In-Season Prediction of Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Grain Protein in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In a 3-year study, grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and grain protein (GP) were evaluated as a function of rate and timing of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application. Linear models that included preplant N, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), cumulative rainfall, and average air temperature from planting to sensing (T-avg) were evaluated to predict NUE and GP in winter wheat. GreenSeeker readings were collected at Feekes (F) 3, 4, 5, and 7 growth stages. Combined with rainfall and/or T-avg, NDVI alone was not correlated with NUE. However, NDVI and rainfall explained 45% (r² = 0.45) of the variability in GP at F7 growth stage. Preplant N, NDVI, rainfall and growing degree days (GDD) combined explained 76% (r² = 0.76) of the variability in GP at F3. Mid-season climatic data improved the prediction of GP and should therefore be considered for refining fertilizer recommendations when GP levels are expected to be low.