ISSUE 6   June 8, 2000

N FOR YIELD AND/OR PROTEIN ENHANCEMENT OF SMALL GRAINS

    Additional N can be foliar applied to small grains for yield enhancement up to the 5 leaf stage of wheat. Beyond the 5 leaf stage, additional N contributes to higher protein, but not to yield. Research at Carrington and Minot within the last six years have shown that a post-anthesis application at the watery ripe stage of kernel development is most effective in enhancing protein. The degree of burn due to the application of N solutions is dependent on the temperature, plant stress, moisture
on the leaves, rate of N and dilution of product. The best conditions are cool, damp leaves, low N rates and high dilution with water. Generally, a rate of 30 lb N/acre (about 10 gallon of 28%N solutions) has increased protein levels from 0.5 to 1%. Do not expect greater increases with higher N rates. Also, dilute the solution 1/1 with water. Apply when it is relatively cool, avoiding hot afternoons.

S FOR CANOLA RESCUE

    Research at Langdon has indicated that application of sulfur fertilizer solutions with any herbicide with an oil adjuvant is not recommended due to excessive burn. The use of ammonium thiosulfate in particular (12-0-0-27S) is only possible in canola due to the waxy cuticle it develops after the 5 leaf stage. The oil breaks down the cuticle and would result in severe burns if AMTHIO was applied. Application of the sulfur first, then the herbicide after a few days would be appropriate. Remember
that S application will only increase yields postemergence if the S is applied before bolting. Do not apply S even as an experiment during flowering.

Dr. Dave Franzen
NDSU Extension Soil Specialist