Assessment of nitrogen status of soils for cereal crops: Effects of nitrogen fertiliser on growth,composition and yield of spring barley

The effects of fertiliser N on the growth rate and nitrogen and pigment concentrations of spring barley throughout growth were measured at two locations in north-east Scotland in consecutive years. Inorganic N in soil was also measured as were grain and straw yields at maturity. The results show that plant analysis, as early as 3 or 4 weeks after emergence of barley, was an effective assessment of soil N status.