This research investigated the effects of different types of fertilizers on the field traits, nitrogen absorption and utilization, yield, yield components, and processing quality of weak-gluten wheat following rice cultivation in the Jiang-Huai region. The goal was to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of optimal fertilizer types and regulation of application rates for achieving high yield and quality of weak-gluten wheat in this region.

The two weak-gluten wheat varieties, including Yangmai 20 (YM20) and Baihumai 1 (BHM1), were used as experimental materials. The experiment was set three nitrogen levels: 150 kg·hm^-2 (N₁₀), 180 kg·hm^-2 (N₁₂), and 210 kg·hm^-2 (N₁₄), with an additional nitrogen-free treatment (N₀) to calculate nitrogen efficiency. Four types of fertilizers were applied: compound fertilizer + urea (F₁), slow-release mixed fertilizer (F₂), controlled-release fertilizer (F₃), and wheat formula fertilizer (F₄). The effects of different treatments on wheat population dynamics, nitrogen utilization, yield, and quality were analyzed.

As nitrogen application levels increased, the yield and quality indicators of weak-gluten wheat improved. The one-time basal application of slow-release mixed fertilizer, controlled-release fertilizer, and wheat formula fertilizer significantly increased the SPAD value of the flag leaf after anthesis and the number of spikes at maturity. Compared with the compound fertilizer+urea treatment, the nitrogen accumulation in the above-ground parts under slow-release mixed fertilizer, controlled-release fertilizer, and wheat formula fertilizer was increased by 5.0%-12.8%, 0.8%-6.2%, and 9.9%-17.2%, respectively; the nitrogen utilization efficiency increased by 10.3%-26.9%, 4.3%-16.5%, and 22.1%-39.8%, respectively; during anthesis, the activities of nitrate reductase (NR) in the flag leaf increased by 2.6%-8.8%, –2.9%-1.5%, and 5.1%-12.8%; glutamine synthetase (GS) activity increased by 9.0%-23.8%, 2.0%-8.9%, and 11.8%-28.7%; and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activity increased by 3.9%-18.4%, 0.8%-8.9%, and 7.7%-24.0%; yield increased by 5.0%-11.5%, 1.8%-7.6%, and 9.7%-18.4%, respectively. At nitrogen levels of 180 and 210 kg·hm^-2, slow-release mixed fertilizer, controlled-release fertilizer, and wheat formula fertilizer all resulted in varying degrees of yield improvement compared with the compound fertilizer+urea treatment. At the same nitrogen levels, slow-release mixed fertilizer and controlled-release fertilizer significantly reduced grain protein content, wet gluten content, grain hardness, and solvent retention capacity compared with the compound fertilizer + urea treatment. They also reduced dough formation time and stability time, lowered water absorption rate, and the farinograph quality number. These treatments also enhanced the dough rheological properties and weakened the gluten strength.

For weak-gluten wheat cultivation following rice in the Jiang-Huai region, it was recommended to control the nitrogen level at 180-210 kg·hm^-2. A one-time basal application of slow-release mixed fertilizer could ensure both high quality and high yield of weak-gluten wheat.