Delayed nitrogen application reduces wheat-lodging risk

摘要

Irrigated growers in the northern region are experimenting with high yielding wheat, but lodging is a common problem that reduces yield potential. Research funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation has identified new strategies to address this risk. High levels of soil nitrogen (N) at planting contribute to excessive early canopy growth, which can contribute to lodging in high-yielding irrigated wheat. Monitoring soil nitrogen levels more closely will help to better manage lodging risk in high-yielding wheat crops. CSIRO's division of Ecosystems Sciences has been managing a project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to assess the yield potential, water use requirements and production constraints for irrigated wheat and sorghum in the northern region. Wheat across the northern region can potentially yield eight tonnes per hectare, but these yields can be heavily reduced if the crop lodges close to flowering.