YIELD AND QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) IN RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF FOLIAR FERTILIZATION

Foliar fertilizers are increasingly often used in agricultural practice to maximize the yield potential of T. aestivum L. Foliar fertilization can effectively reverse nutritional deficiencies (macronutrients), and it can be used as the main method for supplying plants with the required micronutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various systems of foliar micronutrient and macronutrient fertilization on the yield and quality of wheat grain. A field experiment was carried out in 2012-2015, in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Balcyny, owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The highest grain yield (10.16 Mg ha(-1)) of winter wheat was noted in the treatment where foliar fertilizers were supplied in 5 applications. It was higher by 230-430 to 660 kg ha(-1) than in plots where foliar fertilizers were supplied in 2 applications. Intensified foliar fertilization increased nitrogen (54%) and potassium (12%) concentrations, but decreased the magnesium (10%) content of winter wheat straw. The concentrations of phosphorus (0.34 g kg(-1) dry matter (DM)), potassium (0.23 g kg(-1) DM), calcium (0.40 g kg(-1) DM) and sulfur (0.05 g kg(-1) DM) in winter wheat grain increased in response to intensified foliar fertilization. Foliar application of liquid macronutrient and micronutrient fertilizers increased micronutrient concentrations in winter wheat straw (copper, zinc, manganese, iron) but decreased the micronutrient content of grain (copper, zinc, iron). Intensified foliar fertilization significantly reduced total protein content (1.1 g kg(-1) DM) and gluten content (0.9%) and deteriorated protein quality. The influence of different foliar fertilization systems on the falling number was determined by precipitation levels during heading and ripening of winter wheat. The rheological properties of dough (development, stability and softness) improved each year in response to intensified foliar fertilization with macronutrients and micronutrients.