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Harvest yields valuable lessons
By Randy Buhler Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.Logan County Agent (Agronomy) Wheat harvest is past and preparations for the new crop are happening in earnest. This past harvest has some lessons for us to learn. Yields were mostly better than the past few years and protein was notably lower for many producers. Some grain tested at 8 to 9 percent protein. Some fields showed 50-bushel straw and cut less than 30-bushel grain. Protein levels below 11 percent indicate the crop was deficient in nitrogen for the growing conditions experienced. Protein at 12 and above indicates sufficient nitrogen was available for winter wheat to produce the better quality grain. Protein content between 11 and 12 percent is needed to produce the desirable loaf volume and texture for quality bread baking. Lower and higher protein testing grain is blended by millers to attempt to make quality flour for baking. A premium for protein is usually only available for grain testing over 12.5 percent. Lower protein test wheat will be priced at the board rate, or sometimes docked for low protein, by grading as feed grade. The lesson learned this year is whether you managed to have sufficient nitrogen to maximize your production. High nitrogen rates for the past several years have caused yield depression or even early plant death because of the drought limiting available soil moisture. Long-range weather forecasts are not very reliable for planning production goals and applying the appropriate nitrogen levels. Applying nitrogen in split applications can result in applying an appropriate nitrogen level to maximize yield and protein. An average yield in our area of 35 bushels could use from 55 to 75 pounds of nitrogen. Our fields have been farmed for over 100 years and are depleted of most of the organic compound stores of nitrogen. This means producers must supply most of the nitrogen fertilizer needs. Applying one-half the required nitrogen at or before planting will provide for growth and tillering. If moisture is short at tillering, extra nitrogen could be withheld. If moisture prospects are good, the additional nitrogen can be applied at the tillering stage, just prior to jointing. These two applications contribute directly to yield. Applying nitrogen to create additional protein can be applied as late as flowering, but it will not increase bushel yield. To fine-tune your nitrogen management, soil testing should be the basis for determining nitrogen requirement. Soil testing should be accomplished prior to planting and fertilizing. Additional fine-tuning can be adjusted for the variety planted, existing soil moisture profile, anticipated moisture level until harvest, and end use for the grain. Some wheat producers are selling their production on a specification basis. These contracts require the wheat meet grade, test weight, protein and other chemical or physical characteristics to be accepted. You should know you could consistently produce a specific level of wheat quality before attempting to grow for these types of contracts. Using two operations for nitrogen application management is a practice that allows you to achieve maximum yield according to existing conditions and avoids over-fertilizing. Date: 8/29/07
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Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com
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