As one of the world’s most important grains, wheat is crucial to global food security. As a result, farmers must ensure that their wheat crops are optimally fertilized to maximize yield and quality.
When it comes to fertilizing wheat crops, there are four key nutrients that farmers need to consider: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Here are some guidelines for each nutrient:
Nitrogen: As wheat is a high nitrogen-demanding crop, providing adequate nitrogen is very important. On average, wheat crops require around 120-144 kg of nitrogen per hectare. While farmers can apply nitrogen at their own discretion, experts suggest that around 40% of the total nitrogen requirement should be provided as basal dose and the rest should be applied in split doses. Additionally, the application of urea-based fertilizers is often preferred in a couple of split doses to maximize its effectiveness.
Phosphorus: Wheat crops need significant amounts of phosphorus to root growth, tiller production, and grain formation. For wheat crops that are grown in phosphorus-deficient soils, experts recommend farmers to apply 45-60 kg per hectare of phosphorous as a basal dose to improve the soil condition of the crop.
Potassium: Potassium is vital for the wheat crop’s root growth, water balance, and grain filling. Experts recommend that wheat crops be fertilized with around 60-90 kg of potassium each hectare. Farmers should pay special attention to the timing of potassium applications, as the crops’ late-stage growth requires more of this nutrient.
Sulfur: Wheat crop requires significant amounts of sulfur to develop enzyme function. On average, crops require around 20-40 kg per hectare of sulfur nutrients. Farmers often apply sulfur fertilizers with other basic NPK fertilizers if soil tests reveal that their crop needs more sulfur.
Cumulatively, these four inputs help maximize wheat yield, quality, and nutrition. Proper utilization along with the best technology and proven agronomic practices will help farmers to get the best output.