Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Quality Parameters of Malt Barley Varieties for Beer Production in South Gonder, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different nitrogen rates on the yield and malt barley quality parameters of two malting barley varieties (Holker and miskal-21). The experiment was carried out during 2013 cropping season at three locations, namely Ebnat, Estie and Farta. The following nitrogen rates were applied: 0, 60, 120and 180 kg ha-1 and a factorial experiment arranged in RCBD was applied to conduct the research. The result of this study indicated that nitrogen significantly increased the grain yield (648.2 to 1657.4and 666.7 to 1851.8 kg ha-1for Holker and Miskal-21 respectively). Malt quality was decreased by increasing nitrogen rates (1.28 to 2.34%). Apart from nitrogen rates, the varieties also affected the yield and nature of the protein content levels. As indicated in this result Holker variety gave optimum grain yield and lowest protein content, therefore, this variety is advisable to be used by malt brewers to satisfy their requirements. The optimal malt quality and yield was achieved by applying between 60-120 kg N ha-1 beyond this rate, grain yield might be significantly increased but malt qualities at the same time significantly decreased therefore it is recommended to obtain optimum yield as well as high malt qualities