Soil‐Applied Selenium Effects on Tissue Selenium Concentrations in Cultivated and Adventitious Grassland and Pasture Plant Species

Abstract

According to international nutritional standards, plant selenium (Se) concentrations in Belgium are too low. To correct this situation, adding Se in fertilizers for pastures and grasslands is suggested, similar to activities in Finland. However, there is a lack of data on meadow plant species' ability to absorb Se. Therefore, a pot experiment was initiated using 24 meadow plant species cultivated on a Belgian cambisol receiving standard fertilizer treatment, with or without the addition of 9 g Se ha^?1 yr^?1 as sodium selenate. Soil Se analysis confirmed the low Se status of the native soil. Mean foliar Se concentration in the control group was 0.05 mg kg^?1. Because plant deficiency may occur at levels less than 0.10 mg Se kg^?1, data provided further evidence for Se deficiency in Belgium plant production. When grown with Se, plant species showed wide variations for Se concentration, ranging from 0.08 to 0.49 mg Se kg^?1. All values were less than 2 mg Se kg^?1, the suggested threshold toxicity level for dairy cattle. There were two different types of plants in terms of response to Se fertilization. Most of the tested plants were known as nonaccumulators. There were also two probable secondary accumulators: Sinapis arvensis and Melilotus albus. Finally, one has to question the reliability of plant Se enhancement using this method when floristic composition is poorly controlled.     

Biofortification of wheat cultivars with selenium

ABSTRACT

Biofortification experiments with three winter wheat cultivars treated with sodium selenate through foliar- and soil-fertilisation were conducted at two locations in Croatia and Serbia in two consecutive years to increase the selenium (Se) concentration in bread-making wheat grain. The treatments were: (a) 5?g?ha^?1 Se foliar-, (b) 10?g?ha^?1 Se foliar- and (c) 10?g?ha^?1 Se in soil surface-application and they were compared with (d) control. Both Se foliar- and soil-fertilisation increased the Se concentration in grains from 2.6- to 4.6-fold. The concentration in grain was highest with Se foliar-fertilisation of 10?g?ha^?1 and it was increased by 29–32?µg Se kg^?1 dry weight for each gram of Se applied per ha. The wheat cultivars differed in grain yield and Se uptake (g?ha^?1 Se). However, on average, there were no differences between wheat cultivars with respect to Se grain concentrations. Agronomic use efficiency (by grain) was significantly higher for Se foliar- (19%) than for soil-fertilisation (13%). It can be concluded that agronomic biofortification of winter wheat can be effective in increasing Se grain concentration, where the efficiency depends on the rate of Se applied, application method and local environmental conditions rather than on cultivar differences.     

Retention and Uptake by Plants of Added Selenium in Peat Soils

In soil, adsorption of selenium (Se) onto mineral surfaces is accompanied by poorly known retention via organic matter. The effects of these components on the availability of Se were examined in two pot experiments. Spring wheat was grown with increasing amounts of selenate (SeO₄ ^2–) in one sand and three peat soils, and ryegrass with selenate and selenite (SeO₃ ^2–) in sphagnum peat manipulated by iron (Fe) hydroxide. Selenate persisted in soluble form, whereas selenite was fixed in the soil. In wheat, 5–50% of the selenate addition was recovered in the plant, the proportion increasing with increasing Se. In ryegrass, 30–40% of the added selenate but less than 2% of the selenite was found within the leaves. The Fe hydroxide enrichment enhanced the selenite uptake. Phosphate buffer desorbed a minor proportion of the added selenite, except in peat amply enriched with Fe hydroxide. The results suggest that the retention mechanism of selenite was changed due to the hydroxide amendment.     

