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How to apply fertilizer outside wheat roots
In the later stages of wheat growth, root systems begin to age, and their ability to absorb nutrients declines significantly. At this point, applying fertilizer through the roots is not very effective. Meanwhile, certain nutrients like phosphorus often become deficient. To maintain optimal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it's crucial to support the plant’s functional leaf period, prevent early aging, boost photosynthesis, and ultimately improve both yield and grain quality.
Top-dressing is an effective method to compensate for the reduced root absorption capacity. It allows the plant to directly take up nutrients through the leaves, which can also help avoid issues caused by excessive nitrogen application, such as delayed maturity. When applied correctly, top-dressing is both cost-effective and highly efficient.
The choice of fertilizer for top-dressing should be based on two key factors: "looking at the sky" and "looking at the field." "Looking at the sky" means considering weather conditions—top-dressing should be done on windless, sunny days for best results. It can also be combined with disease and pest control efforts. "Looking at the field" involves assessing soil nutrient levels, the growth stage of the wheat, and its visual appearance to determine the type and amount of fertilizer needed.
From the heading stage to the milk ripening stage, if the leaves are yellow or the plants show signs of premature aging, it's time to apply nitrogen-based fertilizers. Spraying 50–60 kg of a 1%–2% urea solution or 2%–4% ammonium sulfate solution per acre can significantly increase yield. Typically, one or two applications can raise production by 5%–10%, and in high-yield areas, even up to 20%.
In high-yielding fields where plants are not showing early aging, nitrogen top-dressing is usually unnecessary. For late-maturing varieties, it may also be avoided. In these cases, spraying a 0.2%–0.4% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution or 5% turfgrass ash water at 50–60 kg per mu can still lead to a noticeable yield increase. Studies have shown that grain weight can rise by 1–3 grams, resulting in a 5% or higher improvement, and up to 15% in high-yield situations.
For wheat fields lacking phosphorus but with excess nitrogen, spraying a 2%–4% superphosphate solution or a 0.2%–0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution at 50–60 kg per acre can enhance grain filling and increase the 1000-grain weight. In medium and low-yield fields, a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus sprays has proven very effective in promoting grain development and delaying senescence.
It’s important to monitor weather forecasts. If dry hot winds are expected, all types of wheat fields should be sprayed with potassium dihydrogen phosphate or ash water to protect against heat stress and reduce damage.