Nitrogen timing and its impact on the grain yield and protein of Caparoi[PBR] under irrigated conditions at Breeza in 2012

Abstract

Key findings • The results from this trial highlight the importance of ensuring there is sufficient N supplied at or prior to stem elongation to maximise grain yield potential. • Topdressing at GS31 achieved a balance between yield and protein benefit from N application. • Splitting N topdressing across planting, stem elongation and flag leaf emergence resulted in high grain yields and protein, however this is unlikely to be a cost effective N strategy when application costs are considered. • Delaying some of the N budget to anthesis by applying either 25 or 50 kg N/ha was an effective means of increasing grain protein by 0.4 and 0.8%, respectively. However, this delay did reduce grain yield by approximately 5%.