Winter Wheat Response to Fertilizer Type and Timing in Western South Dakota

Abstract

Core Ideas Split‐application of N in winter wheat produced relatively modest increases in grain yield and protein over at‐planting N applications. The form of N, whether as broadcast urea or banded UAN, did not significantly affect either yield or protein. Modest differences in yield and/or protein can have a significant impact on net revenue. ABSTRACTIn the northern Great Plains, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grows across four seasons, allowing more time for nitrogen (N) to be lost to the environment. Recognizing uneven plant N uptake throughout the growing season, it has been established that split application of N can improve various growth parameters. However, climate plays a large role in the efficacy of split applications of N. Growing winter wheat in semiarid conditions requires careful N management, including application timing and fertilizer type, to optimize plant performance, resource allocation, and economic returns. This study was conducted in western South Dakota to evaluate the yield, protein, and economic effects of various at‐planting and split applications of N.