1. Pre-Sowing/Soil Preparation:
– Formula: NPK 10-30-10
– Purpose: Phosphorus (P) is critical at this stage for establishing a robust root system. The balanced nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels provide the necessary foundation for early plant development.
– Application: Apply the fertilizer during soil preparation, ensuring it is well-mixed into the soil before sowing the seeds to enhance nutrient availability from the start.
2. Emergence Stage (1-2 weeks after sowing):
– Formula: NPK 20-20-10
– Purpose: A balanced NPK formula provides the nutrients required for the initial root and shoot development. Nitrogen helps stimulate early leaf and stem growth, while phosphorus aids in root establishment.
– Application: Apply during early irrigation to encourage strong seedling growth and early vegetative development.
3. Tillering Stage (3-6 weeks after sowing):
– Formula: NPK 30-10-10
– Purpose: At this stage, nitrogen is essential to promote the production of tillers, which directly correlates to grain-bearing heads. The nitrogen-dominant formula encourages vegetative growth and higher yield potential.
– Application: Apply as a top-dressing during early tillering to ensure the production of multiple, healthy tillers.
4. Stem Elongation Stage (6-8 weeks after sowing):
– Formula: NPK 25-10-15
– Purpose: During stem elongation, a moderately high nitrogen content supports continued leaf and stem growth, while potassium begins to play a larger role in strengthening stems and disease resistance.
– Application: Apply during the early stem elongation phase to support plant vigor and prepare for the reproductive stage.
5. Booting and Heading Stage (9-12 weeks after sowing):
– Formula: NPK 15-10-30
– Purpose: At this stage, the focus shifts towards grain development. Potassium is essential for improving grain quality, while a moderate amount of nitrogen ensures proper plant health without over-stimulating vegetative growth.
– Application: Apply during the booting stage to support healthy grain head formation, grain filling, and improve overall yield quality.
6. Flowering and Grain Filling Stage:
– Formula: NPK 10-10-30
– Purpose: Potassium at this stage ensures efficient grain filling and ripening. A balanced but lower nitrogen level prevents excessive vegetative growth, allowing the plant to concentrate its energy on grain formation.
– Application: Apply as a top-dressing during flowering to ensure proper grain filling, grain weight, and improve overall grain quality.
7. Ripening Stage:
– Formula: NPK 0-5-30
– Purpose: During ripening, the focus should be on potassium to promote grain maturity and ensure good quality wheat with high kernel weight.
– Application: Apply 2-3 weeks before harvest to enhance the ripening process, boost grain size and weight, and improve overall wheat quality.
General Tips:
– Foliar Sprays: Micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and sulfur should be applied during critical stages to support plant metabolism and ensure that nutrient deficiencies do not occur.
– Irrigation and Application: For best results, apply the NPK formulas during irrigation or just before rain to ensure even distribution and absorption.
– Soil Testing: Regular soil testing before sowing is recommended to fine-tune the NPK ratios based on the specific needs of the soil, ensuring efficient fertilizer use.