How to increase oat grain numbers

Grain number is a function of the number of fertile shoots per unit area and the number of grains per head. The main impact of nutrition is on this is on the numbers of grains per head.

Nitrogen increases grain numbers

Nitrogen will affect the number of grains that are set on individual ears. A high yielding crop of oats will have approximately 30-40 grains / ear, however if nitrogen supply is limiting this will be reduced.

Effect of nitrogen timing on grains ear of spring oats

 The timing of the applied nitrogen is important as grain numbers are determined early from double ridge to floret initiation.

Early applications of nitrogen increases the number of grains / ear.

Micronutrients influence oat grain numbers

Manganese, zinc, copper and boron are the essential micro nutrients that affect the number of grains/ear and hence increase grain yield. Copper affects the quality of pollen and therefore the number of grain sites that set seed. Blind sites are associated with copper deficiency.

Other crop management practices influencing oat grain numbers

The number of eventual grains per ear varies from season to season and is affected by a number of factors including:

  • Varietal choice 
  • Disease control during flowering 
  • Weather conditions during flowering 
  • Temperature and day length before terminal spikelet (Zadoks GS 30)

Related articles

How to increase oat yield

How to increase oat yield

The main components of oat yield are grain numbers and individual grain weight. Both of these components are strongly influenced by nutrition.
How to maintain oat green leaf canopy

How to maintain oat green leaf canopy

Key to achieving high oat yields is to maintain the green leaf area right through to the final grain filling period, capturing as much of the incident light as possible and converting it to yield.
How to increase oat leaf and shoot numbers

How to increase oat leaf and shoot numbers

The number of leaves and shoots determines the size of the canopy and the final number of ears at harvest. Nitrogen, phosphate and sulphur are the most important for increasing leaf and shoot numbers.
How to increase oat grain size and specific weight

How to increase oat grain size and specific weight

Grain specific weight is a measure of the density of the grain. Specific weight is predominantly a genetic trait of varieties, but poor crop nutrition and application can reduce specific weight.
Oat manganese deficiency

Identify and diagnose oat nutrient deficiencies

Identify and diagnose if your oats are suffering from nutrient deficiencies and learn more about the symptoms and causes and how to control or correct the deficiency

See all oat article pages

Recommended Yara fertilisers for oats

YaraBela AXAN
27% N + 9% SO3 - Granular uniform compound nitrate based nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser for use on all crops.
See all fertilisers choices

Agronomy advice related to oats

Agronomy Advice - Do you really need straight nitrogen
Do you really need straight nitrogen
Before ordering your straight nitrogen it is worth considering how much you actually need as it may be you actually need NS or NPKS grades instead.
Agronomy Advice - Don't forget about sulphur
Don't forget about sulphur
Sulphur was often overlooked in the past but today it is recognised as an essential nutrient and considered just as important as nitrogen, so not to be forgotten.
Heavier fertiliser spreads further
Heavier fertiliser spreads further
Some fertilisers consistently spread further and more accurately than others. A heavier and larger fertiliser granule will spread further because the spreader can put more energy into it.
See all agronomy advice

Looking for even more information ...

If you would like more information and would like to speak to our arable specialist or to one of our area managers or agronomists please find all their contact details here.

Contact your local Yara area manager or agronomist

 

Where can I buy Yara fertiliser ...

If you would like to find your nearest Yara supplier or merchant simply use this searchable map with all their contact details here.

Where can I buy Yara fertilisers >