Improving nitrogen fertiliser use efficiency in wheat using mid-row banding

Abstract

Key findings •• Nitrogen offtake in grain was higher with mid-row banding urea than urea broadcast and incorporated by sowing for both Beckom[PBR] and LongReach Spitfire[PBR] at the 80, 120 and 160 rates of N application. •• Apparent fertiliser recovery in grain was also higher from mid-row banding urea than from urea broadcast and incorporated by sowing in five of the possible eight treatment comparisons. •• Soils cored at stem elongation from the mid-row banding treatment showed higher ammonium levels in the top 20 cm and lower nitrate concentration at 60–100 cm than urea broadcast and incorporated by sowing. •• Roots proliferated around and below the original mid-row banding. These results indicate potential for mid-row banding to improve N use efficiency.