Key Points
- Two spring wheat nitrogen trials were established in the 2001/02 season, in Mid Canterbury (Ashton) and South Canterbury (St Andrews)
- The Ashton site showed a large yield response to fertiliser, particularly when the N was applied at crop establishment. Ear numbers were low at Ashton and early application of N fertiliser was required to increase ear numbers
- At St Andrews, the yield response was minor
- Grain protein levels increased markedly with N fertiliser levels, regardless of the time of application. There was no effect on other grain quality parameters