Potash Could Add Profits to Winter Wheat Production

 

Certain studies suggest that adding potash fertilizer (potassium chloride, KCL) to wheat could boost profits. It may not be a considerable difference but an average of the studies showed a 3 – 5 bu/ac yield improvement.

 

Potassium is linked to many of the plants process such as disease and insect resistance. The major role that potassium plays is in the structural components. This improves stalk strength and lodging resistance of winter wheat.  Potassium influences the water uptake by roots, regulates the opening and closing of stomata on the leaves.

 

Research suggests that chloride helps in the suppression of take all, leaf rust and septoria in winter wheat.  Chloride in plants has an important responsibility in stomatal regulation, water flow and photosynthesis.

 

The 3 - 5 bu/ac response experienced by adding potash may be as a result of the chloride, or the potassium, or both. The research suggests that the response occurred without any relationship to the soils test levels of potassium or chlorine.  The cost of adding 70 - 100 lb/ac of potash is approximately $8- $10 per acre.  Setting the price for wheat at $4 per bushel, that would mean a $12-$20 per acre increase in profits.

 

Contact your crop specialist to discuss all options associated with a winter wheat fertility program.

 

Heather Bee

Crop Sales Specialist

La Co-op de Pointe aux Roches

 

 

 

 

Websites

www.agr.okstate.edu/wheat/

www.montana.edu

www.smallgrains.org/research

www.agric.wa.gov.au/

www.ipipotash.org