How to increase wheat starch content

When wheat is destined for biofuel production, the yield of ethanol is a key component to consider. Varietal choice is an important consideration with those that are soft wheat types tending to give higher ethanol yields. Harvesting delays must be avoided as there is a danger that grain in the ear starts to grow (sprout) at which point enzymes begin to breakdown the starch.

Nitrogen effects on grain starch content

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient that will directly affect the grains starch content.

High ethanol content is inversely related to grain nitrogen i.e. low grain nitrogen (or protein) is an indication of high starch content, and hence potentially high bioethanol yield per tonne. If the grain is grown specifically for ethanol then nutrient management practices should be adjusted accordingly. Nitrogen should be applied early in the growing season preventing any late nitrogen applications to increase grain protein content.

Low protein wheat grain has the highest alcohol yield for ethanol production

The correlation of wheat grain starch and grain protein

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Identify and diagnose wheat nutrient deficiencies

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Recommended Yara fertilisers for wheat

YaraMila ACTYVA S
15.6-14.6-14.6+ 6.5 SO3 - Granular fertiliser often used for grassland, winter cereals and oilseed rape to supply phosphate and potash together with nitrogen and sulphur.
YaraBela AXAN
27% N + 9% SO3 - Granular uniform compound nitrate based nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser for use on all crops.
YaraBela SULPHAN
24% N + 15% SO3 - Uniform compound nitrate based nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser for use on all crops, particularly those with a higher sulphur requirement.
YaraMila SULPHUR CUT
22-4-14 + 7.5% SO3 - Compound fertiliser for arable and grass crops where sulphur is required.
Yara Nuram 35+S
35% N + 7% SO3 - A liquid nitrogen + sulphur fertiliser suitable for use on a wide range of crops.
YaraVita GRAMITREL
A flowable liquid fertiliser with a balanced combination of micronutrients including manganese, magnesium, copper and zinc for foliar application to cereals.
YaraVita MANTRAC PRO
A flowable liquid micronutrient fertiliser containing 500 g/l of manganese for application as a foliar spray or seed treatment to a wide range of crops.
YaraVita ZINTRAC 700
A fully formulated flowable liquid micronutrient fertiliser containing 700 g/l zinc for foliar application to prevent and treat zinc deficiency on a wide range of crops.
YaraVita FOLIAR POTASH
A liquid foliar fertiliser containing 500 g/l potash for foliar application to provide additional potassium or correct potash deficiencies in a wide range of crops.
See all fertilisers products

How correct nutrient management can affect your wheat

Managing late drilled wheat crops
Managing late drilled wheat crops
Where drilling of winter wheat has been delayed, the crop nutrition strategy should be adapted to help recover the lost yield potential
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.
Increase grain protein with well timed nitrogen
Increase grain protein with well timed nitrogen
A well-timed application of nitrogen after the flag leaf final-dressing will increase the amount of nitrogen available to your crops during that crucial stage of protein development.
Foliar phosphate – energising cereal crops for spring growth
Foliar phosphate – energising cereal crops for spring growth
Many cereal crops struggle to get moving in early spring due to low phosphorus levels as a result of low phosphate availability. Giving these crops a quick 'energy boost' from foliar phosphate is the best way to get them started.
See all agronomy advice

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