Have you ever noticed that some "agronomy" issues and questions are perennial, just like the coming of snow in the fall, the migration of geese, or teenagers asking for cash. The perennial issue I was just reminded of was this: Can I boost my wheat protein by topdressing or foliar applying nitrogen in the middle of the growing season?
On the local level, Mel Westcott, working over at Corvallis, has shown a modest degree of success with mid-season applications of nitrogen to wheat to boost protein. A study by Anthony Bly and Howard Woodard examined the timing influence of application of foliar N on grain yield and protein in hard red winter and spring wheat. Between 1995 and 2000 they evaluated the effect of applying 30 pounds per acre of N as UAN (a 1:1 solution of UAN and water) at Feekes scale 10.0 (boot stage) or Feekes scale 10.8 (post pollination). The 30 pounds per acre of N was in addition to their normal nitrogen application to achieve their intended yield goal of 50 bu/acre. They reported the following:
What this translates into is the frequently-repeated admonition that you need to satisfy the yield requirements for nitrogen before you can boost or enhance protein. If the yield goal exceeds the nitrogen available, most of the nitrogen will go into grain production. The general rule is "Yield First, Protein Second."
To read the rest of the article in it's entirety, please visit Jim Bauder's Article here: http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/irrigation/protein.shtml
Our direct-to-consumer connection – on supermarket shelves or at corner convenience stores – continues to expand for CHS, but no where is that more evident than at our rural retail locations.
CHS Inc. ~ Kalispell
P.O. Box 579
Kalispell, MT 59903
Fax: (406) 755-7478