Timing Nitrogen Applications for Quality Tops and Healthy Root Production in Carrot

When carrots (Daucus carota L.) are mechanically harvested, sufficient nitrogen (N) must be balanced between the roots and carrot tops; weak tops reduce yield. A 2-year study was conducted in Montcalm County, Michigan, where four replications of four N treatments (45, 90, 135, and 180 kg ha^?1), were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Results showed the importance of determining pre-existing N sources, in as much as the deep taproot of carrot accessed unmeasured N in the subsoil and nitrate concentrations in irrigation water added N. The greatest yield occurred at 153–189 kg ha^?1 available N while tops continued to take up N through 200–232 kg ha^?1. When the last N application was made less than 35 days before harvest, the rate of N uptake exceeded dry-matter accumulation rate.     

Effect of Seed-Row Placement of Conventional and Polymer-Coated Urea on Winter Wheat Emergence

Polymer-coated urea (PCU) may facilitate nitrogen (N) placement with the seed. Laboratory experiments evaluated the effect of (i) variety and N treatment and (ii) urea contact with the seed on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) emergence. Four varieties were grown in a silt loam soil (–200 kPa Ψ_m, where Ψ_m is matric potential) with control (0 kg N ha^?1), PCU treatment (44% N) at 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha^?1, or urea treatment (56 kg N ha^?1) placed with the seed. One variety had less emergence than the control with PCU at N rates ≥112 kg ha^?1. Urea delayed and decreased emergence of all varieties. In another experiment, urea (56 kg N ha^?1) was placed in contact with or between seeds. The contact treatment exhibited delayed and lower emergence. The no-contact treatment behaved similar to controls. Large amounts of 44% N PCU can be placed with the seed without reducing wheat emergence when soil Ψ_m is at least –200 kPa.     

Nitrate Reductase,Micronutrients and Upland Rice Development as Influenced by Soil pH and Nitrogen Sources

The average yield of upland rice under no-tillage system (NTS), a sustainable soil management, is lower than in conventional tillage (one plowing and two disking). One of the reasons given for this drop in crop grain yield would be the low-nitrate assimilation capacity of rice seedlings, due to the low activity of the nitrate reductase (NR) enzyme in the early development phase. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the soil acidic and nitrogen source in the micronutrient concentrations, NR activity and grain yield of upland rice growing under NTS. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 3 × 4. Treatments consisted of three levels of soil acidity (high, medium, and low) combined with four nitrogen sources (nitrate, ammonium, ammonium + nitrification inhibitor, and control – without N fertilization). The reduction of soil acidity reduced the concentration of zinc and manganese in rice plants. Generally, the activity of the NR enzyme was higher in plants grown in soils with low acidity and fertilized with calcium nitrate. There was a greater response in growth and yield in rice plants grown in soils with high acidity. Under medium acidity, rice plants grown with ammonium sulfate were more productive (no differences were detected with the addition of the nitrification inhibitor).     

Comparison of Factors Affecting Soil Nitrate Nitrogen and Ammonium Nitrogen Extraction

