Effect of cobalt on yield and grain quality of winter wheat

A plot experiment was conducted to study the effect of cobalt on yield and grain quality of winter wheat by the design method of complete random block. The main results were summarized as follows: cobalt application increased wheat yields compared with control, and the greatest enhances were Co 1.05kg/hm2. Lower concentration of cobalt (0.45—0.75kg/hm2)improved grain quality(crude protein content, sedimentation value, wet gluten content, dry gluten content and valorimeter value) and higher addition of Co (over 1.35kg/hm2) resulted decrease in values of grain quality. Co content in wheat grain and DPTA-extractable cobalt in soil showed significantly positive correlation with soil-applied cobalt. Roots were significantly richer in cobalt than aerial parts.