Integrating multiple inputs for soft red and white winter wheat

Abstract

AbstractMichigan winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growers continue to adopt intensive management strategies. However, instead of broadscale implementation of an entire collection of inputs simultaneously, practitioners question which inputs may better contribute to improved production. Studies evaluated soft winter wheat plant growth, grain yield, and expected economic net return for multiple agronomic and nutrient inputsacross varying production intensities. Field trials established in Richville and Lansing, MI, during 2017 and 2018 evaluated six agronomic inputs including: seeding rate, fungicide, plant growth regulator (PGR), autumn starter fertilizer, weekly nitrogen (N) applications, and a high N rate. Autumn‐applied starter fertilizer was the only individual input resulting in a consistent grain yield response. Removal of autumn starter fertilizer from high‐input (HI) management decreased grain yield an average of 1.6 Mg ha–1 while increasing grain yield 1.1 Mg ha–1 on average when added to low‐input (LI) management. Autumn starter fertilizer accounted for 71% of the grain yield difference between HI and LI. Although greater management intensity increased grain yield compared to LI management in 3 of 4 site‐years, expected net return was greater when utilizing LI management. Results suggest producers consider current soil, plant, and climate conditions at the time of application and across variabilities through the field as weather factors may control much of the uncertainty growers encounter when deliberating between individual or multiple input adoption.