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Spring Cereal Fertilization

Spring Cereal Fertilization
Agdex #: 110/542
Author: District Agricultural Office.
History: Revised February 16, 2001

The nutrients recommended on the attached soil report should provide satisfactory yields of the spring cereal crop designated to be grown. The phosphorus and potash requirements should be adequate under all conditions. However, nitrogen can be varied as follows depending on the cropping program:
  1. A reduction in the nitrogen application below the recommended amount will reduce the chance of lodging and to some extent reduce the susceptibility to some diseases. Protein content of the grain will also be reduced.

  2. An increase in the nitrogen application above the recommended amount will increase protein content of the grain and may increase yield. It will also increase the possibility of some diseases and may increase the chance of lodging. High nitrogen application rates should not be considered unless applied at the proper stage of crop development. The use of growth hormones and fungicides could also be necessary when using high rates of nitrogen. For more information, contact your District Agricultural Office.
When fertilizers are being drilled directly with the seed, the following are maximum levels which can be drilled in without seedling damage:
N - 55 Kg/ha (25 Kg/ha if fertilizer contains urea)
P205 - 110 Kg/ha
K20 - 55 Kg/ha
If you are exceeding these limits, some of the nutrients can be drilled in and the remainder can be broadcast. Keep in mind that it is important to have some nitrogen and most of the phosphorus drilled in close to the seed and the majority of the nitrogen and all of the potash can be broadcast.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potash applications can exceed the above limits in most cases where newer drills are being used and fertilizer placement is below and to the side of the seed itself.
For more details and general information, contact:
Soil & Feed Laboratory at (902) 368-5628
or your District Agricultural Office.
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