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WHEAT (Triticum aestivum) RESPONSE TO FALL VS. SPRING MANURE APPLICATION Wiederholt, R. J. Nutrient Management Specialist, North Dakota State University, Carrington Research Extension Center, Carrington, ND 58421 The timing of manure application is usually determined by environmental protection issues or farm operation workload. Little information is available concerning the effect of manure application timing on manure nutrient availability. A randomized complete block study with four replications was established at the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center to determine the impact of fall versus spring applied livestock manure on hard red spring wheat growth and yield. Four treatments were imposed on 15' x 30' plots; 1) zero nitrogen (N), 2) fall applied manure, 3) spring applied manure and 4) spring applied urea N. The N treatments were applied to meet a 60 bushel ac-1 wheat yield goal. The plot area was no-till with no incorporation of the treatments except that the urea N was applied during a light rain to minimize volatilization. Plant height, spike count, yield, test weight and kernel protein was determined at maturity. According to statistical analysis, the check treatment was significantly shorter than the other treatments and there was no difference among the treatments for test weight or spike count. The urea N treatment had significantly higher protein than the other treatments and for yield, urea > fall manure > spring manure > or = the check. The results of this study suggest that timing of manure application may impact crop yield.

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