Extraction of soil nitrate nitrogen (NO₃ ^?-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄ ⁺-N) by chemical reagents and their determinations by continuous flow analysis were used to ascertain factors affecting analysis of soil mineral N. In this study, six factors affecting extraction of soil NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N were investigated in 10 soils sampled from five arable fields in autumn and spring in northwestern China, with three replications for each soil sample. The six factors were air drying, sieve size (1, 3, and 5 mm), extracting solution [0.01 mol L^?1 calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 1 mol L^?1 potassium chloride (KCl), and 0.5 mol L^?1 potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄)] and concentration (0.5, 1, and 2 mol L^?1 KCl), solution-to-soil ratio (5:1, 10:1, and 20:1), shaking time (30, 60, and 120 min), storage time (2, 4, and 6 weeks), and storage temperature (?18 ^oC, 4 ^oC, and 25 ^oC) of extracted solution. The recovery of soil NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N was also measured to compare the differences of three extracting reagents (CaCl₂, KCl, and K₂SO₄) for NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N extraction. Air drying decreased NO₃ ^?-N but increased NH₄ ⁺-N concentration in soil. Soil passed through a 3-mm sieve and shaken for 60 min yielded greater NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N concentrations compared to other treatments. The concentrations of extracted NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N in soil were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by extracting reagents. KCl was found to be most suitable for NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N extraction, as it had better recovery for soil mineral N extraction, which averaged 113.3% for NO₃ ^?-N and 94.9% for NH₄ ⁺-N. K₂SO₄ was not found suitable for NO₃ ^?-N extraction in soil, with an average recovery as high as 137.0%, and the average recovery of CaCl₂ was only 57.3% for NH₄ ⁺-N. For KCl, the concentration of extracting solution played an important role, and 0.5 mol L^?1 KCl could fully extract NO₃ ^?-N. A ratio of 10:1 of solution to soil was adequate for NO₃ ^?-N extraction, whereas the NH₄ ⁺-N concentration was almost doubled when the solution-to-soil ratio was increased from 5:1 to 20:1. Storage of extracted solution at ?18 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C had no significant effect (P < 0.05) on NO₃ ^?-N concentration, whereas the NH₄ ⁺-N concentration varied greatly with storage temperature. Storing the extracted solution at ?18 ^oC obtained significantly (P < 0.05) similar results with that determined immediately for both NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N concentrations. Compared with the immediate extraction, the averaged NO₃ ^?-N concentration significantly (P < 0.05) increased after storing 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively, whereas NH₄ ⁺-N varied in the two seasons. In conclusion, using fresh soil passed through a 3-mm sieve and extracted by 0.5 mol L^?1 KCl at a solution-to-soil ratio of 10:1 was suitable for extracting NO₃ ^?-N, whereas the concentration of extracted NH₄ ⁺-N varied with KCl concentration and increased with increasing solution-to-soil ratio. The findings also suggest that shaking for 60 min and immediate determination or storage of soil extract at ?18 ^oC could improve the reliability of NO₃ ^?-N and NH₄ ⁺-N results.     

Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Relationships for Irrigated Chile Production

In a field study of irrigated chile (Capsicum annum L.) production in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico from 2008 through 2009, soil and tissue test samples were analyzed for a spectrum of plant nutrients at 16 different sites, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and boron (B). The objectives were to evaluate soil and tissue nutrient testing procedures and to establish basic soil and plant tissue-testing guidelines and recommendations with respect to yield potentials. Soil samples were collected before planting. Plant tissue samples from plots at all sites were collected at the following four stages of growth: first bloom (FB), early bloom (EB), peak bloom (PB), and physiological maturity (PM). Fertilizer and nutrient inputs were monitored, managed, and recorded within current extension guidelines for irrigated chiles. Results for soil and tissue analyses were compared to yield results. The results provide estimates for baselines, which can be tested through subsequent calibration experiments to establish recommendations for critical soil- and tissue-test values. Absolute minimum soil-test nutrient values were identified as 10 parts per million (ppm) P, 110 ppm K, 0.3 ppm Zn, 2.0 ppm Fe, and 0.25 ppm B. Absolute minimum FB leaf tissue test values were 0.2% P, 4.5% K, 10 ppm Zn, 80 ppm Fe, and 30 ppm B. Complete data sets for leaf and petiole tissue-test values for all stages of growth were collected. These soil-test and plant nutrient values will be evaluated in subsequent experiments to better define fertilizer nutrient inputs and to gain better nutrient-management efficiencies in irrigated chile production systems.     

Clinoptilolite Zeolite Influence on Nitrogen in a Manure-Amended Sandy Agricultural Soil

Zeolite minerals may improve nitrogen availability to plants in soil and reduce losses to the environment. A study was conducted to determine the influence of clinoptilolite (CL) on nitrogen (N) mineralization from solid dairy manure (224 kg N ha^?1) in a sandy soil. Clinoptilolite was added to soil at six rates (0 to 44.8 Mg CL ha^?1), each sampled during 11 sampling dates over a year. Over time, nitrate (NO₃)-N increased, ammonium (NH₄)-N decreased, but total inorganic N increased. Clinoptilolite did not influence the nitrification rates of initial manure NH₄-N or mineralization of organic N (ON) over time. It is possible that adsorption of manure-derived potassium (K) outcompeted the NH₄-N for CL exchange sites. The ON concentration was constant up to 84 days and then decreased by approximately 18% over the remaining time of the study across all treatments. Clinoptilolite use in this sandy soil did not alter mineralization of N from dairy manure.     

