What is the optimum timing for applying N fertilizer in winter wheat?
Winter wheat growers like to assess their winter wheat fields for winter-kill in early spring before applying the N fertilizer. Whatever the case, ensure that the N fertilizer is applied by early spring for optimum results using soil test recommendations. Side banding or mid-row banding all the N fertilizer in the fall is one option and early spring application using one of several methods is another option, for managing fertility in winter cereals. Logistically, winter wheat should be fertilized prior to spring seeding to avoid conflict with seeding operations.
