Effects of Green-stage Grazing on Rainfed Barley in Northern Syria. II. Yield and Economic Returns

Abstract

The effect of a single grazing at the tillering stage on barley yield and economic returns was studied with two widely grown local landraces over five seasons at Tel Hadya and two seasons at Breda in northern Syria. In general, grazing reduced both grain and straw yield, particularly the latter. The percentage of grain yield reduction was similar at the two sites. Grazing increased net revenue on average, though there were marked seasonal differences. This increase was higher at Breda, the drier site, a finding which contradicts the commonly-held belief that grazing is unprofitable in dry areas.