Winter barley – smart cultivation and quality control

Winter barley is becoming one of the most promising crops in Poland, especially in areas with a temperate climate and well-managed soils. It offers high yield potential, good resistance to spring drought, and matures relatively quickly. No wonder more and more farmers are turning to this variety – especially when they can count on precise technological support at key moments of the season.

Soil and field prep – the key to a good start

For winter barley to reach its full potential, it needs the right conditions. Medium-heavy, fertile soils with a balanced pH work best – ideally between 6.0 and 7.2 (Dramiński PHG digital pH meter for soil and liquids). Proper fertilization and well-thought-out crop rotation are also essential. Great results come after crops like winter rapeseed, potatoes, or legumes – plants that don’t deplete the soil and often improve its structure.
Soil prep should begin right after harvest – good plowing and a short rest period for the soil help create optimal conditions for sprouting. Agrotechnical treatments should always be tailored to the soil type, previous crop, and the planned sowing date.

Sowing and fertilizing – precision that pays off

The best time to sow winter barley is in the first or second week of September. Early sowing helps with tillering, but it also increases the risk of disease. The seeding rate should match the soil and timing conditions – usually between 125 and 140 kg/ha, with a chance to increase it for late sowings.
Fertilization should cover nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients like manganese, copper, and zinc. In autumn, a small dose of nitrogen (up to 20 kg/ha) can support root growth, while the main nitrogen boost comes in spring – typically in two rounds: at the start of vegetation and before the stem elongation phase.

Disease and weed protection

Even though winter barley is tougher than many other cereals, it still needs solid protection. Start with treated seeds to guard against seed-borne diseases, and follow up with autumn herbicide applications to reduce weed pressure. In spring, it’s worth applying preventive fungicides – especially in years with high risk of powdery mildew, barley rust, or net blotch.

Harvest – the moment that makes all the difference

Winter barley is usually harvested between late June and early July. The right time is when the grain is fully mature and moisture drops below 15%. That’s when the quality and usability of the crop – whether for sale or storage – are decided.
If grain moisture is too high, mold can develop quickly, drying can lead to losses, and the grain may lose its commercial value altogether. But harvesting too early means mechanical losses and unripe grain. That’s why checking moisture content directly in the field is not just a recommendation – it’s a must (TwistGrain pro – smart moisture meter with sample compression).
Using a Dramiński moisture meter right after harvest gives farmers the knowledge they need to act fast and smart – whether that means drying the grain, storing it, or sending it straight to market. These are concrete numbers that help avoid losses and make quick decisions.

A reliable choice in unpredictable conditions

Winter barley is a great option for farmers looking for stable yields and a crop that can handle unpredictable weather. But success doesn’t come from sowing or fertilizing alone – it’s also about control, especially at harvest time, when every hour counts.
With Dramiński moisture meters, you know exactly when to harvest to protect both quality and value. Investing in accurate measurements means investing in quality, safety, and profit.