EFFECTS OF RISK, DISEASE, AND NITROGEN SOURCE ON OPTIMAL NITROGEN FERTILIZATION RATES IN WINTER WHEAT PRODUCTION

Abstract

Interactions among nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, N source, and disease severity can affect mean yield and yield variance in conservation tillage wheat production. A Just-Pope model was used to evaluate the effects of N rate, N source, and disease on the spring N-fertilization decision. Ammonium nitrate (AN) was the utility-maximizing N source regardless of risk preferences. The net-return-maximizing AN rate was 92 lb N/acre, providing $0.52/acre higher net returns than the best alternative N source (urea). If a farmer could anticipate a higher than average Take-All infection, the difference in optimal net-returns between AN and urea would increase to$35.11/acre.Crop Production/Industries,