Use of an N-tester chlorophyll meter to tune a late third nitrogen application to wheat under humid Mediterranean conditions. (16th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ortuzar-Iragorri, M. Arritokieta; Aizpurua, Ana; Castellón, Ander; Alonso, Asier; Estavillo, José M.; Besga, Gerardo
• Is Part Of: Journal of plant nutrition. Volume 41:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 627
• Page End: 635
• Publication Date: 2018-03-16
• Subjects: protein -- splitting of N-fertilization -- yield; Plants -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Plants -- Effect of minerals on -- Periodicals; Deficiency diseases in plants -- Periodicals; 575.76
• DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2017.1414243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-4167

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In Northern Spain, winter wheat is usually fertilized with 180–220 kg N/ha split in two applications. To reduce this rate, a strategy was tested which comprised three nitrogen (N)-applications, the latter being tuned to the nutritional needs of the crop using a chlorophyll meter. N-fertilization experiments were performed on winter wheat (Soissons variety). Treatments consisted of three N-broadcasts of 40, 60, and either 0, 40, 60, or 80 kg N/ha respectively applied at Zadoks scale growth stages 21, 30, and 37. An over-fertilized treatment of 220 kg N/ha was included for normalization of chlorophyll-meter values. Chlorophyll-meter readings were performed at growth stage 37, before fertilization. When normalized chlorophyll-meter values were below 92%, yield and grain protein contents attained with 40+60+0 kg N/ha could be respectively enhanced with third applications of 60 or 80 kg N/ha and 40 kg N/ha.