On-Farm-Tests Evaluate Nitrogen Rate, Source and Timing for Spring Wheat Yield and Protein.

The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association encouraged growers to implement  on-farm-tests to evaluate one of 3 nitrogen management approaches to produce high yields of high protein spring wheat. A) Nitrogen rates included a base N rate, plus 30 and 60 lb N/ac.  B) Nitrogen sources included the grower’s typical N source versus a 50%:50% blend with ESN, controlled release N. C) Nitrogen timing included a post anthesis spray of UAN fertilizer at 7-10 days post anthesis.  Field strips were replicated 3-4 times, visited through the field season and harvested.  Results were pooled to determine the probability that the practice influenced protein.  In season scouting of NDVI and flag leaf N was evaluated as a tool to predict protein response to additional N.