Effect of chloride fertilization on yield and development rate of winter wheat varieties
The effect of Cl fertility on small grain production is currently of great interest in the Northern Great Plains. Research from South Dakota and Montana has shown that application of fertilizers containing Cl may increase grain production. However, little is known about the mechanism of response. Several studies have found that Cl applications reduced disease severity from plant pathogens. However, the Cl-plant disease relationship does not explain many instances of Cl induced yield response. Chloride has been shown to reduce plant disease severity without affecting grain yield. In other cases Cl has increased grain yield without affecting the severity of plant diseases. This research led to information documenting chloride deficiency and response to chloride in small grain cereals.
IPNI-1991-USA-MT10
Methodology
- Field sites will be established at 2-3 locations in south central Montana. The study will consist of 12 treatments, including six winter wheat varieties ('Redwin', 'Cree', 'Neeley', QT-542', 'Weston', and 'Manning') two level of chloride (0 and 40 lbs/a) in factorial arrangement. A randomized complete block, split-plot design, will be sued with varieties as the main-plots and chloride level sub-plots. Four replications will be used. Individual plots will be 6' wide and 28' long.