*CSU Ext News* Ron Meyer: WHEAT PRODUCTION AND PROTEIN
BURLINGTON, CO – Can we influence protein contents with wheat production management strategies? Many of our wheat fields test low for protein and consequently, price discounts are assessed to wheat loads delivered to elevators. In the last few years, these discounts have been somewhat large, resulting in significant economic losses. Some seasons, fields that have acceptable protein levels are paid a premium and as a result, growers are interested in managing wheat fields for better protein levels.
First, research has found that there is an inverse relationship between yield and protein levels. As wheat yields increase, protein levels tend to decrease. Especially if fertilizer inputs are not increased with high yields. Scott Haley, Colorado State University wheat breeder explains that “high yields occur as a result of favorable precipitation early which increases wheat kernel numbers per plant.” More wheat kernels translate into more weight produced (pound per acre) which means higher grain yields. Wheat kernels contain approximately 65% starch and this starch content is extremely sensitive to the growing season’s environment at the end of the season. This extra starch produced with high wheat yields essentially “dilutes” or reduces protein content.
Wheat kernels contain approximately 8-15% protein. Protein levels are a direct function of the amount of nitrogen within the plant during later stages of production. In fact, protein tests made on wheat kernels measure the nitrogen content to determine protein levels. Protein begins accumulating within kernels during grain fill. Research has found that 10 days after flowering protein begins to accumulate in kernels and by 20 days after flowering 50% of protein has been placed into developing kernels. During this time, starch is also being deposited into kernels. Therefore, growing conditions and adequate nitrogen amounts after wheat plants flower determine protein levels in grain. Excessive heat and drought during this grain filling time period lowers the amount of starch deposited into kernels which increases protein percentages. Better than average moisture conditions during grain fill will lower protein percentages.
Can protein levels coming off a wheat field tell us if nitrogen was yield limiting? Colorado State University researchers found a direct correlation that suggest protein levels in wheat are tied to nitrogen management. As a result, the rule of thumb for nitrogen management is as follows: wheat fields routinely testing less than 11.5% protein have yield-limiting low levels of nitrogen fertilization. Wheat fields that have grain protein levels of 12% or more had enough available nitrogen to reach full yield potential.
Can we fertilize or make a variety selection to influence protein in wheat? 80% of a wheat plant’s nitrogen accumulation is taken up prior to flowering. However, that leaves 20% of a plant’s nitrogen needs taken up after flowering and during grain fill. But, keep in mind that new research is finding varietal differences in nitrogen uptake, which can also affect final protein content. A term called grain protein deviation describes higher nitrogen uptake from some wheat varieties versus others. As a result, wheat variety selection can influence protein content when growing conditions cooperate, BUT NITROGEN MANAGEMENT REMAINS BY FAR THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO INFLUECE PROTEIN.
Further, researchers at Oklahoma State University have found that late applications of nitrogen can also increase protein levels in wheat. These researchers applied nitrogen to wheat test plots as late as the flag leaf stage (right before heading) and found that later nitrogen applications increase protein contents. These later applications increased wheat yields only slightly, but increased protein contents more. The application method was liquid nitrogen streamed onto fields. Higher protein boosts were noted with rainfall received right after nitrogen applications. Protein levels were increased by 0.05% protein content per pound of nitrogen applied. Therefore, it took 20 pounds per acre actual nitrogen to raise protein levels 1% (plus rainfall after application).
Keep in mind, however, that when applying late season nitrogen, plants have a limit to how much nitrogen can be taken up. It is expected that nitrogen applied at this point may be able to raise protein levels 1 to 2%. Also, as a result of later applications, slow release, low salt, or organic nitrogen forms may not be the best fit.
Similar (and usually better) protein results can be achieved with adequate nitrogen fertilization earlier in the growing season. Many wheat fields are fertilized early in the spring with herbicide applications or with separate streaming operations. Adequate nitrogen applications at this time of the growing season will increase both yield and protein levels. Normally, adequate fertilization early in the season is the most cost-effective nutrient management strategy.
Soil and plant tissue tests will determine nitrogen amounts needed. Setting realistic yield goals and knowing current nutrient test levels will keep applications near economic levels.
Keep in mind that yield and economics should drive crop input decisions for each field. Planting varieties that are proved to be adapted to our area and managing other inputs such as weed and disease issues need to have production priorities first. Protein premiums are not consistent but there are nitrogen management decisions that can affect protein contents when protein production is profitable.
Source: adapted from Brian Arnall, Oklahoma State University
Submitted to Barn Media by:
CSU Golden Plains Area Extension, Ron Meyer, Area Extension Agent (Agronomy),
(719) 346-5571 x 305, ron.meyer@colostate.edu
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