Barley grain and total biomass mineral nutrient concentrations, uptake, and partitioning

Authors: Rogers, Christopher; Adams, Curtis; MARSHALL, JULIET - University Of Idaho; THURGOOD, G - University Of Idaho; DARI, B - North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University; LOOMIS, G - University Of Idaho

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/2025
Publication Date: 6/29/2025
Citation: Rogers, C.W., Adams, C.B., Marshall, J.M., Thurgood, G., Dari, B., Loomis, G. 2025. Barley grain and total biomass mineral nutrient concentrations, uptake, and partitioning. Journal of Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2025.2522248.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2025.2522248

Interpretive Summary: Limited research has addressed barley nutrient uptake in both the grain and total biomass across varied environments. This data is needed to model and manage nutrients in agricultural systems. Research was conducted focused on mineral nutrient characterization of barley grain and total biomass across production environments in southern Idaho, USA. Linear regression was used to calculate the relationships between grain yield and both grain and biomass nutrient uptake. These formulas can be used by farmers and researchers to estimate nutrient uptake when site-specific measurements are not available. Nutrient harvest indices were determined and provide an indication of the amount of grain accumulation of nutrients compared to total biomass uptake. Phosphorus was nearly completely deposited in the grain, 88%, compared to potassium where only 19% was measured in the grain. Development of barley for diverse end-uses may require improved understanding of nutrient partitioning to ensure needs are met for the desired products. This research provides important data and methods needed to understand nutrient cycling in barley-based cropping systems and for developing best management practices from the farm to national level.

Technical Abstract: Limited research has addressed barley (Hordeum vulgare L) nutrient uptake in both the grain and total aboveground dry matter (TDM) across varied environments. This data is needed to model and manage nutrients in agroecosystems. To address this, research was conducted focused on macro- and micronutrient (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu) characterization of barley grain and TDM across production environments in southern Idaho, USA. Linear functions were developed to describe relationships between grain yield and both grain and TDM nutrient uptake with varying degree of explanatory power (adj r2 = 0.80 to 0.99) and variability. These functions can be used to estimate nutrient uptake when site-specific measurements are not available. Nutrient harvest indices (NHI) were determined and provide an indication of preferential partitioning to grain in nutrients such as in P (0.88) in comparison to minimal partitioning to grain as observed in K (0.19). Development of barley for diverse end-uses may require improved understanding of nutrient partitioning to ensure needs are met for the desired products. This research provides important data and methods needed to understand nutrient cycling in barley-based cropping systems and for developing best management practices from the farm to national level.