Nitrogen split ratio improved lodging resistance and yield in winter wheat

What the study found: A 3:7 nitrogen basal-to-topdressing ratio improved the culm lodging resistance index, which is a measure of stem resistance to lodging, at all stages and increased winter wheat yield. The study also found that the culm lodging resistance index was the key mediator in the relationship among composition, structure, lodging resistance, and yield.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that this nitrogen strategy may help balance lodging resistance and yield increase in high-yield winter wheat systems. They describe the findings as providing agronomically applicable nitrogen management guidelines.
What the researchers tested: Field experiments were conducted over two seasons with three wheat cultivars and three nitrogen split ratios: 5:5 as the control, 3:7, and 7:3. The researchers measured second basal internode characteristics, including mechanical properties, morphology, anatomy, and composition, and used structural equation modeling for analysis.
What worked and what didn't: Under all treatments, the culm lodging resistance index decreased by 41.8% from flowering to milk stage. At the milk stage, lodging treatments had culm lodging resistance index values between 0.11 and 0.15. The 3:7 treatment significantly improved culm lodging resistance index at all stages and increased yield by 12.2% compared with the control.
What to keep in mind: The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the two-season field design and the three cultivars and nitrogen ratios tested. The findings are limited to the conditions and treatments reported in the study.

Key points

• A 3:7 nitrogen basal-to-topdressing ratio improved lodging resistance and raised yield in winter wheat.
• The culm lodging resistance index fell by 41.8% from flowering to milk stage under all treatments.
• At the milk stage, lodging treatments had culm lodging resistance index values between 0.11 and 0.15.
• The 3:7 treatment increased yield by 12.2% compared with the control.
• Structural equation modeling supported a composition-structure-lodging resistance-yield chain.