2.2. Measurements
This study was conducted over a 4-year period, during the
cropping seasons 2005–2006, 2006–2007, 2007–2008 and 2008–
2009, hereafter referred to as 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009,
respectively, and after 10 years of the initiation of the experiment.
During the four cropping seasons under study, we evaluated the
long-term effects of tillage and N fertilizer on above-ground
growth and yield of barley and on water productivity. Additionally
we determined the soil water content (SWC) at significant growth
stages and residual soil nitrate content at sowing (SN).