Influence of Nitrogen Fertilizer Applied at Flowering on Durum Wheat Grain Yield and Quality

Abstract

Application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in conjunction with the irrigation event occurring closest to the flowering stage is effective in reducing the incidence of yellowberry and boosting grain protein levels of durum wheat. However, N applications at this time normally do not increase grain yield, except perhaps on very sandy soils. A field experiment was conducted to determine the profitability of applying 35 pounds of N per acre at flowering to durum wheat to avoid dockage for poor grain quality. Two treatments consisted of a check plot with no N applied at flowering and UAN 32 water run at a rate of 35 lbs. N /acre to basin irrigated durum wheat grown on a loamy sand soil. Maximum durum wheat grain yield (6157 lbs. /acre), protein concentration (13.7 %), and corrected income per acre ($480.31) was obtained with the N fertilizer application. In fact, N fertilization at flowering on this sandy soil increased durum wheat grain yield by 255 lbs. /acre compared to the unfertilized plot.