NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IMPACTS ON WHEAT YIELD AND PROTEIN

There is no other nutrient as important as nitrogen (N) to attain high yields of wheat with acceptable grain protein. Proper N management requires an understanding of the seasonal N needs of the crop and a realistic estimate of the yield potential. An accurate estimation of available N in the soil, a step many producers skip, is important to determine how much fertilizer N is needed to maximize yield. Nitrogen available during early vegetative through boot growth stages affects yield potential, while N applications after the boot stage are primarily used to increase protein. A late-season N application is often needed to achieve protein standards for hard red and white wheat and durum wheat. Plant tissue testing shows promise for predicting the need for a late-season N application.