FACTS #10 – Wheat quality: How to increase proteins?

Today, wheat covers more of the Earth's surface and produces more food than any other grain crop. Farmers strive to maximize yield, minimize cost, reduce environmental impact and ensure a high baking quality. In recent years, the quality of wheat has been subject to discussion, since higher yields have created a trend towards lower protein content. A satisfactory protein content in wheat translates into better flours and most importantly for the farmer, higher selling prices.

Farmer's words on quality

We have asked farmers in Germany and France about their opinions and experiences regarding quality, yield and fertilization strategies. No wonder, priorities are not exactly the same regarding details, but most farmers agreed that quality is an issue that they need to address. Here is what they say:

Philippe Justine

Aisne (France)

Philippe Justine is cultivating winter wheat on some 52ha of his farmland this year. The 190 to 200kg N/ha are split in 3 applications. "I reserve 40 to 50kg/ha as AN 33.5 for the last application. The first application is timed at tillering with 40 to 50kg/ha AN 33.5. The second application takes place at beginning of stem elongation (Z30) with 80 to 100kg/ha as UAN. For the third application, I have chosen for many years to apply ammonium nitrate 33.5, in contrast to other farmers in the region. The intervention is more reliable using my spreader than with the sprayer. And there is less risk of volatization losses." For 4 years, Philippe Justine has adjusted N-rates to intra-field variations using the N-Sensor. The first application is triggered by the N-Tester. "Avoiding over-fertilization in certain areas has stopped lodging" Observes Philippe Justine, "Though this was a recurrent problem with a negative impact on yield and quality." Regarding protein, this is not a major concern up to now with 10.8 to 12.4% of RP content in 2013, also due to regular application of poultry manure.

Thomas Seeger

Saxony-Anhalt (Germany)

Thomas Seeger never trades quality for quantity on his 2,000ha farm, but strives for both. "Since A-Wheat (>13% protein) produces the same yield but offers better returns(+5€/t), protein content is important for me. When yield is the same, protein content is financially rewarding." Thomas Seeger achieves an average of 13.3 to 13.5% about all wheat types. His strategy for high yield and quality: "4 applications, optimum seeding time, matching of wheat type with previous crop... I'm applying ammonium nitrate for the first application, for 2 or 3 years as Sulfan at EC 25-28. I'm also planning to spread Sulfan for the last application this year, at EC 49-57 but have no experience yet." Thomas Seeger uses the N-Tester and the N-Sensor from the second application on, allowing only tight variations from mean application rates of 15kh maximum.

Véronique Richon

Marne (France)

While nitrogen is principally applied as UAN in the Champagne region, Véronique Richon has, since 2004, used ammonium nitrate for the last application on wheat. "Protein content of our milling wheat was not quite high, always between 10 and 11%. In addition, according to weather conditions (sunshine, dew) during spraying, the UAN solution could cause leaf necrosis. Ammonium nitrate for the third application proved to be more efficient than UAN, producting 0.5% more protein for the same nitrogen application rate. Our wheat now attains a mean protein content of 11.5% over the last five years, providing an extra earning of 3.50€/t"

Cord Nissen

Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)

Cord Nissen is running a 460ha farm. When asked whether protein content is an issue for him, he responds: "Yes, but I don't strive for RP values higher than 12% at maximum yield. I therefore privilege winter-resistant, healthy varieties with safe RP. We experienced quality problems in 2011 with severe income losses. B-quality could not be achieved everywhere and prices for low RP wheat dropped significantly. Last year we achieved 12% RP due to a quality spreading at BBCH 51 with Sulfan." Card Nissen makes 3-4 applications, the first as Sulfan or Optimag, sometimes also spreading Sulfan for the 3rd application at BBCH 37-59. He uses the "N-Tester to provide an overview about N-Supply" and the "N-Sensor to provide fertilizer where it is really needed." About the N-Sensor, Card Nissen adds: "I'm totally convinced by it. When correctly calibrated, anyone with the technical skills but not necessarily having the agronomic know-how can do the spreading."