Considering Residual Soil Mineral Nitrogen in Corn Fertilizer Recommendations in an Irrigated Mediterranean Area

Management of nitrogen (N) fertilization for economic crop production in water-stressed areas relies heavily on irrigation. The objectives were to determine the depth distribution of mineral N (N_min) at pre-plant and post-harvest seasons and assess the residual mineral N pool as a potential source of plant-available N for irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) in southern Turkey. Pre-plant and post-harvest composite soil samples were collected randomly from farmer’s fields at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths, respectively, analyzed for nitrate (NO₃) and ammonium (NH₄) concentrations, and the N_min values were correlated with corn yields and N uptake. Results showed that substantial amounts of pre-plant (76 to 94 kg N_min/ha) and post-harvest (70–78 kg N_min/ha) N_min accumulation at different soil depths. However, the N_min did not correlate with crop yields and N uptake. Results suggested that residual N_min could be the ?basis for recommending N fertilization to support crop production.     

Soil Inorganic Nitrogen Content and Indices of Red Raspberry Yield,Vigor, and Nitrogen Status as Affected by Rate and Source of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Abstract

The single‐year response of soil inorganic nitrogen (N) content and indices of red raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) yield, vigor, and N status to rate and source of fertilizer N were determined. Twenty‐nine trials were conducted in commercial plantings from 1994 to 1996. Treatments were 0, 55, or 110 kg N ha^?1 as ammonium nitrate or 55 kg N ha^?1 as a slow‐release fertilizer product containing 60% polycoated sulfur‐coated urea and 40% urea. Soil nitrate (NO₃) content frequently increased during the growing season, indicating that soil N supply was nonlimiting. The plant indices were generally insensitive to fertilizer‐N rate under these high‐N fertility conditions. Soil nitrate content measured after berry harvest was frequently excessive even at the recommended N rate and can be used to identify fields with excess N fertility. The slow‐release N fertilizer provided limited benefits compared with use of ammonium nitrate.     

Soil and Plant Testing for Iron: An Appraisal

Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis in crops is common in high-pH calcareous soils. Soil and plant testing is routinely used for diagnosing iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis in crops, with mixed results. This article presents an overview of the factors that influence soil and plant tissue testing results. It is clear that soil tests for Fe are dominantly influenced by soil pH, bicarbonate, and moisture regime rather soil test result per se. This is because the solubility of Fe is more regulated by soil pH and moisture regime. Plant tissue testing for Fe can complement the results of soil testing for Fe. But at times, especially in calcareous soils, total Fe in plant tissue is not related to Fe deficiency, but metabolically active Fe is better at diagnosing the occurrence of the disorder. A combined use of soil and plant tissue testing seems more helpful in diagnosing Fe deficiency chlorosis disorder in crops.     

Tissue Nitrogen as a Base for Recommendations of Additional Nitrogen to Spring Wheat in Southern Finland

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) deficiency has become more common in the traditional wheat cultivation areas of southern Finland as yield potentials have increased. Based on data for the period studied (1968-88) a grain protein concentration below 11.2% in spring wheat (Triticun aestivum L.) is an indicator of N deficiency. The mean of maximum grain yield obtained was 4655 kg ha^?1 when grain protein concentration exceeded 11.2%. The estimation of plant tissue N content could be an effective diagnostic tool for identifying N status in the early growth stages of spring wheat. To address the feasibility of this test, the present study was conducted in 1990-91 to determine the critical plant tissue N concentrations of three plant parts at the early double-ridge stage (Stage 2), at the stage when stigmatic branches of the carpel begin to form (Stage 7) and at pollination (Stage 10). Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0 and 110 kg N ha^?1 as granular ammonium nitrate and granular slow-release-nitrogen fertilizers to establish a wide range of plant tissue N levels, grain yields and grain protein concentrations. Critical plant N levels were calculated for the different plant parts using the Cate-Nelson procedure. From this study it can be concluded that the critical N level recommended for Stage 2 is 43 g of N kg^?1 dry matter of the whole plant. Critical N levels recommended for Stage 7 are 28 g of N kg^?1 dry matter of the whole plant, 30 g of N kg^?1 of the leaves and 13 mg total N in dry matter. Critical N levels recommended for Stage 10 are 12 g of N kg^?1 of the whole plant, 23 g of N kg^?1 of the leaves and 15 mg total N in dry matter.     

