As one of the oldest crops grown by man, wheat has been an essential staple in the human diet for thousands of years. It is also a key ingredient in many processed foods, making it a significant economic commodity worldwide. Wheat is predominantly grown in countries like China, India, Russia, United States, France, and Germany.
Wheat is a highly demanded crop. To achieve optimal yields and quality of wheat, it’s necessary to provide adequate nutrition to the crops. Soil alone cannot fulfill the nutritional demands of the crop, and therefore, wheat growers have to provide chemical fertilizers. Wheat is a plant that requires a balanced supply of all essential nutrients, and therefore, it’s essential to determine the right fertilizer dose for wheat to ensure maximum yield and quality.
Application of Fertilizers for Wheat Crop
Fertilizers can be classified into two types; organic and inorganic (synthetic) fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured chemically, while organic fertilizers are derived from materials such as animal manures, plant residues, and compost.
The nutrient requirement of the wheat crop changes significantly during its various growth stages. It’s important to apply fertilizers based on a proper recommendation for wheat crops.
Pre-sowing Dose of Fertilizers: Depending on the soil fertility and nutrient status, the pre-sowing fertilizer dose can vary. Generally, a basal dose of nitrogen (N) 60-80 kg/ha, phosphorus (P) 40-60 kg/ha, and potassium (K) 20-30 kg/ha along with 10-15 tonnes of farmyard manure (FYM) per hectare are applied.
Top Dressing Fertilizer Dose: At the early growth stage, i.e., during tillering, the application of nitrogen is necessary. A dose of 40-60 kg/ha of nitrogen can be given at the time of tillering, followed by another 40-60 kg/ha after the flag leaf emerges. The application of fertilizers should be done timely.
Micro-nutrient application: Micro-nutrients like Zinc, Copper, Boron, Manganese, and Iron are essential for wheat crops. These micro-nutrients can be given to the crop through foliar application or soil application.
Application Techniques of Fertilizers:
The major application techniques for fertilizers are broadcasting, drilling, and banding. Broadcasting is suitable for small farms, planting in the large-scale fields use the drilling method. Banding helps to concentrate the fertilizer in the root zone and can be adopted for wheat cultivation.
Conclusion:
The accurate dosing of fertilizers should be followed for achieving maximum yield and quality of wheat, ensuring an ample supply of required essential nutrients. Timely and adequate fertilization can undoubtedly lead to improved wheat production and a better economic benefit. The application of N+P+K dose alone does not guarantee improved crop yields; therefore, proper nutrient management practices should be adopted.