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Watch for Topdress Opportunities in Wheat

Now is the time to apply nitrogen on the soft red winter wheat crop. Correct timing can improve yields and reduce nitrogen costs. "I really like to topdress wheat from March 10 to April 15," says Bill Mullen, Seed Consultant agronomist near Urbana, Ohio. Applying the correct rate at the right time enables the plant to make grain.

Before filling the tank with nitrogen, measure the number of tillers in a square yard. Tillers are shoots that sprout from the base of the plant. Using the Feekes Scale, figure the nitrogen rates. Adjust rates based on the previous crop, manure applications or fall-applied nitrogen.

Counting tillers enables you to vary nitrogen rates based on the plants' needs. "When you talk tillers you can get a lot of grain for a few tillers," Mullen says. Recently the agronomist scouted a wheat field near Williamsport, Ohio, that only required 40 pounds of urea in the first topdress application and 60 pounds in the second application because there were more than 800 tillers per square yard.

Two applications is the most effective way to feed the crop. "The program we've been using, where you will get the most bang for your buck, is applying a little bit of N now for the vegetative stage and the rest later for grain," Mullen explains. Splitting the N application also helps reduce lodging.

Mullen recommends a split application at the Feekes Growth Stage 3 and Growth Stage 7. Urea, ammonium nitrate or UAN solutions 28% can be used in two applications. However, other forms such as ammonium sulfate are too expensive, Mullen points out.

If you plan to make only one spring nitrogen application, wait until the wheat is at the Feekes Scale Growth Stage 6 or 7. "This is where the plant is at the second internode and seems to have the best response for the vegetative growth as well as for grain fill later on," Mullen says.

Do not broadcast UAN solutions past Feekes Stage 5 due to leaf burn. The leaf burn can lead to lower yields, delayed plant growth and possible disease infections later. Instead, use a stream jet bar to apply the solution. Also avoid adding herbicides to UAN solutions because the mix can delay plant growth and reduce yields, Mullen says.

Higher wheat yields are possible - with care and management. Count tillers, determine rates and apply at the right time. "If the crop is managed properly growers can get 90-bushel-per-acre wheat," Mullen says.

To help growers achieve better yields Seed Consultants added three new wheat varieties, SC 1317, SC 1337 and SC 1347 in 2006. Seed Consultants' SC 1325 had best two-year average in the Ohio Performance Trials in 2004-05.

For a Feeke's Scale see ohioline.osu.edu/iwy/feekes.html