Relationship between Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Response Index in Winter Wheat

Although nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of small grains is well documented at 33% worldwide, there has been little research relating NUE to yield factors. This study examined the relationship between NUE and the response index at harvest (RIHARVEST) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Yield data from a long-term fertility study established at Lahoma, Oklahoma in 1971 was used to explore the relationship. In this report, six nitrogen (N) rates at non-limiting levels of P and K were evaluated. Regression analysis showed a positive relationship between NUE and RIHARVEST for all years across all N rates (r2 = 0.37). But this relationship was improved (r2 = 0.45) when both RINDVI and RIHARVEST were included in the model. The linear relationship between NUE and RIHARVEST was significantly improved, when yield data and corresponding NUE were separated according to the annually applied fixed N rate. As the N rate increased the resulting slope of the relationship between NUE and RI was reduced. These analyses also demonstrate that temporal variability in NUE exists and that NUE can be predicted.