Wheat requires 16 essential nutrients for healthy growth and development, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, chlorine, boron, and molybdenum. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are primarily obtained from air and water, while the remaining 13 elements are mainly absorbed from the soil. These nutrients are categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients based on their concentration in plant tissues. Macronutrients include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, with calcium, magnesium, and sulfur sometimes referred to as "secondary nutrients." They make up tens to several thousandths of the dry weight of the plant. Micronutrients, such as iron, boron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and chlorine, are required in much smaller amounts—usually parts per million or even parts per billion.
All these elements are equally vital, and any deficiency can negatively affect wheat growth and yield. Among them, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are considered the "three major nutrients" due to their high demand and limited availability in most soils. Therefore, they are often supplemented through fertilization to ensure high productivity. In addition, some soils may lack trace elements like zinc, boron, sulfur, iron, or molybdenum, and applying these can significantly improve yields when necessary.
The nutrient requirements of wheat vary throughout its growth stages. Initially, nutrient uptake is low, but it gradually increases until the plant reaches maturity, after which absorption declines. Research from Shandong Agricultural University shows that before the green-up stage, wheat absorbs about 17% of nitrogen, 11% of phosphorus, and 9% of potassium. From the jointing to flowering stage, the uptake surges, reaching 72%, 93%, and 100% of total absorption, respectively. This highlights the importance of timely and adequate fertilization during critical growth phases.
Due to its long growth cycle and high yield potential, wheat demands a steady supply of nutrients. However, single applications often fail to meet the crop’s needs efficiently, leading to low fertilizer use efficiency. To address this, farmers typically apply fertilizers in multiple stages: base fertilizer before sowing, seed fertilizer at planting, and top-dressing during the growing season.
For irrigated wheat, the recommended base fertilizer includes approximately 3,000 kg of organic manure per acre, along with 5–7 kg of pure nitrogen (N), 6–8 kg of phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅), and 4–6 kg of potassium oxide (K₂O). Fertilizer options include combinations like urea, superphosphate, and potassium chloride, or compound fertilizers such as 15-15-15 NPK. The choice depends on soil conditions and previous fertilizer use.
For dryland wheat, the approach focuses on using organic matter and balanced chemical fertilizers. With a target yield of over 300 kg per mu, the total chemical fertilizer application includes 10–12 kg of nitrogen, 8–10 kg of P₂O₅, and 5 kg of K₂O. Most of these are applied as base fertilizer, with the remainder used in spring. Options include urea, ammonium bicarbonate, and compound fertilizers tailored to local conditions.
In areas where specific micronutrients are deficient, such as zinc or boron, small quantities of sulfate or borax can be added to the base fertilizer. For calcium, magnesium, or sulfur deficiencies, calcium superphosphate may be used. Seed fertilizer should be applied separately from seeds to avoid damage, and options like urea and diammonium phosphate are commonly used in a 1:1 ratio.
Top-dressing is crucial during the green-up and jointing stages. Timely application helps strengthen seedlings and promote healthy growth. In cases of weak plants or poor tillering, early nitrogen application can help. Water management plays a key role in ensuring effective nutrient uptake, especially in dryland farming, where irrigation is limited.
Overall, proper fertilization is essential for maximizing wheat yields. Understanding the specific needs of each growth stage and adjusting fertilizer strategies accordingly ensures efficient nutrient use and sustainable production.
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