Basic Fertilization of Grains

The cornerstone of production in durum wheat is the basic fertilization strategy

In order to achieve the maximum yields and the most economical solution, the producer should know the fertility and type of the soil, the expected yield, the residues of the previous crop, the moisture of the soil and the climatic conditions of the area. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients for the cultivation of durum wheat both to achieve high yields and to increase the protein content of the grain which is a key characteristic of high quality.

In the early stages of cultivation, it is necessary for the rapid and early growth of the plant. It also contributes positively to the growth of the fraternity and the development of a rich leaf surface. In addition, nitrogen as a structural component of chlorophyll affects the intensity of photosynthesis activity and consequently the size and number of grains per ear and the weight of the grain.

The requirements of wheat are 10-15 kg/sq.m., which should be applied by 1/3 in the basic fertilization with incorporation and the remaining 2/3 in one or two doses on the surface. In soils with a relative sufficiency of phosphorus, the types 25-15-0+21SO3 and 36-16-0 are recommended, which are suitable to supply plants with nitrogen from the first stages of growth. Also, their double barrier technology eliminates losses due to leaching and evaporation. In surface fertilization depending on the type of soil and the stage of cultivation, the use of 46-0-0, 40-0-0+14SO3, 35-0-0 and 21-0-0+60SO3 is recommended.

The next important macronutrient is phosphorus (P), which is necessary for the development of a rich root system, thus helping the plant to adapt to the low temperatures of winter and also to the hardening of the tissues, a characteristic that protects it from lateralization. The lubricant units required in phosphorus are 2-5 kg/sq.m. The entire amount of phosphorus should be applied during the basic fertilization and followed by incorporation. In soils where the addition of phosphorus is deemed necessary, the types 16-20-0, 12-27-0, 18-46-0 (DAP) of fertilizers with high phosphorus water solubility (>93%) and with the entire amount of nitrogen in ammonia form (reduced leaching rate).

The third macronutrient required is potassium (K) which also contributes decisively to both the yield of the crop and the quality of the wheat. Potassium affects the water balance of plants by effectively utilizing water (an important property due to the phenomena of anomalous during the periods of weeding and filling of the seed). In our country, fertilizing with potassium (K) is not necessary on all soils. Nevertheless, in some areas, soil analyzes showed that the addition of K is necessary. 15-15-15 (MOP) is able to meet the needs of all three macronutrients.

In addition, the strategic cooperation of Agrohellas with the Dutch company Eurosolids is bearing fruit by utilizing specialized products of special nutrition in the cultivation of wheat. Foliar applications with the types of crystalline fertilizers WS NPK 20-20-20+TE and WS NPK 13-7-24+ MgO+7Cao+TE showed spectacular results in nutrient deficiencies and in the general increase of quality characteristics.