Chloride by Variety Interactions in Spring Wheat
Chloride is known to suppress several wheat diseases or increase the ability of wheat to withstand infection. Wheat response to chloride fertilizer has been variable, because response depends upon many factors, including soil chloride levels, pH, plant tissue levels, and variety.
IPNI-1996-USA-ND9
15 May 2001
2000 Annual Interpretive Summary
Chloride by Variety Interactions in Spring Wheat, 2000
This project investigated responses to Cl fertilization for 13 hard red spring wheat and two durum varieties. Chloride was applied at 0 and 40 lb/A. Soil levels in the upper 2 ft. were less than 30 lb Cl/A in 1999 and 33 lb Cl/A in 2000. Chloride fertilization (broadcast and incorporated) reduced time from emergence to heading by an average of one and two days in 1999 and 2000, respectively, across the 15 cultivars. Plant height was reduced by an average of 1 inch both years. Hail damage in 1999 kept Cl’s effect on grain yield from being properly evaluated. In 2000, Cl fertilization did not affect yield, consistent with previous research in the area. Fertilization did, however, increase tissue Cl concentrations in some cultivars at the flag leaf/early boot stage. Average concentrations in untreated plots were 0.07 percent, less than the proposed 0.15 percent critical sufficiency level. Increases in Cl concentration were smallest for the Teal and Guard varieties. Guard has been identified from previous work as a non-responder to Cl fertilization. Kulm and Marshall varieties showed the greatest increases in Cl concentration. Previous work identified Marshall as a responder. Grain test weight was unaffected by Cl fertilization, but kernel weight was increased. ND-09F