Improving protein levels in wheat continues to be a global research mission. WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY grew only 19 percent from 1987 to 2007, while soybean productivity increased by nearly 30 percent. That’s why leaders in the fight against world hunger, including recently deceased Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, have called for improved research and investment in wheat and rice, two important staple crops. The Mosaic Company, Plymouth, Minn., is studying the role of crop nutrients in improving wheat drought tolerance and protein content. “We’ve increased protein by 1 percent and improved baking quality score using a crop nutrient product that contains sulfur and zinc,” says Dan Froehlich, Ph.D., director of agronomy. “We’re also looking at timing. We’re seeing more and more dryland wheat growers skimp on nutrients in fall; then in spring, if they have a good crop growing, they will apply more. “But are we providing the plant with the right nutrients at the right time so it can handle the stress of a dry winter? We’re studying these questions from a global standpoint,” says Froehlich. “Changes in fertilization practices will have even more implication in Brazil than in the United States because the Brazilian soils are more eroded and weathered.” 12 November/December 2009 CHSINC.COM