Barley growing systems towards the net-zero economy using a genotype x management x environment approach

Greenhouse gas emissions from barley cultivation vary depending on genotype, management and environmental (G x M x E) factors, as well as their interactions. This project considers each of these broad topics through both observational and experimental methods. Observationally, analysis has been carried out across the literature to identify gaps for improvement in emissions. Additionally, an analysis of Scottish farm data is underway to improve understanding of carbon footprint estimations dependent based on different managerial decisions. A key point of focus, identified through observational study is nitrogen. As the most limiting nutrient to plants, nitrogen fertiliser is required for high yielding crop. Production and pollution of this nitrogen fertiliser contributes most significantly to barley's overall carbon footprint. Barley's ability to absorb this fertiliser from the soil, known as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), varies widely over G x M x E variability, but averages at 60%. This means approximately 40% of applied nitrogen is lost, either as ammonia or more critically as nitrous oxide gas - a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The experimental aspect of this project seeks to determine how different G x M x E variables can improve nitrogen use efficiency, thereby reducing the total carbon footprint of barley crop.


Working with field experiments under a range of different weather and soil conditions, spring barley growing systems will be dissected as contributions from the genotype (G), environment (E) and management (M) to overall production efficiency and reducing the crop's carbon footprint. Crop and soil measures based on carbon and nitrogen flow will be coupled with the 'Agrecalc' carbon accounting tool to allow the study to quantify G x E x M effects, including a crop's agronomic value and potential for new management such as reduced or novel fertilizer use. This detailed analysis of the growing system will be linked to the wider barley supply chain through case studies hosted by two BARIToNE commercial partners - Chivas Bothers and Opportunity NE. The Glenlivet Estate case study hosted by Chivas Brothers along with analysis of grain supply and farm demonstration through Opportunity NE will frame outputs from the project. Throughout the research programme, the student will have opportunity to engage with a broader programme of strategic research at SRUC and JHI in agronomy, crop improvement and carbon accounting.



This project which connects farming with crop improvement and grain processing will support BARIToNE's strategic aim to safeguard the production of local and sustainable high-quality barley. Expected outputs for barley growing systems towards the net zero economy will include guidance to farmers, connectivity in carbon accounting between grain production and end usage, and new crop growing protocols to connect barley growing to plant breeding and variety testing.