A pplying additional fertilizer to dryland winter wheat does much more than boost yields. It improves end-use quality and protein content, which can mean premium prices for growers. The focus on wheat quality is unique and important because Nebraska is quite a big exporter of wheat and quality is what determines success in export markets.
Protein is an important quality factor in wheat.
To study the effects of nitrogen nutrition, Blumenthal and IANR Agronomists David Baltensperger and Lenis Nelson planted 14 winter wheat varieties at four Panhandle locations each year from 1995 to 1999. Plots included the most popular Nebraska-developed varieties, such as Arapahoe, Windstar and Alliance, and other varieties planted in Nebraska, such as TAM 105. Nitrogen application rates varied from 0 to 100 pounds per acre. Grain was tested for hardness and protein content and evaluated for dough-mixing time and tolerance at NU's Wheat Quality Laboratory. Dough mixing time and tolerance are important characteristics for bakers, who look for wheat with a short mix time and good dough strength.