Winter Wheat Growth and Grain Yield Response to Individual Agronomic Inputs.

Producers’ interested in optimizing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yields have expressed interest in intensive (i.e. high-input) wheat production systems in Michigan.  Additional research is required to evaluate growth, grain yield, and profitability of multiple and individual agronomic inputs. An omission field trial was initiated in Lansing, MI during 2015 to evaluate the response of soft red winter wheat to six agronomic inputs 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 (101 kg ha^-1 and 121 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 collection included bi-weekly canopy coverage and chlorophyll measurements, early and late spring tiller counts, Feekes 5 and 9 tissue sampling for nutrient analysis, disease and lodging ratings, plant height and grain head counts at physiological maturity, and grain yield. Grain quality (i.e., vomitoxin levels) will be assessed through the use of deoxynivalenol (DON) testing following harvest.  Results from the 2016 growing season will be discussed.