Fluctuation in Lower Stem Nitrate Concentration in Small Grains, 2005

Lower stem nitrate concentration is used as a guide for fertilization of small grains in Arizona. The objective of this study is to determine if the timing of stem sampling has an appreciable effect on stem nitrate and corresponding fertilizer recommendations. Durum and barley were grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center and lower stems were analyzed for nitrate from 3-leaf to maturity. Stem nitrate concentration varied considerably between the 3-leaf and preboot stages, but thereafter was relatively constant and low (averaged 736 ppm). In this study, the timing of the stem sampling could have affected fertilizer recommendations before the pre-boot stage, but afterwards fluctuations in stem nitrate would have resulted in relatively minor differences in fertilizer recommendations