3 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Item Predicting and Enhancing Spring Wheat Grain Protein Content through Sensing and In-Season Nitrogen Fertilization(North Dakota State University, 2018) Rellaford, Matthew JohnGrain protein content is an essential component to producing a profitable Hard Red Spring Wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) crop in the northern Great Plains. Growers can increase grain protein content through in-season N fertilization; however, the cost of these applications may outweigh the benefits. Predicting the grain protein content of early-season HRSW would give growers crucial information as they decide whether to apply in-season fertilizer to boost grain protein content. This research encompasses three studies; two of which aim to predict grain protein content with hand-held and aerial sensors respectively, and a third, which investigates the optimal rate, timing, and source of N fertilizer to boost grain protein content. Results of these experiments seemed to be greatly influenced by environmental factors. Findings of this research suggest that an in-season N application should be used for ameliorative purposes and not as a regular practice.Item Nitrogen Uptake and Biomass and Ethanol Yield of Biomass Crops as Feedstock for Biofuel(North Dakota State University, 2012) Anfinrud, Robynn ElizabethNitrogen fertilizers are extensively used to enhance the growth of biomass crops. This study was conducted to determine the effect of N rates on the biomass yield and quality, and N uptake of several crops. The experiment was conducted at Fargo and Prosper, ND, in 2010 and 2011. The crops studied were forage sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench], sorghum x sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense (Piper) Stapf.], kenaf [Hibiscus cannabinus L.], and reed canarygrass [Phalaris arundinacea L.]. The different crops constituted the main plots and the nitrogen rates were regarded as subplots. The five N rates were 0, 75, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha-1. Forage sweet sorghum and sorghum x sudangrass had the greatest dry matter biomass yield. Nitrogen fertilization increased biomass yield for each of the crops. The results indicate that forage sorghum and sorghum x sudangrass have the greatest potential as a feedstock.Item Nitrogen Fertilizer Types and Application Timing on Hard Red Spring Wheat Productivity and Grain Protein(North Dakota State University, 2017) Feland, CalliThe balance of improving hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Thell) yield while maintaining grain protein concentration continues to be a challenge in agriculture. The objective of the field research was to evaluate N fertilizer types, additives, rates, and application timing to find N management strategies that improved the efficiency of the applied N with regards to both grain protein and yield. Another aspect of this study was to determine if ground-based active sensor data can predict grain yield and/or protein content. Fertilizer treatments consisted of 2 application timings, 3 sources of N, 3 rates of N, and 2 additive types. Spring applications improved grain protein and yield compared to fall applications. Polymer coated urea shows promise in improving grain protein over urea alone. However, profitability is dependent on environmental factors that may influence N availability, as well as prices at the time that the grain is marketed.