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QFertilisationThe spring is dry. Should I top-dress wheat according to the plan?
Expert answer
In short: Not mechanically: in a dry spring with a weak crop, reduce nitrogen and skip the stem-elongation top-dressing.
Not mechanically. The plan is a guide; spring top-dressing is adjusted to moisture and crop condition.
| Conditions | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dry spring, weak crop, unfavourable forecast | Reduce the spring top-dressing rate; skip the extra top-dressing at stem elongation |
| Normal moisture, well-developed crop | Main top-dressing at tillering — 5–6 kg/daa nitrogen |
| Wet year, good crop, aiming for higher protein | Main top-dressing plus an extra 2–4 kg/daa at stem elongation |
In dry years a higher nitrogen rate often does not increase yield and may even add to plant stress. Nitrogen applied to dry soil stays unused and may be lost. So before top-dressing, look at the crop, check soil moisture and the forecast for the coming days.
Common mistakes
- A full nitrogen dose into dry soil "by the plan".
- Extra top-dressing at stem elongation with a weak crop and a dry forecast.
- Deciding without looking at the crop and checking moisture.
Material: Training Module 1, section 2.2; Literature review (Goranova), section 4; Brochure 1, section 13.