Winter Wheat: Nutritional Requirements
WINTER WHEAT
Nutritional Requirements
Determine lime and fertilizer needs by soil test. Maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Winter kill may be more severe if pH is below 6.0 and/or phosphate availability is low. In the absence of a soil test, refer to the most recent soil test available for the field and adjust rates according to values listed in Table 1.2-5. Spring nitrogen recommendations are given in Table 1.7-2. If plants did not tiller well (reach growth stage 2) in the fall, topdress nitrogen at “green up” in late winter or early spring. Otherwise, topdress any time up to growth stage 5 (Figure 1.7-2). Response to split spring nitrogen applications has been somewhat inconsistent.
Up to 20 pounds of nitrogen and all of the phosphorus and potassium may be broadcast prior to planting, or a portion applied with the drill and the remainder broadcast. To minimize fertilizer burn, do not apply more than 15 pounds (nitrogen) or 30 pounds (nitrogen + potash) per acre in the row with the seed.
