SUM19-16: Nitrogen Strategies for Yield and Grain Quality, Dandaragan (WMG)
Aim
To assess the response of Scepter wheat to applied high nitrogen rates across a range of application timings, with the purpose of comparing strategies to optimise grain yield and quality in the Dandaragan area.
Dandaragan experienced a decile 2 rainfall in 2019, though this was not reflective of the trial productivity due to the water holding capacity and overall quality of the loamy soil at this site.
Grain yield averaged 4.6t/ha across the treatments at the site and yield responses of up to 2.5 t/ha were seen from N application.
A significant trend of higher yields and returns was found when N was applied early in the season compared with late application at all rates, reinforcing the importance of avoiding “hidden hunger”.
Applying N at 5 and 8 weeks after emergence indicatively returned $90 to $150/ha more profit than application at 8 and 12 weeks. Late applications require more N to catch earlier applications in yield but are at an input cost disadvantage.
Under 2019 conditions the most profitable treatment was early application of 190 kg N/ha by 8WAE with a gross margin of $1360/ha.
Contact your local Area Manager Brett Beard for more details on this trial BBeard@summitfertz.com.au, 0429 900 607.