Ontario Grain Farmer March 2021

In terms of the interaction of N and fungicides, a synergy was evident in this study. “This indicates that even on fields with lower yield potential, management pays,” Johnson explains. “It is critical to note that while the economic impact is small between 90, 120, and 150 lbs of N/acre applications, at higher N rates the use of fungicide becomes more profitable. Based on average data in the study, there was a 4.6 bushels/acre yield increase from fungicide with 90 N. At 120, yield response increased to 5.2 bu/ac and at 150N, it increased further to 8.2 bu/ac. This shows the importance of using fungicide with increased N rates to utilize this synergy and gain increased value from both.” However, Johnson cautions that this synergy may require farmers to apply more N as they continue to utilize fungicides. He advises those using fungicides in both winter and spring wheats to continue to test higher N rates to determine the optimum rate. Johnson also cautions that those who are increasing their N rates in wheat and not adding more S could have crops with S deficiency. “I think it’s become pretty obvious with hard red wheat that growers often need 180 N to get the yield and protein level required for end- use acceptance, and in fact some Ontario growers are applying as much as 200 N, but we need to balance that with increased S,” he explains. “We continue to get less and less S on our fields from atmospheric deposition, so some growers are applying as much as 20 to 30 lbs. We don’t have research results to support that amount but we do have results showing that more S must be added when N is increased.” SYSTEMS APPROACH Overall, Johnson stresses a systems approach to growing wheat. That is, the particulars of the individual field, its yield potential, its N and S dynamics, and so on, matter. “There is a grower who went to 200 lbs N in Napanee and got a significant yield boost in 2020, and another in Chatham Kent who had no yield advantage using 180 compared to 120,” he says. “Wheat planted in September looked great last fall, with a high yield potential going into winter, but this potential will need to be supported with the right fertility this spring. Wheat planted in November will have less yield potential, so you don’t want to apply as much N to it as it will be wasted. The variety also matters. It’s a system.” The new hard red varieties that show the biggest yield potential are Adrianus and Pro81, but Johnson stresses that with these and other ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 23 MARCH 2021 This article features research funded by Grain Farmers of Ontario. This is Brad. He was so busy scanning the sky for rain, he didn’t see trouble on the ground and put a rock through his combine. Does Brad’s farm insurance cover the damage? Hahahaha - no. Sure thing. What’s Brads right answer? Talk to a Commonwell Broker or Agent today to find out how our coverage works for you. thecommonwell.ca/find-a-broker newer wheats, farmers need to watch standability and manage the crop to reduce lodging. “The old standby hard red variety Priesley often struggled to make protein but lodging was not an issue,” he says. “With new varieties, pay attention to your field, your practices, split N applications as needed, and/or use a plant growth regulator. It’s a system. I can’t emphasize that enough.” This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2, a federal- provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of Growing Forward 2 in Ontario. l