Justin Clawson1, David Hole1, Richard Koenig2, Edward Souza3, and Bruce Miller1. (1) Utah State University, 4820 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4820, (2) Washington State University, PO Box 646420, Pullman, WA 99164-6420, (3) University of Idaho, PO Box 870, Aberdeen, ID 83210-0870
Winter wheat yield in the western United States is limited by two major factors: nutrients (such as nitrogen) and moisture. Nevertheless, producers are under pressure to produce a quality wheat product consisting of high protein, and high test-weight while maintaining high yield. Moisture stress may modify flour protein composition. This can cause interactions between end-use quality and total flour protein content. Previous rain-fed nutrient research found that the addition of high amounts of compost to soil increases yield above what can be explained by the addition of nutrients. This increase in yield with compost was attributed to non-nutrient effects, possibly the result of early spring soil warming, increased soil water-holding capacity, and reduced compaction. This research examined the interactions of moisture and nutrient supply on yield, flour quality, agronomic traits, and both organic and inorganic nutrient fate within the soil profile with both hard white (Golden Spike) and soft white (ID 576) winter wheat under line-source irrigation. The line source irrigation system provides evapotranspiration replacement in the strip nearest the line while the furthest strip is rain fed only. Ten nutrient treatments ranged from 0-224 kg N ha-1 (supplied as inorganic ammonium nitrate) and 0-100 Mg ha-1 dry weight compost (organic material supplied as composted dairy waste). The compost treatments increased soil water content and early spring soil temperatures, and lowered soil bulk density. The organic fertilizer treatments yielded above the inorganic treatments and the highest yield was achieved in the 100 Mg ha-1 dry compost rate. Of the two wheat varieties, the soft white (ID 576) yielded above the hard white (Golden Spike).
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