施肥对土壤及黄瓜中稳定性氮同位素丰度的影响

研究不同肥料配施对土壤、黄瓜及其叶片中稳定性氮同位素丰度(1δ5N‰)及硝酸盐和硝酸还原酶活性的影响。结果表明,随着配施有机肥比例的降低,黄瓜中1δ5N呈现先低后高再低的趋势;各处理单施化肥初期时黄瓜中1δ5N与有机肥60%和40%配施处理间差异显著(P0.05),中期时与有机肥60%、40%配施处理及对照间的差异显著(P0.05),末期时与有机肥60%配施处理间有差异(P0.05),与其他不同配施时差异不显著(P0.05);相同处理的不同采摘时期黄瓜中1δ5N差异不显著(P0.05)。不同处理时叶片与黄瓜间的1δ5N呈正相关(r=0.9836),其1δ5N主要受不同肥料配施处理的影响。随着有机肥比例的降低,黄瓜中硝酸盐含量逐渐降低,与黄瓜中1δ5N间的线性相关性差(r=0.6568);而叶片中硝酸还原酶活性逐渐提高,其中对照处理、100%、80%和60%有机肥处理时与叶片中δ15N丰度呈正相关(r=0.9187);60%、40%、20%有机肥和100%化肥处理时与叶片中1δ5N呈负相关(r=-0.9773)。总体来看,可以初步利用1δ5N作为标记来区分有机肥和化肥种植的黄瓜,但需要进一步研究1δ5N在作物中的分馏和分布规律。     

Comparison of Chemical Methods for Assessing Nitrogen Mineralization in Two Calcareous Soils Treated with Organic Materials

Reliable and quick methods for measuring nitrogen (N)–supplying capacities of soils (NSC) are a prerequisite for using N fertilizers. This study was conducted to develop a routine method for estimation of mineralizable N in two calcareous soils (sandy loam and clay soils) treated with municipal waste compost or sheep manure. The methods used were anaerobic biological N mineralization, mineral N released by 2 M potassium chloride (KCl), ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) N extracted by 1 N sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), NH₄ ⁺-N extracted by acid potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), and NH₄ ⁺-N released by oxidation of soil organic matter using acidified potassium permanganate. The results showed that oxidizable N extracted by acid permanganate, a simple and rapid measure of soil N availability, was correlated with results of the anaerobic method. Oxidative 0.05 N KMnO₄ was the best method, accounting for 78.4% of variation in NSC. Also, the amount of mineralized N increased with increasing level of organic materials and was greater in clay soil than sandy loam soil.     

生物质炭和氮肥配施对菠菜产量和硝酸盐含量的影响

施用生物质炭是提高作物产量和氮肥利用效率的潜在有效措施。以菠菜为供试作物开展盆栽试验,研究了生物质炭与氮肥配施对菠菜产量、组织中硝酸盐含量及养分（氮磷钾）含量的影响。生物质炭设3个水平：C0（0g·kg-1）、C5（5g·kg-1）和C10（10g·kg-1）,氮素3个水平分别为N0（0mg·kg-1）、N1（90mg·kg-1）和N2（120mg·kg-1）。试验结果表明,在N0和N1水平下,施用生物质炭显著提高了菠菜产量,增幅为16.6%～57.3%,而在N2水平下,生物质炭对菠菜产量无显著影响（P〉0.05）。同时,在N1水平下,与C0处理相比,C5和C10处理菠菜组织中硝酸盐含量分别增加了198.7%和233.4%;而在N2水平下,C5和C10处理的硝酸盐增幅分别为8.8%和46.3%。在不同氮素水平下,生物质炭的施用增加了菠菜对氮和钾的吸收,而对磷素吸收的影响不明显。总之,生物质炭与氮肥配施可以提高菠菜产量,明显增加氮肥当季利用效率。     

