Operational Group: Interaction of intra-plot soil variability and nitrogen fertilization on the quality parameters of barley for malting

This Operational Group was created with the aim of putting precision agriculture at the service of malting barley, determining the interaction between soils with different productive potential within the same plot and variable-dose nitrogen fertilization in the quality parameters of barley cultivation for malt production. It also conducts a study of the suitability and applications of the resulting malt in beer and baking.

The project will begin with the design of a series of field trials. To determine the location of the trials, and to allow for experiments in areas with distinct climate and soil characteristics, different areas in the provinces of La Rioja and Palencia have been selected. Four rainfed plots will be selected in the Rioja Alta region and four irrigated plots in the Cerrato Palentino region.