Dr. Nicole Fiorellino at the University of Maryland investigated the potential to increase grain protein content in soft red winter wheat through modified nitrogen fertilization strategies. Increasing the amount and frequency of nitrogen fertilization can increase grain protein content in hard red winter and spring wheat varieties, however it has not been determined if this strategy will increase grain protein in soft red winter wheat, which is typically bred for low protein content. The project aims to evaluate if production of higher protein wheat can be a profitable option for Maryland growers, which will be dependent on local grain buyers offering a premium price for this grain.
Research is being conducted in Queenstown and Salisbury, Maryland with three varieties and four fertilization strategies. Results of the three year study indicate that higher protein content is possible, but the variety of wheat was more likely to increase protein content than fertilization strategy.
MGPUB invested $7,500 in this research in 2021 and this is the third, and final year, of the study with a total of $18,998 invested in this project.