叶面喷施不同形态硒对草莓吸收和转运硒的影响

采用温室大棚试验,研究了叶面喷施硒酸钠和亚硒酸钠对提高草莓硒含量的影响以及硒在草莓植株中的转运和分布,旨在为富硒水果的开发和生产提供理论依据。本试验在草莓初花期进行叶面喷施亚硒酸钠和硒酸钠,当喷硒量为20、40、60 g Se·hm~(-2)时,亚硒酸钠处理40 d后草莓果实样品中硒含量分别为0.03、0.10、0.15 mg·kg~(-1)FW,分别为对照的3、20倍和30倍;硒酸钠处理40d后草莓果实硒含量分别为0.05、0.12、0.17 mg·kg~(-1) FW,是对照处理的5、24倍和34倍。但是叶面喷施的硒持续供给果实的能力有限,随着草莓果实的连续生长,后期采收的草莓中硒含量显著下降。叶面喷硒后,叶片吸收的亚硒酸钠约有30%转移到了根部,而硒酸钠则更多地累积于叶片中,转移到根部的量不到15%。草莓初花期叶面喷施硒可以显著提高前期草莓果实中硒的含量,随着采收期的延长,草莓中硒的含量显著下降,喷施亚硒酸钠的处理硒向根部转移的能力高于硒酸钠的处理。     

Will selenium fertilization improve biological nitrogen fixation in lentils?

Lentil is a cool season food legume rich in protein and micronutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a low dosage of selenium (Se) on biological nitrogen (N) fixation, seed Se, and grain yield in lentils. The experiment was carried out at the Carrington Research and Extension Center, North Dakota, USA in 2012 and 2013. Six lentil genotypes were treated with three Se treatments. Application of selenate significantly increased percent Nderived from air (%Ndfa; 44%) compared to selenite (38%) and control (37%). In addition, selenate significantly increased lentil seed Se (1129 µg kg^?1) compared to selenite (844 µg kg^?1) and the control (542 µg kg^?1). Both %Ndfa and grain yield increased with Se application. Selenate was the most effective form to increase %Ndfa. More research is required to determine the biochemical relationships between lentil yield and the Nfixation under Se deficient soils.     

Zinc and amino acids on wheat-soybean intercropping under no-till management

Abstract

Foliar fertilization with micronutrients and amino acids (AAs) has been used to increase the grain yield and quality of different crops. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Zn and AAs foliar application on physiological parameters, nutritional status, yield components and grain yield of wheat-soybean intercropping under a no-till management. We used a randomized block experimental design consisting of eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments were five Zn rates (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8?kg ha^?1) and 2?L ha^?1 of AAs and three additional treatments: a control (without the Zn or AA application), 2?kg ha^?1 Zn and 2?kg ha^?1 Zn + 1?L AA. The treatments were applied by spraying during the final elongation stage and at the beginning of pre-earing for the wheat and in growth stage V6 for the soybean for two crop years in a Typic Oxisol (860?g kg^?1 clay). Zinc foliar fertilization increased the wheat grain Zn concentrations. The Zn rates and AA foliar fertilization in soil with did not affect the physiological parameters, nutrient status or yield components. The AA application at the different concentrations tested changed the soybean grain yield and the leaf N concentration. The results suggest that Zn and amino acids application increases the grains Zn concentration in the wheat, being an important strategy to agronomic biofortification.     

Growth Response and Selenium and Boron Distribution in Broccoli Varieties Irrigated with Poor Quality Water

