Description
The following factors influence protein content:
- timing and amount of growing season precipitation
- temperature and heat (degree days) during the growing season
- soil nitrogen reserve levels (mineralization throughout the growing season will add to available nitrogen)
- applied nitrogen fertilizer (pre-plant, at seeding and in-crop applications)
Weather during the growing season is the overriding factor affecting protein content. It controls two of the major influences on protein content:
- the timing and amount of growing season precipitation
- the degree days
The protein content of wheat can be increased with appropriate management. Here is a brief summary of some of the necessary management tools:
- Select a well adapted variety with high protein potential.
- Take soil samples to 24 inches to make an informed decision on fertilizer rates.
- Consider soil available moisture at planting and average precipitation for the area to help determine yield potential and risk levels of nitrogen application for protein premiums. This consideration is especially true in areas of low growing season precipitation.
- Split application of nitrogen. If it is a wet year, 15 to 30 lbs/ac of nitrogen could be applied at the boot stage. Any nitrogen fertilizer application decisions should be made keeping the risks in mind. Remember that the weather during the growing season is the major overriding factor in determining protein levels.
- Start on a small area. Try adding additional nitrogen during the growing season to only a small portion of your total wheat acres. This approach will keep your risk down to a minimum.
Read more: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex95#Factors