The Synergy of on-Farm-Tests and Small Plot Research in Managing Nitrogen for Wheat Yield and Protein.

Provincial fertility recommendations have not kept pace with the rapid introduction and adoption of high yielding hard red spring wheat cultivars in Manitoba. Maximum current recommendations provide nitrogen rates for yields that are now commonly exceeded by 50%. Yet as growers produce higher yield, their nitrogen supply has generally been insufficient to meet the protein standards required for marketing. A series of small plot research trials and on-farm-tests were coordinated to quickly gain experience and information for growers. A wide range of rate, timing and placement strategies were evaluated in the small plots, whereas on-farm-tests evaluated 2-3 strategies at most. This paper will discuss yield and protein results and how the field scale studies compliment the traditional small plot studies.