A four year Minnesota study demonstrates how ESN can increase protien levels in spring wheat. ESN protects nitrogen (N) from loss inside its unique protective coating and supplies N to the crop when it is needed. By supplying N to the crop later in the growing season, more N is available for protein production in the grain.
Wheat plants need N throughout the growing season. Most N uptake by a wheat plant takes place in the period of about 40-80 days after planting and continues up to 120 days after planting. ESN may be used to meet this season-long demand.
In this four year study, ESN incorporated 3 days prior to planting increased protein levels compared to urea. Protein levels in ESN treatments increased with higher percentages of ESN in the final blend and were demonstrated at both the 50 and 100 lb N/acre rate.
Data are means of four site years. All N applied at planting. Yield did not differ significantly among treatments. Avg. yield was 109 bu/acre. Source: Dr. A. Sims, Univ of Minnesota-NWROC, Crookson, MN, 2008-09.
