Split application of a mixture of controlled‐release and common urea for improving quality and agronomic and economic performance in wheat production

Abstract

AbstractA 2‐yr field experiment was conducted to investigate the quality, agronomic, and economic performance of controlled‐release urea application in wheat (Triticum aestivum) production via five treatments: F1, a single application of mixed nitrogen (N) fertilizer (composed of 65% N from controlled‐release urea with 35% N from common urea); F2, basal application of mixed N fertilizer and topdressing of mixed N fertilizer at jointing; F3, basal application of mixed N fertilizer and topdressing of common urea at jointing; CU, spilt application of common urea as basal fertilizer and at jointing; N0, no N fertilization. The results showed that treatment F2 produced significantly higher grain yield than treatments F1, F3, and CU. The N recovery efficiency, N agronomic efficiency, and N partial factor productivity of treatment F2 were significantly higher than treatments F1, F3, and CU. The higher grain yield and efficiency of N use of treatment F2 were due to the better canopy structure (longer and more erect top‐three leaves) and the higher biomass production, higher N accumulation, and higher net photosynthetic rate during anthesis to maturity. The treatment F2 resulted in significantly higher protein and wet gluten content, and significantly lower starch content than treatment CU. The net profit under treatment F2 was higher than treatments F1, F3, and CU. In conclusion, the application of a mixture of controlled‐release urea and common urea could be a promising alternative application method for N fertilizer to obtain sustainable increases in grain yield, efficiency of N use, economic profit, and improve wheat quality.