Current fertilizer N recommendations for soft wheat in Ontario were developed using research data collected mostly before 1990 (more than 20 years ago). Modern wheat varieties are substantially higher yielding compared to the varieties available prior to 1990. Also, use of fungicides and plant growth regulators are increasing because of a growing interest by Ontario’s wheat producers to achieve higher yields and increased economic returns.
The purpose of this 3-year project was to evaluate fertilizer N requirements of intensively managed high yielding modern soft red winter (SRW) wheat varieties in Ontario. Trials included multiple rates of spring applied N fertilizer to determine maximum economic N rates. The impact of applying 30 lb-N/ac in the fall was also evaluated to determine if fall N application can increase wheat yields and economic returns.