosts poor soils.
Builds organic matter quickly.
Barley is known for it’s quick establishment and ability to rejuvenate poor soils with a root system that can commonly reach 6.5 feet deep. It prefers well-drained soils. It is somewhat hardy, but not necessarily as hardy as rye.
Type: Nutrient Scavenger (Grass)
Planting Timing: Sept. 1- Nov. 1
Seeding Rate:
- Precision: 40 lb/ac
- Drill: 50 lb/ac
- Broadcast: 60 lb/ac
Seeds/lb: ~14,000
Planting Depth: 1 – 1.5 in
Benefits of Barley
Nitrogen Fixer: n/a
Nutrient Scavenger: Excellent
Soil Builder: Excellent
Compaction Relief
Topsoil: Excellent
Subsoil: Good
Erosion Control: Excellent
Residue Decomposition: Slow
Weed Suppression: Excellent
Grazing: Excellent
Forage Value: Good
Attracts Beneficial Insects: Poor