Spring Barley - April

By the beginning of April most spring barley has been drilled. However in wet years, or on heavy land that is slow to dry, some of the crop remains to be sown.

A sedbed that has just been drilled. Late drilled crops are at risk from drought and as a general rule April sown crops have lower yields than those of February and March.

Earlier drilled crops are beginning to grow quickly and rolling consolidates the ground helping to prevent moisture loss and reducing slug activity. Providing rolling is done in dry conditions, a young plant will not be damaged by the operation.

The February drilled crop at the end of the month and now tillering.