2 Row Malted Barley

2 Row Malted Barley

2 row malted barley is sprouted, kiln dried barley grain, used in living soil as an enzyme source and a slow release nitrogen top dress. Grind it fresh and apply it as a top dress, in the soil mix or as a short brewed tea.

At a glance

• Type: single input amendment (malted barley grain)
• Supplier certificate on file: Ecocert certificate. See the certificate and its dates.
• Use for: enzyme rich top dress, soil mix ingredient, enzyme tea
• Rate: an eighth to a quarter of a cup (20 to 40 g) per plant weekly as a top dress; half to one cup (80 to 160 g) per plant in a soil mix
• Weight guide: a quarter cup is 40 g, one cup is 160 g

What it is

Malted barley is barley grain that has been steeped, allowed to sprout and then kiln dried. Sprouting switches on the grain's own enzymes, the amylases that turn the stored starch into sugars, and malting stops the process at that point. Two row refers to the arrangement of kernels on the barley ear; two row varieties are the ones brewers favour for their higher starch and extract.

It is a brewing malt, sold here for soil use only, not for human consumption.

What it does

• Supplies the grain's enzymes and sugars to the soil surface, which feed bacteria and fungi around the roots.
• Adds nitrogen from the grain protein, released slowly as the malt decomposes.
• Brewed into a short tea it gives a quick enzyme and sugar drench; it must be used straight away.

How to use

• Grind it just before applying if you can; whole grain breaks down more slowly.
• Top dressing: an eighth to a quarter of a cup (20 to 40 g) per plant, weekly.
• Soil mix: half to one cup (80 to 160 g) per plant.
• Enzyme tea: bubble a quarter of a cup (40 g) per 5 litres of water for 4 hours and use immediately.
• Weight guide: a quarter cup of malted barley is 40 g, one cup is 160 g.
• Not for human consumption: possible contaminants.
• Sweet, sprouted grain on the surface attracts mould, fungus gnats and rodents if it sits wet. Top dress lightly and work it in or cover it.
• Use the tea within a few hours; it ferments and goes off quickly.

Learn more in fifteen seconds

• The poop loop
• Carbon decides when N shows up
• Rhizophagy: roots eat microbes

Handling and storage

• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open in a well ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
• Once opened, keep sealed and dry.