How Long Can Winter Wheat Wait for Nitrogen Applications?

Cristie Preston, Ph.D.

A wet early spring can always make it challenging for farmers looking to apply nitrogen to winter wheat. Following winter dormancy, wheat begins to “green-up” as temperatures become warmer. To maximize yields, many farmers apply nitrogen at this growth stage to match nitrogen uptake. With the chances of yet another wet spring, how much time do farmers have to make nitrogen applications before yields are affected?

An update to a previous article from Oklahoma State University shows that farmers may have longer to make applications than previously expected. Results show that pre-plant applications of nitrogen may be cheaper, but in-season applications tend to result in higher yield. In-season applications, if made before the end of March (approximately Feekes 6-7), can still result in the highest yields. The closer nitrogen is available to peak uptake levels, the greater chance for maximizing yields.