Wheat nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur uptake dynamics under different management practices

Information is limited on the effect of intensified management on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nutrient uptake dynamics. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of agronomic practices on wheat yield and uptake of N, P, K, and S by evaluating the (a) nutrient utilization and uptake at varying yield levels, (b) variation in nutrient concentration as function of biomass, and (c) plant nutritional status. The genotype 'Everest' was grown under standard (SM) and intensive (IM) management. Treatments (i.e., N, Cl, and S fertilizers, fungicide, plant density, and growth regulator) were individually added to the SM or removed from the IM controls. The IM control increased yield by as much as 0.9 Mg ha(-1) and uptake of N, K, and S by 37, 30, and 60%, respectively, relative to the SM control, with no changes in P uptake. Fungicide was the main treatment limiting yield and nutrient uptake, and its removal from the IM control reduced yield by 1 Mg ha(-1) and nutrient uptake in high disease-pressure seasons. Across all treatments and nutrients, 20% of the uptake at maturity was accumulated by stem elongation, 50% at flag leaf, and 70% at heading. The IM control maintained higher shoot nutrient concentration relative to the SM control during the season, increasing nutrition indices for N and S, and indicating possible luxury uptake under IM. Intensification strategies may increase nutrient demand but it does not seem to affect the overall timing and rate of uptake during the season.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effect of intensified management on winter wheat yield and uptake of N, P, K, and S, showing significant increases in yield and N, K, and S uptake under intensified management but no change in P uptake. Fungicide was identified as the main factor limiting yield and nutrient uptake. Intensified management maintained higher plant nutrient concentration throughout the season, potentially indicating luxury uptake.