18 



The reasons for this unexpected result are probably two : — 



1. The modern varieties of high quality barley, such as 

 Plumage Archer, are stiffer in the straw than the older ones, and 

 therefore can carry larger crops of grain without risk of being 

 lodged. Apparently, therefore, they can safely receive more 

 nitrogenous manuring. 



2. Good farmers now realise the importance of giving ample 

 dressings of superphosphate to their root crops and sufficient of 

 this fertiliser generally remains in the soil to satisfy the needs of 

 the barley. Potash and phosphates intended tor the seeds mixture 

 can, of course, be applied to the barley in which they are sown. 

 The barley may derive benefit, but the profit from these manures 

 must come from the seeds. 



One of the distinguishing features of the scheme is that all 

 the experimental barleys are examined by expert maltsters 

 appointed by the Institute of Brewing Research Committee, and 

 are afterwards malted separately and the malts fully analysed. 



It is shown that the use of a nitrogenous manure even after 

 roots folded off has not adversely affected the valuation of the 

 barley or the value of the malt, but that the omission of potash 

 from the manure lowered some of the desirable qualities of the 

 malt in 1922, though not apparently in 1923. At each centre the 

 heaviest crops obtainable by manuring have been valued as high, 

 or nearly as high, per quarter, as any other samples of the same 

 set, and it is clear that manurial schemes can be devised which 

 will enhance the present yield without detriment to valuation. 

 So far as the investigation has gone it suggests that farmers 

 using a good modern variety of barley can aim at the biggest 

 crop that will stand, and they can use the appropriate fertiliser 

 to secure this without fear of loss of valuation. 



Thus, for the season 1923, the figures for valuation were :— 



A remarkable effect is produced when the chloride (or muriate) 

 of ammonia is substituted for the sulphate. In every instance 

 the valuation of the grain has been raised and its nitrogen content 

 lowered. This is shown by the following table : — 