Enhancing Soil Fertility and Wheat Productivity through Integrated Nitrogen Management

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of integrated nitrogen (N) management on soil fertility and crop productivity. Application of N sources in different proportions significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced soil total N, organic matter, grain N uptake, straw N uptake, and grain yield. Maximum grain yield, total soil N (%), and organic matter (%) were recorded from the treatment of poultry manure as compared with other sole N sources. Among integrated application of N sources, 25% poultry manure + 75% mineral N source produced the greatest grain yield. Maximum total soil N and organic matter were observed in the combined application of 75% poultry manure + 25% mineral N. Maximum grain N and straw N uptake was recorded from the treatment applied with farmyard manure as sole N source. However, among integrated application of N sources, 25% poultry manure + 75% mineral N source resulted in the greatest grain N and straw N uptake.     

地下部分隔对蚕豆/玉米间作氮素吸收和土壤硝态氮残留影响

利用田间试验,探讨了地下部分隔对蚕豆/玉米间作氮素吸收和土壤硝态氮残留的影响,结果表明:蚕豆/玉米间作,蚕豆不分隔条件下籽粒和秸秆吸氮量比分隔分别增加20 10%,34 43%;玉米不分隔条件下籽粒吸氮量与分隔近似,但秸秆吸氮量比分隔减少13 04%;蚕豆和玉米不分隔条件下土壤硝态氮累积量都高于分隔。蚕豆/空带间作,蚕豆不分隔籽粒吸氮量高于分隔,但土壤硝态氮累积量没有差异。空带/玉米间作,地下部分隔与否,作物吸氮量和土壤硝态氮累积量都没有差异。     

缓控释肥配施脲铵运筹对水稻产量、氮素利用效率和土壤养分的影响

通过田间试验,以传统配方肥+尿素一基两追施肥模式(CG)为对照,研究了以脲甲醛类缓控释肥(NC)和木质素类缓控释肥(MC)为基肥、脲铵为分蘖或穗分化追肥的缓控释肥+脲铵一基一追施肥模式对水稻产量、氮吸收累积、氮素利用效率以及土壤养分的影响。结果表明:缓控释肥+脲铵一基一蘖施肥模式水稻产量与CG处理相比无明显差异,但脲甲醛类缓控释肥+脲铵(NC-S)和木质素类缓控释肥+脲铵一基一穗(MC-S)处理分别比CG处理明显增产3.96%和6.01%,主要原因为NC-S和MC-S处理每穗粒数分别比CG处理明显增加16.7%和17.6%;与CG处理相比,脲甲醛类缓控释肥+脲铵(NC-F)和木质素类缓控释肥+脲铵一基一蘖(MC-F)处理成熟期地上部氮累积分别比CG处理增加2.50%和5.89%,NC-S和MC-S处理分别比CG处理明显增加10.0%和11.6%;NC-S和MC-S处理氮素利用效率(NUE)分别比CG处理高3.96%和6.01%。缓控释肥+脲铵一基一追施肥模式增加了水稻氮吸收效率(NupE)和表观氮肥回收效率(ANR),其中MC-S处理的NupE明显比CG处理高11.6%,NC-S和MC...     

氮肥形态对香蕉种植土壤中氨氧化细菌与古菌的影响

氨氧化微生物通过影响氮素在土壤中的转化而间接影响作物对不同氮素形态的吸收。因此,本实验采集了海南省种植香蕉的滨海土壤,通过施用硫酸铵和硝酸钙,研究了氨氧化细菌(AOB)和氨氧化古菌(AOA)的数量与群落的变化,并测定了香蕉的生长与氮营养状况。通过构建氨氧化细菌和古菌的功能基因amo A文库后发现:施用硫酸铵的土壤中AOB的amo A基因拷贝数显著高于施用硝酸钙的土壤和不施肥的土壤,而AOA的拷贝数低于硝酸钙与不施肥处理。但是氨氧化古菌AOA的绝对数量都高于AOB。施用硫酸铵的土壤中AOB的群落多样性和丰富度明显增加,而施用硝酸钙的土壤却没有发生显著变化。施用硫酸铵和硝酸钙的土壤中AOA群落结构相似,但丰富度和多样性均高于不施肥处理。从施肥效果看,相比硫酸铵,硝酸钙显著提高了香蕉植株的生物量和全氮含量。上述结果表明,在南方酸性土壤中AOA占优势,虽然施用铵态氮肥可以促进AOB的丰度与多样性,但是很可能会抑制AOA的数量。因此,在海南滨海土中施用铵态氮肥后,通过硝化作用以满足香蕉吸收硝态氮的需求达不到理想的效果,应直接补充硝态氮肥来促进香蕉生长。     

