As one of the most important cereal crops in the world, wheat requires a carefully planned fertilizer schedule to ensure healthy growth and maximize yield. Here we will outline a typical fertilizer program for wheat, covering the key stages of growth and nutrient requirements.
Pre-Planting
Before planting, soil testing should be conducted in the field to determine the soil pH and nutrient content. Soil acidity should be addressed before planting to ensure the nutrients are available during the growing season. Lime or other sources of calcium can be added to raise the pH levels of the soil. The presence of macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K), and micronutrients like zinc, copper, and boron should also be tested. Soil amendments should be added according to the test results.
Basal Fertilizer Application
After planting, a basal fertilizer application is recommended. This is a crucial stage of the wheat growth cycle as it is aimed at building up soil fertility levels and ensuring essential nutrients are available to the plant right from the start. Usually, basal fertilizers are applied as starter fertilizers or during sowing. The primary nutrients needed at this stage are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which can be applied as diammonium phosphate (DAP) or monoammonium phosphate (MAP) combined with urea.
Top Dressing Fertilizers
To ensure that the wheat plant has access to a continuous supply of nutrients throughout its growing period, top dressing fertilizer applications are necessary. This can be done when wheat reaches the tiller or jointing stage, depending on the soil type and climatic conditions.
At the tiller or jointing stage, a high nitrogen fertilizer such as urea is applied to promote growth and yield. Depending on soil fertility levels, top dressing with an NPK fertilizer can be considered. Nitrogen should be applied in 2-3 doses with a total of 120-160 kg/ha depending on the yield potential of the wheat.
Post-Anthesis Application
At the post-anthesis stage, the wheat plants require adequate amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous to form a healthy root system, promote further vegetative growth, and form strong, healthy grains. Nitrogen application should be reduced to 30 kg/ha, while phosphorus application can be increased to support plant growth.
Foliar Application
During the growing period, nutrients can be absorbed via the plant’s leaves, leading to improved plant health and greater yields. A foliar application of urea can be applied to the wheat plant at the flowering stage or any stress period. This will provide the plant with nitrogen directly through its leaves and minimizes any wastage.
Conclusion
The wheat crop has different stages of growth, each requiring specific nutrients. Developing an adequate and timely wheat fertilizer schedule can help ensure that the plants receive the necessary nutrients at the correct time and at the right dose. By following best practices and management techniques for fertilization, wheat growers can achieve healthy plant growth, high yields, and excellent quality of wheat grains.