Optimum N concentration in winter wheat grown in the coastal plain region of Virginia

Limited information is available on optimum N levels in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), particularly at higher yield levels. Three experiments were conducted in the Coastal Plain region of Virginia where N was applied at rates of 0, 67, 90 and 112 kg/ha to Wheeler, Mc Nair 1003 and Coker 747 soft red winter wheat varieties. Yields ranged from 2.33 to 5.83 Mg/ha in the study. Nitrogen fertilization increased yield up to the 67 kg/ha rate and increased N concentration in the plant tissue up to 67 or 112 kg of N/ha, depending on variety. Optimum N concentration, i.e., N concentration at maximum (100%) yield for Wheeler, Mc Nair 1003 and Coker 747, over the three experiments, was 4.54%, 4.52% and 4.81%, respectively, for entire above‐ground plant samples collected at Feekes growth stage 4 and 4.72%, 4.73% and 4.44% for flag leaf samples collected at Feekes growth stage 10. A N sufficiency range of 4.00–5.00% is suggested for use for the plant parts sampled for both growth stages.