Autumn feeding of wheat - what do we need to know?

In this article, we will examine the need for wheat for macro- and microelements in the initial stages of its development, what determines it and how we can help plants obtain them.

Providing wheat with the necessary nutrients in the fall favors the normal growth and development of plants, the accumulation of reserves and their successful wintering. The initial period of vegetation is extremely important for grain crops, because it is then that the yield potential of the crop is established.

SOIL NUTRITIONAL FEEDING OF WHEAT IN THE AUTUMN

Wheat has two development cycles: autumn-winter and winter-spring. During the different stages, the absorption of various nutrients by plants changes. In the first period, wheat's need for nitrogen is insignificant. Until the beginning of tillering, the crop is fed mainly with reserve nutrients from the seed. In warm autumn and mild winter, nitrogen absorption begins during active tillering, and at this time, if there are suitable conditions, it is appropriate to feed with 8-12 kg/hectare of ammonium nitrate.
In this regard, it is good for combined fertilizers to have a lower nitrogen content and a higher phosphorus and potassium content. These elements are activated more slowly in the soil and are absorbed in the spring when vegetation resumes. At this time, the crop's need for nitrogen is highest. Then fast-acting nitrogen fertilizers with different active substance contents come to the agenda.

NP formulations or NPK formulations?

Some suitable formulations for autumn fertilization of wheat

• Yara Mila Complex NPK 12:11:18 + 20%S, +2.7%Mg, +0.2Fe, +0.02%Zn, +0.015%B, +0.02%Mn
• NPK 6:12:24 +6%S
• NPK 7:21:21 +4%S + 0.05%Zn
• NPK 10:10:20 +9%S + 0.05%Zn
• NPK 12:12:17 +14%S + 2%Mg, +0.1%Zn, +0.1%B
• NPK 14:10:20 +10%S

LEAF FEEDING OF WHEAT WITH MICROELEMENTS IN AUTUMN

A special place among the nutrients is occupied by the so-called micronutrients, which plants need in very small quantities, but in their absence in the soil they do not develop normally. These are: iron, boron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, sulfur.

Micronutrients are vital in growing wheat because they regulate key physiological processes and even if the required quantities are very small, their role is no less modest than that of macronutrients, and their deficiency can cause great losses in quality and quantity.

In the initial stages of development - germination and emergence, the role of micronutrients is greatest.

Among the most important for cereals are manganese, copper and zinc. The intake of each of them is increased many times by the parallel intake of the other two. Their deficiency is observed in humus-rich, sandy, loose soils, with a high pH value, in drought, cold or waterlogging. With a deficiency of manganese, the production of waxy coating on plants is disrupted, which facilitates the attack of enemies and diseases. Manganese increases the resistance of plants to stress and cold. Copper is needed for the formation and growth of the grain in the wheat ear, participates in the formation of chlorophyll and is important for photosynthesis. In acute copper deficiency, plants do not ear, and sometimes die. Zinc promotes the formation of a healthy root system, in conditions of sharp temperature fluctuations it increases the resistance of plants to drought, low or high temperatures, regulates respiration.

Feeding plants with these microelements guarantees higher yield, plant strength and resistance to diseases.

Molybdenum is of great importance for the nitrogen cycle and its absorption by plants, and also affects phosphorus metabolism. 

Magnesium is necessary for wheat to capture solar energy through photosynthesis. As an enzyme activator, magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism, facilitating the formation and breakdown of glucose and phosphoric acid compounds. It is also important for the transport of phosphorus in plants. 

Sulfur takes an active part in the nitrogen metabolism of the plant. With a sulfur deficiency, protein synthesis is inhibited, the chlorophyll content in the leaves is reduced and plant growth is inhibited, and plants are more susceptible to diseases and enemies. 

Iron influences the budding process, ensures the synthesis of chlorophyll, and takes part in the formation of enzymes that activate metabolism.

Boron takes part in the synthesis, transformation and transport of hydrocarbons (sugars), maintains osmotic pressure, activates enzymes, improves the development of tissues of the root system and vegetative organs of the plant.

WHY IS LEAF FERTILIZATION WITH MICROELEMENTS NECESSARY IN AUTUMN?

Due to the complicated conditions of autumn wheat vegetation, which have been observed in recent years - drought in some places and overwetting in others, sharp temperature amplitudes, which lead to freezing and impaired development;

Due to extensive agriculture, the use of chemical fertilizers and expensive irrigation techniques, micronutrients are disappearing from the soil on a global level. This deficit cannot be compensated for only by introducing nutrients through the soil.

Various plant protection measures in the fall make foliar feeding possible and easy without additional costs.

Foliar feeding of plants with a complex of microelements in chelated form in the initial stages of germination leads to a better garnished crop, with increased cold resistance, a better developed root system and an increased content of sugars in the tillering node. The simultaneous germination of seeds also greatly reduces weeding of the crop, since cultivated plants outgrow weeds in their development and suffocate them. At the same time, microelements improve the development and condition of plants, which is important for their entry into winter conditions.

The use of combined, highly concentrated quality fertilizers, which contain the main nutrients in forms accessible to plants, can be introduced in small quantities and satisfy the needs of grain crops throughout their entire growing season.

Our experienced agronomists have developed a scheme with several suggestions for feeding wheat in each phenophase of its development. 

The choice of a specific option depends on the type and acidity of the soil, the condition of the crop, climatic conditions, the previous crop, the presence of biotic and abiotic stress.

Contact us to receive an individual recommendation for fertilization, corresponding to the specific needs of your crops!