Boost Wheat Yields with 2021 Plot Data
Sep 10, 2021
Boost Wheat Yields with 2021 Plot Data
Why not use plot data to make 2022 crop nutrient program decisions? The wheat plot located near Hamill, SD can help in planning for next year’s wheat crop.
A mile-long, side-by-side wheat trial was conducted at the plot, with each of over 20 varieties spanning 42 feet. Half the plot was treated with Palisade® EC, a plant growth regulator that shortens stem elongation and mitigates lodging throughout the field. Because lodging causes yield loss, Palisade can increase yield potential for a field.
“Both myself and the growers were surprised by the yield differences we saw from applying Palisade,” says Trace Meyer, Agtegra Sales Agronomist.
The wheat plot was also treated with EverGol® Energy seed treatment, providing protection against the three main seedling rot diseases impacting the region, including rhizoctonia, pythium and fusarium root rot. Stratego® fungicide was also applied to the plot for increased disease protection.
High-performing hard red winter wheat varieties WB4309 and SY Wolverine each brought high-yielding results, with WB4309 standing out with higher protein.
Three key practices factored into yield-boosting success at the plot, including early-season fungicide application, flag leaf disease pressure mitigation and aggressive fertility management.
To manage flag leaf disease pressure, Prosaro® fungicide was applied at flowering for head scab protection as well as to keep flag leaf clean throughout the growing season. Fertility management included using 2.2 units of nitrogen per bushel of wheat and
applying chloride in furrow with the seed, which contributed to increases in both yield and disease tolerance.
Implementing Acres Ahead
When surveying the variety of options available with Acres Ahead, selecting a wheat variety is one box to check off the list. Lodging score, disease tolerance, winter hardiness and protein quality are a few factors to take into consideration when making your final wheat seed selections.
An in-season nitrogen management practice to consider adopting includes applying RemaiN, a nitrogen stabilizer that reduces nitrogen volatilization and maximizes nitrogen efficiency for the plant.
Fertilizer applications will be another factor to consider when planning for next year’s wheat crop.
Meyer notes the advantages of using MESZ dry fertilizer over MAP in wheat fields. MESZ has two forms of sulfur, while MAP has none. The elemental form of the sulfur in MESZ breaks down later in the season, lowering leaching potential and soil pH through oxidation, which makes phosphorus more available to the plant. MESZ also contains a 1% zinc blend, increasing winter hardiness of the plant.
Another advantage to using Acres Ahead with wheat includes the ag technology aspect with variable-rated fertilizer applications using the FieldReveal platform with MZB.
“Fungicide is key,” says Meyer. “Getting two applications of fungicide on each year helps drive yield.”
Talk to your Agtegra Agronomist about Acres Ahead can help you reach your wheat yield goals.