The effect of applying a nitrogenous fertiliser to wheat at different stages of growth

Abstract

The effect of applying a nitrogenous fertiliser to wheat at seven different times and three rates, was studied in pot culture. It was found that the later the time of application the smaller was the increase in the yield of total dry matter and of straw. The increase in the yield of grain, on the other hand, was constant for the first six times of application, the last of which was made on May 25, but a later application made after ear emergence produced no increase.Analysis of the grain yield showed that early application produced its effect by increasing the number of ears per plant. Later applications caused a smaller increase in ear number, but also increased the number of grains per ear and 1000-corn weight. There was no evidence of a critical time for tiller formation such as has been postulated by Doughty and Engledow.The increase in total nitrogen uptake was equal for all times of application, but the ratio of nitrogen in grain to nitrogen in straw and chaff was greater, the later the time of application.The writer wishes to thank Messrs A. M. S. Clarke, G. T. Detlefsen and S. A. W. French for much help with the experimental work, and Mr R. G. Warren for making the nitrogen determinations.