Time of Sowing and the Yield of Winter Barley

Summary During three growing seasons (1980–3) the influence of sowing date (early September to mid-November) on the yield of winter barley (cv. Igri) was assessed. Delaying sowing resulted in a linear decrease in maximum grain yield at a rate of 0·43 % for every day sowing was delayed. Advancing the date of sowing increased the duration of preanthesis development, increased the level of tillering and hence ear density at harvest. Yield was linearly related to the resultant higher number of grains.