Abstract

CONTRERAS-LOPEZ, Elizabeth et al. Chemical composition of barley grown under different tillage systems in three counties of Hidalgo State, Mexico. Bioagro [online]. 2008, vol.20, n.3, pp.201-208. ISSN 1316-3361.

In the last years, several tillage systems have been introduced in the State of Hidalgo (Mexico), although there is a lack of information regarding their effect on the final quality of cereals produced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of barley cultivated in three of the producer counties where different tillage systems are used. The results showed that the tillage system, in part, affected the chemical composition of barley although without any definite trend as a function of the different variables evaluated. The higher means of protein content were found under minimum tillage, either for ears or leaves and stalks. In general, leaves and stalks showed high contents of ash, and low of fiber and lipids. Potassium followed by magnesium showed the highest values among the minerals. No association was observed between the tillage systems and the content of heavy metals.

Keywords : Protein; heavy metals conservation and conventional tillage; crop rotation.