不同配比肥料对叶菜元素积累和土壤硝态氮残留的影响

摘要:采用"3414"法进行田间试验和室内检测,研究自行堆制微生物有机肥与不同配比化肥配合施用对小油菜产量、硝酸盐、其他营养元素含量及土壤中硝态氮残留的影响。结果表明,微生物有机肥和化肥按适当比例配合施用可以显著降低小油菜硝酸盐含量,尤其以N∶P∶K=1∶1∶2时可食部分硝酸盐含量最低,为1 623.14mg/kg,符合国家相关标准要求,实现蔬菜优质安全的目标;当N∶P∶K=2∶2∶1时土壤硝态氮含量最低,为2.00mg/kg。微生物有机肥与无机肥合理配合施用可以有效降低小油菜硝酸盐含量并且很好地调节土壤硝态氮含量,提高小油菜品质和产量。     

控灌条件下稻田田面水含氮量、土壤肥力及水氮互作效应试验研究

通过田间试验,研究了不同控制灌溉模式下不同氮素用量稻田田面水铵态氮、硝态氮的变化特征,综合评价了试验区稻田土壤肥力等级,并分析了水分与氮素用量对水稻产量和产量构成因素的互作效应。结果表明:在水稻整个生长过程中,过量施肥对土壤最后残留的氮含量影响较大;土壤肥力等级的高低、每次施氮后所取水样铵态氮与硝态氮浓度的均值同相应的施氮水平有较高的因果效应。施返青肥后田面水铵态氮浓度最高值在施氮后第3天出现,施穗肥后田面水铵态氮浓度最高值在施氮后第2天出现,田面水硝态氮浓度出现最高值的时间要滞后于铵态氮1天。氮肥对水稻产量及其构成因子均表现为正效应,且高施氮量的正效应大于中施氮量的。控水效应和土壤水分胁迫与氮素互作效应对产量及其构成因素的影响多数为负效应,表明进行水分胁迫会影响产量构成因素进而降低水稻的产量。     

Optimizing the Nitrogen Management Strategy for Winter Wheat in the North China Plain Using Rapid Soil and Plant Nitrogen Measurements

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer with improper split-application in small-scale farming is widespread for reducing N use efficiency and polluting the environment. The objective of this study was to develop a strategy for providing winter wheat with twice-topdressing N by quickly measuring the soil and plant N status. During the period 2009–2011, a field experiment was conducted for winter wheat cultivar Zhongmai-175 in the North China Plain. The mineral N (Nmin) pool at a soil depth of 0–90 cm and topdressing N twice, as total N supply, was gradually increased from 0 to 420 kg N ha^–1 to mimic the farmers´ practices. Measurements with the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) meter were taken on the uppermost fully expanded leaf, and the SPAD index was expressed relative to SPAD readings of sufficiently fertilized plants. Grain yield exhibited linear-plus-plateau responses to total N supply with a significant difference between years, the r² ranged from 0.73 to 0.94. With a basal N application of 30 kg ha^–1, the soil Nmin at 0–90 cm supplemented by twice-topdressing N (1:1 ratio) at Zadoks growth stage (ZGS) 22–23 in early spring and ZGS 47–52 was required at 150–165 kg N ha^–1 to achieve a maximum grain yield of 3.9–5.3 t ha^–1. The SPAD index exhibited a strong exponential response to N supply irrespective of plant growth stage and year (r² = 0.95–0.97); the value of 0.94 was critical in denoting N deficiency from sufficiency status. The N topdressing at ZGS 47–52 could be precisely modified/estimated by the equation y = 161.7–218x^5.16, where x is the SPAD index. Since SPAD readings varied significantly from year to year, our study suggests that it might be difficult to precisely manage field N for winter wheat.