Intensive Wheat Management: Moving from Small Plot to Field Scale

Abstract: Small plot research was conducted during the past three years to address the specific questions and concerns below: 1. Do newer varieties with higher yield potential require or tolerate greater nitrogen (N) rates to maximize yields?; 2. Does N management influence the potential for spring freeze damage and lodging?; 3. Is the use of a plant growth regulator (e.g. Palisade) needed when pushing N rates to maximize yields?; 4. Is sulfur (S) needed with higher N rates?; 5. Is maximizing wheat yield an economically sustainable approach? Based on the results from the small plot research, we would like to use a select group of treatments and expand them to a field scale setting.