Abstract

Selenium (Se), and boron (B), and salinity contamination of agricultural drainage water is potentially hazardous for water reuse strategies in central California. This greenhouse study assessed tolerance and Se, B, and chloride (Cl^?) accumulation in different varieties (Emerald City, Samurai, Greenbelt, Marathon) of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) irrigated with water of the following different qualities: (1) non‐saline [electrical conductivity (EC) of <1 dS m^?1]; (2) Cl^?/sulfate salinity of ～5 dS m^?1, 250 µg Se L^?1, and 5 mg B L^?1; and (3) non‐saline and 250 µg Se L^?1. One hundred and ten days after transplanting, plants were harvested and dry weight (DW) yields and plant accumulation of Se, B, and Cl^? was evaluated in floret, leaf, and stem. Irrespective of treatments floret yields from var. Samurai were the lowest among all varieties, while floret yields from var. Marathon was the only variety to exhibit some sensitivity to treatments. For all varieties, plant Se concentrations were greatest in the floret (up to 51 mg kg^?1 DW) irrespective of treatment, and B and Cl^? concentrations were greatest in the leaves; 110 mg B kg^?1 DW and 5.4% Cl^?, respectively. At post harvest, treatment 2 (with salinity, B, and Se) increased soil salinity to almost 6 dS m^?1, total Se concentrations to a high of 0.64 mg kg^?1 DW soil, and water soluble B concentrations to a high of 2.3 mg B L^?1; soluble Se concentrations were insignificant. The results indicate that var. Emerald City, Greenbelt, and Marathon should be considered as recipients of moderately saline effluent enriched with Se and B under field conditions.     

Effects of foliar selenium application on some physiological and phytochemical parameters of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana under salt stress

Abstract

In this research the effect of foliar application of selenium (Se) at four levels (Na₂OSe₄; 0, 5, 10 and 20?mg L^?1) was evaluated on some phytochemical characteristics of Sultana grapevine under different salinity levels (NaCl; 0 or 75?mM). The vines were fed twice a week with Hoagland nutrient solution and Se was foliar applied twice with 24 intervals. During growing period, plant height, leaf number and leaf area were recorded. Moreover, at the end of experiment, mature leaves from middle nods of canes were used for measurement of some phytochemical indices. According to results, Se application had a positive effect on plant height, leaf numbers, leaf area and photosynthetic pigments content especially at 5?mg L^?1 and to some extent 10?mg L^?1 Se levels. Under salinity stress, foliar application of Se at 5?mg L^?1 considerably decreased vines leaves electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation values compared to non se-treated plants under salinity stress condition. Selenium had an additive effect on salinity stress (75?mM NaCl) induced accumulation of total phenol, total flavonoid, soluble sugars and proline content in leave of vines. Moreover, the interaction of salinity and Se at 5 and 10?mg L^?1 improved leaves antioxidant enzymes activities in Sultana grapevine. Likewise, foliar application of Se improved leaf mineral content in 75?mM NaCl -treated vines. Totally, foliar application of selenium (Se at 5 or 10?mg L^?1) increased salt tolerance through improvement in nutritional balance and by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in grapevine leaves.     

Effect of humic acid and fulvic acid based liquid and foliar fertilizers on the yield of wheat crop

Abstract

An organic-mineral liquid fertigation fertilizer containing humic acid, nitrogen (N)–phosphorus (P)–potassium (K), zinc (Zn), sulfur (S), manganese (Mn) and a liquid foliar fertilizer consisting of fulvic acid and gibberellic acids were formulated and applied to wheat. The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient and cost effective liquid and foliar fertilizer and compare their potential with commercially available urea and DAP. The fulvic acid and humic acids were obtained by alkaline extraction of lignite coal. All the treatments were significant over the control. The application of the liquid fertigation fertilizer and liquid foliar fertilizer along with 50?kg of urea per acre showed the best results biological yield (grain plus straw yield). It was found that the highest yield was obtained in T₆ treatment and the second best results were obtained with T₂ treatment, but has a high cost, while treatment T₆ was the most significant economical and yielded a high income when compared to other treatments.     

Influence of selenium on carbohydrate accumulation in developing wheat grains

The present investigation reports the effects of different doses of sodium selenate and sodium selenite on its uptake, carbohydrate composition, and sucrose and starch metabolizing enzymes in flag leaf and developing grains of wheat grown under greenhouse conditions. Selenium (Se) concentration increased significantly in leaves and developing grains of Se-treated plants compared to control at different intervals post-anthesis. Total soluble sugars and sucrose concentrations in developing grains increased due to various Se treatments. Different selenite treatments increased sucrose synthase activity from 10 to 20 days post-anthesis and increased starch accumulation compared to control plants. Lower starch accumulation in selenate than control and selenite treatments was observed. The activities of α, β and total amylase, invertase and sucrose synthase increased whereas sucrose phosphate synthase declined. Results indicated that Se accumulation causes disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism that is dependent on Se concentration, form and the development stage of the plant.     

