Fertilizer Dose in Wheat at the Time of Sowing
Wheat is one of the main cereal crops grown in many different parts of the world, and it is also an important source of food for millions of people. To obtain good yields and high quality grain, it is essential to provide the proper amount and type of fertilizers at the right time. In this article, we will discuss the recommended fertilizer dose for wheat at the time of sowing.
Before we go on to discuss the fertilizer dose, it is important to know the nutrient requirements of wheat. The major nutrients that wheat requires are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which should be supplied in the form of fertilizers. Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth and development, while phosphorus and potassium are required for root development, flowering, and grain formation.
For wheat, the recommended fertilizer dose varies depending on the soil type, crop variety, and climatic conditions. However, the general guidelines for fertilizer application at the time of sowing are as follows:
Nitrogen: Depending on the soil fertility level, wheat requires between 50-120 kg N/ha at the time of sowing. However, it is generally recommended to apply a basal dose of 40-50 kg N/ha to promote vegetative growth and development.
Phosphorus: Wheat requires between 40-60 kg P2O5/ha at sowing time. Applying phosphorus fertilizer at sowing time is essential for healthy root development, while also improving crop yield and quality.
Potassium: Wheat requires between 30-50 kg K2O/ha at sowing time. The application of potassium fertilizer at the time of sowing helps in promoting disease resistance, reducing lodging, and maintaining proper water balance in plants.
It is important to ensure that the fertilizers are distributed evenly and adequately throughout the soil profile to avoid nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Fertilizers should be applied in narrow shallow bands at a depth of 7-10cm at the time of sowing. However, it is important to note that fertilizers should not be applied when the soil moisture level is very low, as it may lead to fertilizer burn, which can lead to crop damage.
To sum up, the correct application of fertilizers is essential to ensure healthy crop growth and yield in wheat. It is important to carry out soil tests to determine the nutrient levels in the soil and then apply fertilizers in accordance with the recommendations to achieve optimal crop production.