Reduced fertiliser use and changes in cereal grain weight, test weight and protein content in Finland in 1990-2005

Abstract

Since 1995 the Finnish Agri-Environmental Program has set limits for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertiliser application rates in agriculture. The decrease in N and P fertiliser recommendations, and especially the decrase in N and P amounts applied in practice, has raised the question of whether N and P application rates are too low to produce high quality yields. The test weight, 1000 grain weight and protein concentrations measured in 1990-2005 by the Cereal Inspection Unit of the Finnish Food Safety Authority were analysed against soil type, location and NP fertiliser data. The purpose of this study was to document and statistically analyse changes in fertiliser use, important quality factors and the connection between fertiliser use and grain quality of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), winter rye (Secale cereale L.) as well as spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Applications of N and P fertiliser, test weight and 1000 grain weight have decreased in Finland since 1990−1994. Protein content began to decrease in 1995-1999, but then increased in [2000][2001][2002][2003][2004][2005]. The statistical analysis showed that reduced N application rates are associated with lower test weight, 1000 grain weight and grain protein concentration. In addition, low P application rates were associated with reduced 1000 grain weight and protein concentration in some instances, although protein concentration also increased in winter wheat grain. The magnitude of grain quality reduction was not solely explicable through N and P application rates. During the observation period many other factors changed in Finnish cereal production and, for example, the decrease in cereal prices, increase of reduced tillage and low investments in drainage and liming could have been associated with decreased grain quality.

National and regional net nitrogen balances in Finland in 1990 2005

“…Annual variation in N content of grains can also introduce error into the balances. Results from an annual survey of the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Salo et al 2007) suggested that variation of N content in cereals was 0.3-0.5 percentage points over years and regions. Regional calculations could be improved by using these data.…”

Yield response models to phosphorus application: a research synthesis of Finnish field trials to optimize fertilizer P use of cereals

“…According to earlier reports, it was found that P fertilization has a negligible effect on the protein content, but may affect the 1,000-seed weight and the test weight (e.g. Saarela et al 1995;Salo et al 2007).…”

Grain quality and N uptake of spring cereals as affected by nitrogen fertilization in northern conditions: a meta-analysis

“…Data based on Finnish farm surveys showed that, in 1990-2005, reduced N application rates were associated with lower test weight and 1000 grain weight (Salo et al 2007b). However, the magnitude of grain quality reduction was not solely explicable by N application rates, since many other factors and management practices changed in Finnish cereal production during that period.…”