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NOVEL NITROGEN FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS FOR NO-TILLAGE WHEAT IN VIRGINIA

Applied Research

Scott Reiter
Crop and Soil Science
PRINCE GEORGE

Abstract

\r\n    Winter wheat fertilization has been studied extensively in intensive grain management systems in Virginia.  Over the past 15 years, there has been a trend towards no-tillage wheat production for soil erosion control and labor savings.  The high cost of nitrogen fertilizer as well as more attention to nutrient management in the Chesapeake Bay watershed has increased farmers’ interest in more efficient fertilizer application methods.  The main objectives of this study were to identify novel nitrogen application methods in no-tillage wheat and to determine if these application methods allow producers to maintain or increase yields with less nitrogen fertilizer.  The study was conducted in Prince George County and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  The application methods were traditional broadcast spraying, subsurface injection (15 and 30 inch spacing), and surface banding (15 and 30 inch spacing).  The five nitrogen fertilizer rates were 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 pounds of nitrogen per acre (lbs. N/A) applied in a split Spring application at Zadok growth stages 25 and 30.  Optimum wheat yields (86.1 bu/A) were obtained when 120 lbs. N/A were split applied.  The broadcast, injected, and banded application methods revealed no yield differences in 2 out of 3 years.  Grain yields indicate that current VCE spring N application rates of up to 120 lbs. N/A are acceptable for no-till wheat production.  Yield data also indicated that injecting or banding nitrogen on winter wheat did not increase N fertilizer use efficiency. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: J.S. Reiter, M.S. Reiter
  1. Reiter, J. Extension Agent, Crop and Soil Science, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23875
  2. Reiter, M. Extension Specialist, Soil Fertility, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia, 23420