Spring Nitrogen Fertility Suggestions for Wheat

Keys for Wheat Fertilization Success – There are several keys to successful wheat nitrogen fertilization in Mississippi.  Split application of nitrogen fertilizer is likely more important for wheat than any other crop, including corn.  This is because wheat nitrogen fertilization occurs during the wettest months of the year – in a high rainfall, warm regional climate conducive to nitrogen loss.  Thus, considerable nitrogen losses may limit productivity, particularly if we experience prolonged, soggy weather during the early spring.  Likewise, nitrogen application timing can be very important, particularly for the first spring application.  Optimal nitrogen timing can vary substantially from year to year and field to field because seasonal weather and temperature fluctuation primarily affects wheat development (along with specific planting date and variety).  Therefore, you can make better fertility decisions, by closely monitoring wheat health and development, and evaluating the weather forecast.  This knowledge can help you make more appropriate fertility decisions, rather than exclusively relying on specific calendar dates and rate guidelines.  Using best management practices can substantially improve fertilizer efficiency, crop yields and profitability – especially since input and commodity prices are high.

Split Application Guide – I believe the most prudent method to apply nitrogen to southern wheat is either a 2-way or a 3-way split with at least 2/3 of the nitrogen applied in the late split(s).  Using split nitrogen applications with the majority of fertilizer applied late will satisfy crop demand without subjecting a substantial amount of expensive N to losses during wet, saturated conditions typical during the early spring.  Only a small amount of the total N is theoretically needed in the first topdress application (20-30 lbs. N/a.), because rapid wheat nitrogen uptake does not occur until wheat stem elongation begins.  The initial topdress of a split application should be applied when dormancy breaks in late‑winter while wheat is in prostrate, tillering stages (Feekes growth stage 3 or 4 – normally early February).  Neglecting wheat nutritional needs during tillering stages limits the number of tillers which will produce viable heads.  Thus, proper nitrogen timing is essential to produce high wheat yields.  Thereafter, N can be applied according to crop needs, which increase with vegetative development.  A second nitrogen application should occur when plants become strongly erect and stem elongation begins, and again prior to boot stage, if you choose to make a third application.

Nitrogen Sources – Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen source on wheat because it is generally the most economical nitrogen source, it can be applied by air, and volatility is less likely to be substantial during the wheat season (because temperatures are cool and rain is frequent), than during the summer.  Likewise, the need for urease inhibitors, such as Agrotain, is less now, compared to late-spring or summer applications of urea-based nitrogen sources.  Ammonium sulfate should generally be applied in an early application, if sulfur may be needed.  Liquid nitrogen solution (UAN) can potentially burn leaf tissue, especially if high rates are broadcast on erect wheat, so granular nitrogen sources are generally preferred, particularly for single, or the latter split applications.   

Nitrogen Rates – Our wet southern climate may influence nitrogen use efficiency considerably depending upon seasonal rainfall frequency and amount.  Thus, specific nitrogen rate suggestions based solely upon crop yield goal are not very reliable for wheat production in the South.   Since soil texture significantly influences soil-water relations and potential nitrogen loss during typical wet springs, our general recommended spring nitrogen rates vary depending on soil texture.  We normally suggest from 90 ‑ 140 lbs. N/a. on light-textured soils and 120 – 170 lbs. N/a. on heavy clay soils.   However, monitoring crop response to nutrition, culture and environmental conditions offers producers substantial opportunity to address needs more specifically.   

Manipulating potential freeze damage?  Warm winter conditions that promote excessive wheat development also raise questions about susceptibility to freeze damage.  Wheat tolerance to cold temperatures is dependent upon the growth stage, with younger wheat being more tolerant than older wheat.  There is little, if any in-season method to manipulate crop maturity to influence susceptibility to freezing temperatures, including nitrogen application timing.  Nitrogen nutrition does not influence wheat maturation nearly as much as perceived – maturation is primarily determined by planting date and variety response to temperatures and photoperiod.  Thus, delaying nitrogen application will only reduce wheat yield potential by depriving plants of nutrition.

The goal for the initial spring N topdress is to provide the nutrition needed to promote and sustain optimal tiller development. This is a wheat plant at Feekes growth stage 4 with about 10 healthy, well-developed tillers. These tillers determine potential number of harvestable heads.