Nitrogenous materials, such as organic and chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen, are essential for healthy wheat growth. Nitrogen is one of the main elements that contributes to the formation of chlorophyll, thus aiding in the process of photosynthesis and plant growth.
Benefits of Nitrogen Re-fertilization: • Proper nitrogen re-fertilization helps increase plant mass, thus contributing to higher wheat production, writes the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Nitrogen helps in the formation of proteins, which is essential for the quality of grains and the economic benefits associated with them.
• Plants that are well fertilized are more resistant to diseases and bad weather conditions.
Re-fertilization can be done in several stages, taking into account the stages of wheat growth. One application at the beginning of development and another during the period of intensive growth can give optimal results: The first re-fertilization of wheat should be done at the beginning of the spring vegetation, when daily temperatures stabilize at 10-15 degrees C. Formulations with nitrogen in the form of nitrates and ammonia NAG have advantages, because nitrate forms of nitrogen are absorbed more quickly, even at lower temperatures, KosovaPress reports.
For the second fertilization of wheat, we use NAG (27% N), in amounts of about 150 kg/ha, depending on the current state of development of the wheat plants. With the second re-fertilization, we apply the remaining amount of nitrogenous materials for the needs of the wheat plants, i.e. about 30% of the nitrogen fertilizer for supplementary nutrition of the wheat plant. The second re-fertilization is done one month after the first re-fertilization and begins from April 01-15, having a corrective effect.
The third re-fertilization of wheat in our practice is not widely accepted, even though the same amount of nitrogen distributed in three installments gives better results than in two installments, because nitrogen losses are smaller. In some years, when there is a lot of rainfall after the second re-fertilization, a third re-fertilization is technologically and economically justified, although in general we can say that the third re-fertilization usually increases quality, while very rarely production.
Before you start fertilizing, it is recommended to perform a soil analysis to determine the amount of nitrogen and other missing elements. The amount of nitrogenous materials should be determined based on the specific needs of your crop and the recommendations of specialists, such as: • In the first re-fertilization, use: 100-120 kg/ha NAG (27% N) • In the second re-fertilization, use: 180-220 kg/ha NAG (27% N) • In the third re-fertilization, use: 100 kg/ha or 50 kg Urea (46% N) If the fertilizer distribution is not done in three stages, then the amount of the third re-fertilization should be distributed during the first and second re-fertilization.
Care measures: Large amounts of nitrogen cause plants to fall to the ground, reducing yield and quality. Nitrogen deficiency affects the poor growth and development of the vegetative part of the wheat plant. The amount of active matter during re-fertilization should range from 80-150 kg/ha.
If you have any questions or need further advice, we encourage you to contact the Agricultural Advisors at your Municipal Advisory Information Center or you can contact the Department of Advisory and Technical Services at MAFRD, “Ukshin Hoti” Street, former Ramiz Sadiku building, no. 120 Floor III in Pristina, as well as Tel.