This study was was aimed at evaluating the protein content in barley seeds affected by nitrogen application in different growth stages. Experiments were carried out in Eldorado do Sul and Encruzilhada do Sul, in 2000, and Victor Graeff, in 2000 and 2001, on a randomized blocks scheme with four repetitions. The growth stages of N application were in emergency of seedlings; emission of 2nd or 3rd leaf; 4th or 5th leaf; 6th or 7th leaf; 8th or 9th leaf; and in boot stage. The N rates were 30 or 40kg ha-1 and 60 or 80kg ha-1, for smallest and largest N rate, respectively. The protein content in barley seeds and the number of grains area-1 were determined. In the experiments carried out in 2000 the nitrogen application until the beginning of the internodes elongation maintained the seeds protein content below of 12%, inclusive in the largest N rate. The seeds protein content in Victor Graeff, 2001, surpassed the maximum limit of 12% with N applications in initial growth stages, decurrently of the higher soil organic matter content in relation to others experiments.
Hordeum vulgare L.; nitrogen management; grains quality
