Key Points
- Given reasonable background N and soil moisture, delaying applied N until at least GS32 (mid-October) has produced less dense crops, without resultant yield loss.
- Delayed N has increased proteins by 1.0 – 1.5%.
- 1/3 of N at GS32, and 2/3 of total N at GS39 has given good yields and increased proteins on both irrigated & dryland sites in 2002/03.
- Less dense crop canopies are likely to have less disease, and are less likely to lodge.