Improving the Quality and Profitability of Durum Wheat through Nutrient and Disease Management

Develop soil fertility (N and P) management strategies for Durum wheat, geared to maximizing production, improving grain quality, grain protein and achieving a higher grade for the grain they produce. This should increase the acceptability of our durum in world markets.

IPNI-2002-CAN-SK32

27 Feb 2004

2003 Annual Interpretive Summary


Improving the Quality and Profitability of Durum Wheat through Nutrient and Disease Management, 2003

Optimizing yield and quality of durum wheat are key to making it a profitable crop in the semi-arid regions of western Canada. While many growers are increasing the nitrogen (N) used on their durum crops, they often use only minimal rates of phosphorus (P), increasing concern that they are not making full use of the N applied. Grain protein is one of the most important factors determining durum wheat quality, and premium durum markets consistently demand a protein content of 13% or higher. The objective of this research is to develop soil fertility management strategies geared to maximizing production and improving grain protein of durum wheat.

Growing season conditions were good in 2002, with trial yields ranging from 45 to 50 bu/A. Increasing N rate up to the soil test recommended rate resulted in positive yield responses. While additional N did not lead to further increases in grain yield, it did increase grain protein. No yield response to application of either P or potassium (K) fertilizer occurred in the first year of this trial. In 2003, under very dry conditions, P application significantly increased durum grain yield, with the 0, 18, and 36 lb P2O5/A treatments yielding 33.6, 36.2, and 37.1 bu/A, respectively. Quality analysis will be used to assess the impact of P application on durum grain protein. SK-32F