ABSTRACTOPTIMIZING AGRONOMIC PRACTICES ON MICHIGAN WINTER WHEAT AND SUGARBEET PRODUCTIONByChristopher Alan Bauer Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield potential can be impacted by planting date, and nitrogen (N) rate and timing strategies may offer additional opportunities to enhance the production and efficiency of this cropping system. Field experiments were initiated in Lansing, MI to determine the effects of three planting dates, three N rates, and three N timings on winter wheat grain yield potential, lodging incidence, tiller and grain head production, and efficiency of applied N fertilizer and to evaluate the potential of specific plant characteristics used to predict grain yield. In the 2013-2014 growing season, early-planted wheat produced excessive plant tillering and height (102 cm) resulting in significant lodging and a 20% yield reduction compared to the second planting date (91 cm). In both study years, the efficiency of applied N decreased with increasing N rate. In order to optimize yield and N efficiency, N rates and timing may be managed in response to planting date in lieu of static recommendations. Increased spring weather variability and early planting dates may allow enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF) to improve sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) N management. Field studies were initiated in Richville, MI to study the effects of EEF in comparison to standard N programs on sugarbeet yield and quality. Nitrogen strategy did not significantly affect root yield or sucrose concentration in 2014 or 2015. However, significant reductions in plant population were observed without EEF in both years and from in-furrow applications in 2015. Nitrogen loss conditions are required to obtain a positive yield response to EEF, but this class of fertilizer products will inhibit the release of N and reduce saltation risks regardless of weather conditions.
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