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