Use of selenium fertilizers for production of Se‐enriched Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus): Effect on Se concentration and plant productivity

Due to selenium (Se) deficiency, Se fortification of food and feed is applied in many countries. Therefore, potential use of Se‐enriched kenaf was investigated based on its Se accumulation, its potential to transform accumulated Se to other Se species, and effect of Se accumulation on its growth. Kenaf was grown with different levels of two Se fertilizers (selenite and selenate) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 4 mg Se (kg soil)^–1. Total Se concentrations in the plants grown on selenate‐treated soil amounted to (1019 ± 136) mg Se (kg dry weight)^–1 and were much higher compared to plants grown on selenite‐treated soil. Identified Se species were selenite, selenate, Se‐methionine, and Se‐cystine. Biomass yield, net photosynthesis, and chlorophyll index of the plants decreased when plants were grown on soils treated with high doses of selenate.     

Effect of different forms of selenium on the plant–soil–earthworm system

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, animals, and certain lower plants, but at higher concentrations Se becomes toxic to organisms. The boundary between the Se beneficial effect and its toxicity is narrow and depends on its chemical form, applied concentration, and other environmentally regulating factors. Due to the potential risk of toxicity in higher concentration, the aim of this study was to estimate the impact of increased concentrations of different forms of Se on the response of the wheat–soil–earthworm system. Soil, earthworms, and wheat grains were exposed to the Se in form of selenite and selenate in concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg kg⁻¹. As an indicator of oxidative stress in wheat, lipid peroxidation levels (LPO) and total H₂O₂ content were determined, while antioxidative response was determined by catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities. The biomarker responses in earthworms were determined by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), and antioxidative enzymes (CAT and glutathione S‐transferase) activities. Selenite and selenate increased Se content in the wheat and earthworms, while selenate application was more efficient, indicating higher bioaccumulation of this Se form. Both Se forms did not cause significant changes in the LPO level and H₂O₂ content, while GPX activities were elevated in all treatments, suggesting that oxidative stress was not induced in wheat. In earthworms, Se significantly reduced activities of AChE and CAT at some concentrations, while CES activity was increased at all concentrations applied. This study showed significant impact of Se on measured biochemical responses in wheat and earthworms, indicating the disruption of homeostasis. Obtained results can serve as basis for further studies on Se effects and will help in including different aspects necessary for understanding of Se impact on different components of soil ecosystems.     

Foliar K application to rainfed wheat in a soil testing high K as an option to improve K use efficiency,grain yield and yield components

Abstract

Granular application of potassium (K) in soils testing high is generally not recommended. However, the effect of foliar K on rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under these soil conditions is largely unknown. The objective of this work was to identify the effect of K fertilizer on K use efficiency (KUE), grain yield and yield components of wheat. The data were collected until 2017 in an ongoing trial established in 2007 with eight treatments; two granular K rates (0 and 50?kg K ha^?1); two foliar N rates (0 and 3?kg N ha^?1); and two foliar K rates (0 and 3?kg K ha^?1) in a split-split plot arrangement. Treatments were applied to the same plots each season. Treatment with foliar K resulted in the highest KUE response but the effect size varied according to the accumulated precipitation during the reproductive stage. On average, KUE was enhanced in crop seasons with water constrains (<179?mm) during the growth period but the converse was true as the amount of precipitation increased. In contrast, granular K had no effect on KUE irrespective of precipitation conditions. Application of foliar K increased grain yield as compared to granular K from 2988 to 3089?kg ha^?1. This enhancement was attributed to an increased number of grains per head. Therefore, foliar K application to wheat is suitable in a soil testing high K to enhance KUE and grain yield, overall in crop seasons with water constrains.     

