Late Season Nitrogen Fertilizer for Durum at Buckey, Casa Grande, and Vicksburg, 1996-97

Abstract

Research conducted recently suggested that application of nitrogen fertilizer from flowering until the dough stage could increase grain protein concentration in durum even if nitrogen applications earlier in the season were adequate for optimum yield. We tested the ability of late season nitrogen application to increase protein at commercial farms in Buckeye, Casa Grande, and Vicksburg. Late season nitrogen increased protein by nearly two percentage points in two out of the three locations. No response was measured at the third location possibly due to high rates or nitrogen earlier in the season. The cost of the late season fertilizer at 35 to 50 lbs N /acre was about $15 /acre. The fertilizer was paid for at the two location where a response was obtained by 1) the slight yield increase of 310 lbs /acre which was worth about $23 /acre and 2) the difference in dockage or premiums paid for protein which was worth about $38 /acre. It is possible that lower stem nitrate levels could be used to determine whether or late applications of nitrogen will increase protein, but we currently do not have a method to determine if protein will be over the critical level of 13% or if HVAC will be over the critical level of 90 %.