Direct-Seeded Quinoa: Some Considerations.

Direct-seed cropping systems rely heavily on crop rotation for weed and disease control. Investigating alternative crops grown under direct-seeded conditions can contribute to the development of profitable and diverse rotation options. Ten varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and food barley (Hordeum vulgare) were directly seeded in four rainfall zones within the grain-producing region of the Pacific Northwest. In three of the four sites quinoa failed to emerge. To help elucidate the role of fertilizer in the reduced germination we planted quinoa in a rhizobox to observe the effects of fertilizer type, amount, and placement on quinoa root growth. Results from the field and rhizobox studies will provide knowledge to improve crop establishment and yield of quinoa and food barley, making these crops more competitive and realistic options as rotation crops.