Wheat is one of the most cultivated and consumed cereals worldwide. In order to meet demand, farmers need their crops to be as productive as possible and, therefore, the fertilizer for wheat it is especially important.
Although it is a relatively easy cereal to grow, it is quite demanding in terms of the nutrients it needs. Among them we must highlight phosphorus, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and calcium. If you receive them in the right doses, the resulting cereal will be of higher quality.
The nutrients that wheat needs and their function
The production of this cereal requires that farmers be able to provide a series of nutrients to the crop land which are essential for high-volume production and the highest quality grains possible.
- Nitrogen. It is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of all types of plants. In the case of wheat, it contributes to its growth and the formation of proteins, which is why it has a great weight in the quality of the resulting grain in terms of protein and gluten content.
- Match. It is responsible for energy transfer and photosynthesis processes. In the specific case of wheat, it is necessary for the roots to grow strong and healthy. So that the plant can improve its capacity to absorb nutrients from the soil and become more resistant to diseases.
- Potassium. It is responsible for regulating the water balance in plants and also helps in photosynthesis. When it is present in wheat fertilizer, it improves the quality of the grain, making it larger and heavier. It is also useful for the plant to resist stress derived from drought and diseases.
- Calcium. It is essential for the formation of cell walls and the transport of nutrients within the plant. It improves its resistance capacity against water stress and diseases, and improves the quality of the grain.
- Magnesium. It is an essential component of chlorophyll, which is essential for plants to carry out photosynthesis. In the case of wheat, it helps in the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins, increasing production and improving the quality of the grain.
How important is fertilizer for wheat?
Fertilizer fulfills several essential functions when it is applied to cereal-producing plants, as we will see below.
Nutrient supply
Its main purpose is to provide the soil with the nutrients that wheat needs to grow strong and healthy. Without the adequate dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, Grain production would be affected, and its quality would not be as expected.
Improved soil quality
Fertilizer improves the soil's own structure and fertility. The Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure increase the presence of organic matter in the soil, and this It contributes to increasing its capacity to retain both water and nutrients. In addition, it is responsible for promoting beneficial microbial activity for plants.
Increase performance
If applied in appropriate doses, wheat fertilizer significantly increases crop yield. Because providing nutrients in the Proper timing stimulates more robust vegetative growth, the formation of spikes, and greater grain production.
Resistance to disease and stress
Plants that are well nourished are less prone to diseases and increase their resistance to adverse weather conditions. regardless of whether it is times of drought or frost.
Grain quality
Proper wheat nutrition directly influences the quality of the resulting grain. If the plant has received a good dose of nutrients, the grains are larger and heavier, with a higher nutritional content.
Fertilizer options for wheat
When choosing between one type of subscription or another, It is important to assess the type of soil you are working with. and the needs that wheat has, since not all varieties are the same.
In any case, four basic types of fertilizers can be used:
- Nitrogen fertilizers. They are widely used in wheat cultivation, because they are responsible for providing nitrogen to the plant, either through ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate, among others.
- Phosphate fertilizers. Both simple superphosphate and diammonium phosphate are used to provide phosphorus to the soil and thereby improve the absorption capacity of plants.
- Potassium fertilizers. Products such as potassium sulfate or potassium chloride improve the plant's resistance to drought stress and diseases.
- Organic fertilizers. They are the most used, because they provide nutrients and organic matter that improve both the structure and fertility of the soil. These include compost, manure and crop residues.
How to add fertilizer to wheat
Before fertilizing the wheat, the soil must be analyzed to evaluate what nutrient needs the plant may have. This will help us determine what is the best fertilizer for wheat and in what quantities we should supply it.
After the analysis, you have to choose between one variety of fertilizer or another. If in doubt, the simplest thing is resort to organic fertilizers, They are usually rich in all the nutrients that are essential for wheat to grow healthy and produce good cereal production.
It is especially important to control the fertilizer dose. Specialists calculate the exact amount needed per hectare or per unit of crop area. This It allows the plant to receive the nutrients it needs, but not in excess. Excessive fertilization can have negative effects and, precisely for this reason, it must be avoided.
If commercial fertilizers are used, it is essential to follow the specific recommendations provided by the manufacturer, who knows their product best.
To apply fertilizer to wheat, we have several options:
- Basal fertilization. It is applied to the soil before sowing or while the land is being prepared.
- Cover fertilization. It is applied after sowing, but before seedlings emerge.
- Foliar fertilization. It involves applying nutrients directly to the leaves of wheat plants by spraying.
Fertilizer for wheat is totally essential, but you have to know which one to apply and how to do it. We hope to have resolved your doubts in this regard.