Milling wheats

A milling quality price premium is typically reliant on a minimum grain protein of 13% (100% DM basis). This protein content is critical for both the quality and volume of a bread loaf and is often not achieved by traditional nitrogen applications.

Where Nufol is applied as a late foliar spray average protein level increases in excess of 1% frequently push wheat samples into the premium category, dramatically increasing the profitability of the crop. End users will commonly deduct £1 per tonne for every 0.1% below 13% protein.

Why Foliar Nitrogen?

In the dry months of early summer the lack of soil moisture can restrict nitrogen uptake through the plant root system. During this dry period nitrogen applied as a foliar spray to the leaves of cereals will be more quickly and more efficiently absorbed by the crop. When nitrogen is applied in small quantities as a foliar spray the percentage of nitrogen actually utilised by the crop is usually significantly higher than for soil applied nitrogen.

The timing of Nufol applications will depend on whether the objective is to increase yields - or to improve protein levels in bread wheats. Extensive commercial trials have shown consistent and significant increases in both yield and protein.