The concentration of protein in wheat is one of the biggest determinants of baking quality, since it affects the strength of gluten, elasticity of the dough, water absorption, mixing properties, and the volume of the loaf.
As a result, wheat that hits a specific protein threshold receives a premium price on the market. This is an obvious economic incentive for growers to manage crops to get the highest protein levels possible.
How can nutrient management best increase protein levels in wheat, and how can AgroLiquid help? Let’s explore.
Wheat characteristics
Genetic selection and agronomic practices play important roles in protein content, but there is also a direct impact from nutrients, particularly nitrogen and sulfur.
For nitrogen, growers have a few options for helping wheat reach its full potential:
- Base nitrogen applications
First, growers can begin with soil testing to understand existing nutrient levels. While considering the region and economics, it’s helpful to set realistic yield goals and protein targets. Then, use the nitrogen application that works best with these targets. - Split applications
With split applications, growers can divide nitrogen applications to match the crop’s needs throughout the growing season. An initial amount supports early growth and establishment, while later applications can be timed to improve the accumulation of protein in the grain. - Late-season nitrogen
Also, consider late-season nitrogen application. Foliar nitrogen applications around flag leaf, anthesis (flowering), or post-anthesis can be effective for increasing grain protein. Also, make sure that the foundational nitrogen needs for yield have already been met, and carefully manage foliar applications to prevent leaf burn.
The role of sulfur
While nitrogen gets the most attention for protein improvement, Sulfur also plays a large role. In fact, sulfur is increasingly recognized as a support for both wheat yield and quality, including protein content.
An adequate supply of sulfur is needed for the plant to synthesize complete proteins, and it’s also important for the formation of chlorophyll and photosynthetic processes.
Plus, sufficient sulfur is needed for the plant to effectively convert nitrogen into protein. It’s helpful to watch for signs of sulfur deficiency, like the yellowing of new leaves. Soil tests can determine the need for sulfur fertilization, especially when using high nitrogen rates or in soils known to be sulfur-deficient.
Products that can help
Focusing on nitrogen and sulfur helps elevate protein levels in wheat, and AgroLiquid offers two products that can be integrated into nutrient management plans to achieve these goals: NResponse and Micro 500.
NResponse
NResponse is designed to address the nutrient needs for protein development. It delivers a balanced supply of nitrogen and sulfur, the two drivers of protein accumulation.
- Nitrogen – The nitrogen in NResponse fuels the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein in the wheat kernel. By providing available nitrogen, especially when applied through split or late-season applications, NResponse contributes to higher grain protein concentrations.
- Sulfur – The sulfur component in NResponse plays a role in helping the plant efficiently use the applied nitrogen. Sulfur is needed for the formation of certain amino acids that are components of gluten proteins. Ensuring adequate sulfur availability through NResponse allows the wheat plant to convert nitrogen into protein more effectively.
Growers can use NResponse as part of their nitrogen management program. For instance, incorporating NResponse into a late-season foliar application can provide the readily available nitrogen and sulfur needed to push protein levels higher during grain fill, when protein accumulation is most active.
Micro 500
Micro 500 offers a blend of micronutrients – zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and boron – that play a supporting role in achieving high protein wheat.
- Plant health – These micronutrients help with enzyme activation, chlorophyll production, and nutrient uptake. Making sure these micronutrients are not limiting allows the wheat plant to function at its best and use the applied nitrogen and sulfur for protein synthesis.
- Nitrogen metabolism – Adequate levels of zinc and manganese help plants convert absorbed nitrogen into protein.
Micro 500 can be integrated into the nutrient management plan through soil or foliar applications, depending on soil test results and plant tissue analysis. By helping with a balanced supply of all essential micronutrients, Micro 500 helps create an environment where the wheat plant can maximize its genetic potential for protein production in response to nitrogen and sulfur applications.
AgroLiquid support
By strategically using NResponse and Micro 500, growers can create a comprehensive nutrient management program that directly targets the nutritional requirements for high protein wheat. The crop, the yield, and the economic benefits will follow. Or in other words, more bread for your bread.
Ready to get started? We’d love to talk. Contact us at AgroLiquid today.
