Maximizing Investment in Soft White Winter Wheat Agronomic Inputs for Michigan's Milling Industry.

The economic importance of soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Michigan’s milling and cereal industry combined with grain commodity price premiums has increased interest in intensively managed (i.e. high-input) production systems. However many growers perceive greater input and management costs which may negate grain price premiums compared to other crops. Research is needed to evaluate which inputs individually or together impact growth, grain yield, and profitability for maximum return on investment. An omission field trial was initiated in Richville, MI to evaluate the response and profitability of six agronomic inputs on soft white winter wheat in enhanced (high-input) and traditional (low-input) production systems. The study was arranged in a randomized complete block with four replications. Inputs included: two nitrogen rates (134.5 kg ha^-1 and 161.4 kg ha^-1), urease inhibitor, nitrification inhibitor, fungicide, plant growth regulator, and foliar micronutrients. Nitrogen, urease inhibitor, and nitrification inhibitor were applied at Feekes 4 (i.e., leaf sheaths strengthen), plant growth regulator and foliar micronutrients were applied at Feekes 6 (i.e., first node of stem visible), and fungicide was applied at Feekes 10.5.1 (i.e., flowering). Data collected included weekly canopy coverage and chlorophyll measurements, early and late spring tiller counts, Feekes 5 and 9 tissue sampling for nutrient analysis, disease and plant lodging ratings, plant height and grain head counts at physiological maturity, and grain yield. Grain and wheat flour quality (i.e., enzyme activity, sprout damage, and vomitoxin levels) will be assessed through falling number and deoxynivalenol (DON) tests following harvest. Results from the 2016 growing season will be discussed.