Optimizing Water and Nitrogen Use for Sustainable Wheat Production

Optimizing Water and Nitrogen Use for Sustainable Wheat Production

Summary

First year of study was completed at three locations in 2017 growing season. Data was analyzed and results presented at national, regional, and local professional meetings and grower field days. Planning meeting was organized to coordinate the research and extension activities for the second growing season.

Objectives/Performance Targets

• To evaluate the effects of N rates and drip-irrigation treatments on hard red spring wheat plant growth and yield
• To develop sensor-based methods to predict yield and grain protein content in varying N and water environments, and to determine the minimum N and water required to maintain wheat grain yield and quality
• To develop empirical models predicting yield loss due to N stress and yield loss due to water stress

Accomplishments/Milestones

·        Field studies were initiated in Idaho and Montana. Experimental plots were arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications: four N levels (112, 168, 224, and 280 kg N ha^-1) and four water regimes (100%, 75%, 50% and 0% ET). Spring wheat (var. Alturas) was planted in March 2016 at 168 kg seed ha^-1. Irrigation was applied via subsurface drip system. Several crop physiological parameters including plant height, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, canopy spectral reflectance, above ground biomass, N uptake, water and N use efficiency and grain yield and quality was measured at early tillering, late tillering and anthesis. 

·        At all three locations, the lowest grain yields were obtained with 0% ET treatments, independent of the N rate applied.

·        For all locations, ET has significantly affected grain yield, and there were no significant differences in yield associated with N rate

·        N has significantly affected grain protein content, and there were no significant differences in grain protein associated with ET.

·        The models will be developed upon collecting the 2017 data.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Products:

Walsh O.S., J.A. Torrion, X. Liang, J. R. McClintick-Chess, and S.M. Blanscet. 2016. Sensor-Based Technologies for Improving Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency. Proc. of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual meetings.

Walsh O. S., K. Belmont, J. McClintick-Chess. 2016. Sensor-Based Technologies for Improving Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency. Proc. International Conference on Precision Agriculture.

Walsh O.S., K.M. Belmont, J.R. McClintick-Chess. 2016. Improving Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat. Proc. Idaho Nutrient Management Conference

Walsh O.S., K.M. Belmont, J.R. McClintick-Chess. 2016. Improving Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat. Western Crop Science Society Conference, Albuquerque, AZ, June 11-13, 2016.

Other Products:

Farming in Water-Limiting Environment. Southern Idaho Cropping School, Caldwell, ID, February 9, 2016.

Precision Nitrogen Fertilizer and Water Application in Cereal Crops Far West Agribusiness Association, Winter Conference, Twin Falls, ID, January 14, 2016.

Collaborators: