To demonstrate and evaluate nitrogen-rich strips (N Gauges) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurement as to provide a simple, accurate and easy-to-understand decision support tool to guide economic application of nitrogen during the growing season.
For this trial, the N-calculator prediction optimised yield and gross margin in Mace wheat.
Getting mid-season N decisions right can have a significant impact on profitability since optimal top up N rates indicatively increased yields by 480 kg per hectare and net returns by $70 per hectare.
The value of split N applications was shown and the trial provides more weight to the building confidence that the N calculator can provide real and robust N recommendations that are not in excess of crop requirement and produce maximum or near maximum margin returns from mid-season N applications.