Selenium Concentration in Spring Wheat and Leaching Water as Influenced by Application Times of Selenium and Nitrogen

ABSTRACT

Selenium (Se) deficiency in Scandinavian soils is a common problem, and crops generally contain inadequate amounts to meet human need. This study shows a relationship of the Se concentration in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L., c.v. ‘Helena’) and leaching water with timing of nitrogen (N) [as ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃)] and Se [as sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄)] application. Ammonium-nitrate was applied by two methods (i) whole amount at sowing and (ii) in split application as 75% at sowing and 25% at stem elongation. Selenate was applied at cereal growth stages after sowing, e.g., tillering, stem elongation, head emergence, and milking. Split N application in comparison to one N application increased the grain protein content from 12.1 to 13.7 mg g^{? 1}, and grain Se was increased from 0.8 to 1.1 mg kg^{? 1} when Se was applied at stem elongation and from 0.6 to 0.9 mg kg^{? 1} when applied at heading. The highest Se concentration in plant was achieved with the split N application and Se application at stem elongation or heading. Selenium leaching losses increased with increasing selenium concentration in the wheat grains. No differences in Se leaching losses were obtained with split N application. Applying selenate and ammonium-nitrate together after tillering increased the grain Se concentration, but did not affect the potential leaching of Se, and thus could be considered as an appropriate time of application of these elements.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

不同形态叶面硒肥对水稻吸收和转运硒的影响

通过田间试验,研究了不同形态叶面硒肥对水稻吸收和转运硒的影响。与空白对照相比,亚硒酸钠、硒酸钠、硒代蛋氨酸和化学纳米硒在水稻扬花期一次施用(15g/hm²)可使水稻籽粒、颍壳和秸秆的硒含量分别提高0.06～0.64、0.36～0.83和0.32～0.75 mg/kg。籽粒硒的回收率大小顺序为：硒代蛋氨酸(34.6%)>亚硒酸钠(15.7%)>硒酸钠(15.0%)>化学纳米硒(6.6%);硒在水稻各部位中的分配比例的高低顺序为：秸秆>籽粒>颍壳。此外,硒用量与水稻籽粒的硒含量呈极显著线性相关。按照黑龙江省富硒大米的地方标准(DB23T 790—2004),达到一等大米的硒含量指标(0.20～0.30 mg/kg),亚硒酸钠单施的施用量为6.01～10.62 g/hm²,腐植酸+亚硒酸钠复合肥的施用量为4.26～8.63 g/hm²。硒代蛋氨酸的富硒效率高于其他3种硒形态,腐植酸+亚硒酸钠复合肥的富硒效率高于亚硒酸钠单施。     

Selenium speciation in soil and rice: influence of water management and Se fertilization

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the staple food for half of the world's population, but the selenium (Se) concentrations in rice grain are low in many rice-growing regions. This study investigated the effects of water management on the Se speciation dynamics in the soil solution and Se uptake and speciation in rice in a pot experiment. A control containing no Se or 0.5 mg kg(-1) of soil of selenite or selenate was added to the soil, and plants were grown under aerobic or flooded conditions. Flooding soil increased soluble Se concentration when no Se or selenite was added to the soil, but decreased it markedly when selenate was added. Selenate was the main species in the +selenate treatment, whereas selenite and selenomethionine selenium oxide were detected in the flooded soil solutions of the control and +selenite treatments. Grain Se concentration was 49% higher in the flooded than in the aerobic treatments without Se addition. In contrast, when selenate or selenite was added, the aerobically grown rice contained 25- and 2-fold, respectively, more Se in grain than the anaerobically grown rice. Analysis of Se in rice grain using enzymatic hydrolysis followed by HPLC-ICP-MS and in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) showed selenomethionine to be the predominant Se species. The study showed that selenate addition to aerobic soil was the most effective way to increase Se concentration in rice grain.     

