Efficiency of nitrogen use by wheat depending on genotype and previous crop

ABSTRACT The efficiency of nitrogen use by wheat crop depends on genetic and environmental stimuli. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of nitrogen use by wheat crop, through biomass, productivity and grain quality indicators, as a function of the genotype and previous harvest, in Southern Brazil cereal cultivation systems. The experiments were conducted in soybean/wheat and maize/wheat systems during 2015, 2016, and 2017 in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with four repetitions, following a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, referring to five wheat cultivars (Quartzo, TBIO Sinuelo, TBIO Sintonia, TEC 10 and TEC Vigore) and four nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) applied as a topdressing during the phenological stage of the expanded third leaf, stage 13. There were genetic differences in nitrogen use efficiency, for the productivity (yield and biomass) and quality of wheat. However, these genetic differences were influenced by the carbon:nitrogen ratios of the previous crop. Quartzo and TBIO Sinuelo had the greatest nitrogen use efficiency for grain yield, TBIO Sinuelo had the greatest nitrogen use efficiency for biomass production and Quartzo had the greatest nitrogen use efficiency for grain quality with expectation of 3 Mg ha-1, regardless of the succession system, in the joint analysis of agricultural years.