CARIE

Agriculture producers of Western Canada rely on technology to maximize crop growth and nutrient application efficiency based on an increased awareness in agricultural sustainability and continual rises in crop inputs. Advancements in technology have allowed precise application of desired nutrients at a prescribed rate in conjunction with accurate seed placement using one machine to conserve valuable soil moisture and reduce field passes. In this study, a mid-row banding applicator was used during the seeding process to determine the most efficient rate of 40-10-0 granular fertilizer regarding crop growth parameters and production output of amber durum wheat in a dryland field setting. The study was conducted 30 miles south of Lethbridge, Alberta, represented by two agronomically similar sites in the dark brown soil zone. Three fertilizer treatment rates were tested: 30, 60, and 90 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen, along with a control group receiving no additional fertilizer. Plant growth characteristics were monitored throughout the growing season and yield was assessed at the end of the study. The results of this study showed no significant difference in harvested grain yield, seed moisture, and seed test weight between treatments. However, significant differences were observed in mature plant height and seed protein levels, both of which increased with higher fertilizer rates. These findings suggest that environmental conditions played a major influence on the results, with above-average amounts of precipitation during the beginning months of the growing season followed by a sharp decrease of rainfall events in July and August. Based on the results of the study, it is difficult to predict the most efficient fertilizer rate for dryland amber durum wheat production as highly variable environmental conditions may greatly influence these parameters, however producers may find benefits in reducing nitrogen fertilizer rates during predicted dry spells as crop production characteristics may not be significantly compromised.