The Physiology and Biochemical Tolerance of Cabbage to Se (VI) Addition to the Soil and by Foliar Spraying

The effects of selenium (Se) (VI) soil fertilization with 2 μg Se L^?1 or foliar spraying twice with 20 mg Se L^?1 in the form of sodium (Na) selenate on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of cabbage plants were studied. The ability of the plants to take up Se and translocate it to different parts of the plants was also studied. Despite the high concentration of Se in the foliar solution, there was no effect on photosynthesis, transpiration rate, photochemical efficiency of PSII, or electron transport system activity. The amount of chlorophyll and anthocyanins were unchanged. At harvest, the concentration of Se in control plants was lower than 100 ng Se g^?1 dry weight (DW), while plants treated with 20 mg Se L^?1 contained 5500 ng Se g^?1. Selenium enriched cabbage could be used in human nutrition. The tolerance of cabbage to Se could be explained by the formation of insoluble compounds that are not available for the plant.     

Effect of saline irrigation water composition on selenium accumulation by wheat

Abstract

Trace amounts of selenium (Se) are essential for animal and human nutrition. However, the optimum concentration range is very narrow and outside of this range deficiencies or toxicities can occur. Potentially harmful levels of Se in soils and irrigation waters have been reported in regions where salinity is also a hazard. This study was conducted to determine the effects of irrigation water composition and salinity level on Se accumulation in leaves and grain of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. ‘Yecora Rojo'). Plants were grown in greenhouse sand cultures and irrigated with complete nutrient solution. Salinity treatments were initiated 4 days after planting by irrigating the seedlings with either chloride‐dominated waters or with waters containing both chloride and sulfate salts. Compositions of the mixed salt waters were designed to simulate saline drainage waters commonly present in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with two salinity types (Cl^? or mixed salts), eight salinity levels (osmotic potentials=0.07, 0.16, 0.21,0.30.0.36, 0.44, 0.52, and 0.63 MPa), and three replications. Four weeks after planting, Se (1 mg L^?1 as sodium selenate) was added to all irrigation waters. In the chloride system, the molar ratio of SO₄ ^2‐:SeO₄ ^2‐ was approximately 110 across all salinity levels, whereas in the mixed salt system, the SO₄ ^2‐ SeO₄ ^2‐ratio in solution increased from about 300 to 4,700 as salinity increased. Selenium concentration was determined in fully‐expanded flag leaf blades and grain. Salinity type, and to a lesser extent, salinity affected Se accumulation. In the Cl‐system, wheat accumulated Se to levels that may be potentially harmful to livestock and humans, e.g., blade‐Se ranged from 435 to 295 mg kg^?1 dry wt; grain‐Se ranged from 81 to 54 mg kg^?1 dry wt. Under the saline conditions of the mixed salt system, the inhibition of selenium uptake by sulfate reduced both blade‐ and grain‐Se to levels that would minimize the health risk to consumers.     

Effect of Foliar Application of Phosphorus on Winter Wheat Grain Yield,Phosphorus Uptake,and Use Efficiency

ABSTRACT

One would expect foliar applied phosphorus (P) to have higher use efficiencies than when applied to the soil, but limited information is available concerning this. Experiments were conducted in 2002, 2003, and 2004 to determine the effect of foliar applications of P on winter wheat grain yields, P uptake, and use efficiency. Twelve treatments containing varying foliar P rates (0, 1, 2, and 4 kg ha^{? 1} in 2002 and 2003 and additional 8, 12, 16, and 20 kg ha^{? 1} in 2004) with and without pre-plant rates of 30 kg ha^{? 1} were evaluated. Foliar applications of P at Feekes 7 generally increased grain yields and P uptake versus no foliar P. Use efficiency was higher when P was applied at Feekes 10.54. Results from this study suggested that low rates of foliar applied P might correct mid-season P deficiency in winter wheat, and that might result in higher P use efficiencies.