Nitrogen fertilization to malt barley enhances pea yield and quality, regardless of cover cropping, in the malt barley–pea rotation

Abstract

Cover crop and N fertilization rate to malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) (NRMB) can affect soil residual NO₃-N that may alter pea (Pisum sativum L.) growth, yield, and quality in the malt barley–pea rotation. The effect of cover crop (oat [Avena sativa L.) cover crop vs. none) and NRMB (0, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 kg N ha⁻¹) were examined on soil residual NO₃-N and pea growth, yield, and quality in the malt barley–pea rotation from 2014 to 2019 in the US northern Great Plains. Soil residual NO₃-N content increased with increasing NRMB. Cover crop biomass yield was 33%–393% greater with than without NRMB in 2015 and 2016. Pea grain yield and N uptake were 40%–41% greater for 40 than 60 kg N ha⁻¹ of NRMB in 2015 and 45%–167% greater for 70 than 0 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2018. Grain test weight was 27% greater with than without NRMB in 2014 and 2019. Harvest index was 22%–29% greater for 70 than 40, 60, and 80 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2014, but 18%–33% greater for 0 than 50 or 80 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2017 and 2019. Nitrogen harvest index was 13%–14% greater for 0 than 50 and 60 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2015 and 2019. Straw yield, N concentration, N uptake, and grain protein concentration were 10%–34% greater with than without NRMB. Nitrogen fertilization to malt barley enhanced pea yield and quality, regardless of cover cropping, in the malt barley–pea rotation in the northern Great Plains.