In 2001 and 2002 the small-plots field trial was established on a medium heavy soil in Žabčice with one variety of spring barley (Kompakt). Better yields of spring barley were observed after winter wheat than after maize. In the year 2001 highest yields at average were reached on fourth variant (Tables 2 and 3), but the content of proteins in grain in all variants exceeded 12.5 % as a consequence of unfavourable weather. In the year 2002 the best yield was reached on third variant and the content of proteins in grain was good at all variants. The content of nutrients and dry matter was influenced by the preceding crops (it was in relation to Nmin in soil and the mineralization rate of postharvest plant residues); faster increase of dry matter was observed after winter wheat, slower after maize.