Field Research & Agronomy

High Nitrogen Input with PGR and Fungicide

To achieve high yields through nitrogen (N) application and to develop a N response curve.
Additionally, looking at the value of using fungicide and PGR and the accuracy of N rich strips, plant tissue testing and nitrate testers as decision support tools to guide in-season N application.

For full details of this trial contact your local Area Manager or our field research team on research@summitfertz.com.au

• Yields were very high across the trial, 5.28t/ha was achieved with no additional N applied.
  Soil test results showed higher OC levels (1.58%, 0-10cm) and the area received adequate rainfall throughout the growing season.
• DS Pascal wheat had a significant yield response to applied N. The N response curve suggested yields were maximised at   ̴120kg/ha of N. Grain protein content was moderate (11.6%-12.9%) and increased with N application.
  This variety is not commercial available so all treatments were graded as FED1.
  
• N rich strips and N-calculator is a more accurate decision support tool when making in-season N decisions.
  At this trial the N-calc did under predict yield and there was no yield improvement from 50% to 150% of the recommended rate.
  
• Tissue testing is a very robust method for making in-season N decision but only shows if a crop is deficient. There is no process for gaining a specific top up application rate to counter act this deficiency.
  
• There was no significant difference seen between plots that received PGR and fungicide, with those that did not. The nitrate tester was conducted by Warakirri so the recommended rates used are unavailable.
  
• Gross margin calculation showed the greatest profit at $1620/ha from applying N72 or 150% of the recommended tissue testing rate.
  
• Based on response curve and gross margin calculations the recommended rate for applying N under these conditions is   approx 70kgN/ha.