The influences of N application rate, timing, sowing date and seeding rate on β-glucan and protein content in barley grains were studied through the field experiments in Hangzhou, China during 1997 -2001. Protein content increased with N application rate and with N proportion applied at late stage. β-glucan content also responded significantly to N application rate and timing, but with different pattern with protein content. Of three N rate treatments, the medium N rate (135 kg ha-1) had the highest β-glucan content, being significantly higher than low N rate (90 kg ha-1) and no difference with high N rate (180 kg ha-1). A-mong three N timing treatments, two times of N top-dressing at both tillering and booting stage had significantly higher β-glucan content than once N top-dressing at tillering or booting stage. Sowing date has the dramatic effect on both β-glucan and protein content. Protein content decreased with the delayed sowing, and kernel weight showed opposite tendency. Either earlier or l The influences of N application rate, timing, sowing date and seeding rate on β-glucan and protein content in barley grains were studied through the field experiments in Hangzhou, China during 1997 -2001. Protein content increased with N application rate and with N proportion applied at late stage. β-glucan content also is significantly to N application rate and timing, but with different pattern with protein content. Of three N rate treatments, the medium N rate (135 kg ha-1) had the highest β-glucan A-mong three N timing treatments, two times of N top-dressing at both tillering and booting stage had significantly higher β-glucan content than once N top-dressing at tillering or booting stage. Sowing date has the dramatic effect on both β-glucan and protein content. Protein content decreased with the delayed sowing, and kernel weight showed opposite tendency E ither earlier or l