Levels and moment of nitrogen application in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crop affected by various factors of both biotic and abiotic origin, among these; the management of nitrogen fertilization stands out; it should be considered that nitrogen is the most important element in determining the yield and quality of wheat, so this practice is considered a very important factor. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen application at different levels and in two phenological stages of the crop. Three levels of N-urea were used: 0, 46 and 92 kg ha⁻¹. Fertilization was carried out at two times: at the beginning of tillering and during grain filling. The experiment was designed in randomized complete blocks with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three doses of N-urea and two application times). The variables evaluated were 1,000- grains weight, grain yield and quality parameters: PH, Falling Number, gluten and bran. Both 1,000-grain weight and yield were influenced by the dose and timing of N-urea application, with statistical differences in the ANOVA test for individual effects and interactions. The highest yield, 3,180 kg ha-¹, was obtained with the highest fertilizer dose applied at tillering. This treatment exceeded the control where no nitrogen fertilizer was applied by 1,341 kg ha^-1. Among the quality parameters evaluated, only PH showed statistical differences due to the dose effect and the dose-time interaction. A high and positive correlation was evident between yield and 1,000-grain weight.