A Farmer’s Guide to Fertilization of Wheat

Running a farm is so much more than using equipment to extract crops; it involves careful planning and an understanding of the crop creation. Every farmer understands that timing is crucial to every aspect of farming, including with fertilization. Fertilizing too soon or too late can ruin a farmer’s chance for producing optimal harvest quality and yields. Additionally, farmers must learn how to apply the product, both with precision and accuracy. Most of this information is garnered before the process begins with soil testing, which will determine the type of fertilizer to use and how much. Fertilization should be considered a high-priority, with as much planning as you place upon your harvest schedules. One must be fully aware of their harvest types and needs to ensure the correct fertilizer match; understanding crop rotation will also help benefit yields, as well. Most farms hope to harvest their wheat in the winter, but this is a time where the soil loses an abundance of nutrients. Fertilizing can counterbalance this issue by adding nutrients to the soil. By researching all of these aspects, you’ll create a plan for future harvests, as you ensure a positive yield.

Soil Testing

Before you can begin to fertilize your land, you need to completely evaluate your soil’s mineral content. Much like understanding how to apply, you’ll need to learn how to take the soil sample from your land for the most accurate results. Take a soil sample from the tillage layer, which is about four to eight inches from the surface. You also need to take samples from about two feet below the surface to evaluate the available nitrate as nitrogen levels. Pull about 20 samples from an area with similar soil makeup; the larger number of samples are best for farms that have fertilized with P-fertilizers in the most recent years. If you have other areas of your farm with vastly different soil consistency, they will need to be tested separately. The soil should be dried for about 12 hours in your home, spread out evenly to air dry. Be certain to keep soil samples separate and don’t oven-dry the soil. Submit the samples to your local testing laboratory for the most accurate results.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the mineral that will require your greatest time to apply and navigate timing. Without enough nitrogen, your plants will be pale in color and vitamin-deficient, while too much can actually increase the chances for diseased plants and lower your chance of a productive yield. Additionally, it can affect the quality of your soil, causing negative environmental results. Wheat only requires a small amount of this mineral in the fall; the levels are often optimal after a corn or soybean yield. If applying nitrogen in the early spring or late winter, you’ll find the most effective results upon your yield. You can also choose to split up the applications for better results. The most common amounts are 30 to 50 pounds for each acre of your farm.

Phosphorus

Another important factor to soil is phosphorus. The application should occur when you begin to plant, but is the most manageable with crop rotation. The goal should be to maintain a medium-level for your soil test. Take the time to learn more about your soil structure and proper application to ensure positive results upon your harvests.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a contributing author and former farmer. The farm has been in the family through four different generations, now run by his daughter. He still provides advice when needed when challenges are faced. They use USAbelting.com for equipment, for their best pricing and selection.

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