Spring Barley - Febuary

Ploughing the ground. Some ground may be ploughed over the winter months to allow it to weather. Frost is particularly useful as it breaks down large clods and helps to create a fine seedbed.

After ploughing the ground will need to be worked to create a seedbed. Often this involves cultivating the ground before the drill can sow the seeds. Spring barley is sowed about 6cm deep.

Detail of the drill. The red tubes at the back are known as coulters and force the seed into the soil. The drill in this picture sits on top of a cultivator that works the ground immediately in front of the coulters.

The germinated barley seed illustrating young roots and emerging shoot.