Yield responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to additions of KCl fertilizer on high‐K soils have been documented. One of the principal effects of KCl on high‐K soils is a reduction in foliar disease. Little research has been conducted on the effects on oat (Avena sativa L.) production of KCl on high‐K soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding KCl to high‐K‐test soils on grain yield, quality, plant water relations, crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda) incidence, and lodging of commonly grown oat cultivars. The experiments were conducted at four locations in eastern South Dakota. Fertilization with KCl increased oat grain yields by 4% at two locations. Although the increase in grain yield was significant, it was too small to be profitable under current economic conditions. A significant increase in 1000‐kernel weight (4–7% relative to the control) occurred at locations with a yield response. Additions of KCl did not affect crown rust infection, protein, or oil content, relative water content, or stomatal conductance; however, KCl addition decreased solute potential adjusted for full turgor during the boot stage at two locations by 0.07 MPa. The decrease in adjusted solute potential was not consistently associated with a grain yield response.

The objectives of this study were to determine gene action, heritability, and number of effective factors controlling protein content in oats (Avena spp.). One Avena sterilis L. and three A. sativa L. cultivars were crossed in a diallel, including reciprocals, with protein of 16.1 to 24.4%. The data showed additive gene action for groat protein percentage. Partial dominance for low protein percentage was observed. Narrow sense heritability was 41%. Protein percentage was inversely related to grain yield. The Avena sterilis L. parent exhibited recessiveness for high protein content.Estimation of the number of effective factors controlling protein content varied from 1 to 25 depending upon the genetic diversity of the parents and direction of the cross.

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