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Fertilizing wheat in Minnesota

With 1.5 million acres planted annually, wheat is Minnesota’s fourth largest crop.

Average yields increase steadily as long as diseases and other crop pests are not limiting. Adequate and efficient fertilizer use is a major contributor to this increase.

Nitrogen guidelines

The soil nitrate test should be used for nitrogen guidelines in the counties that are shaded.

Nitrogen use generates the largest net return of any nutrient used in wheat production. It is important to use this nutrient as efficiently as possible.

In Minnesota, fertilizer N suggestions are determined using two strategies that depend on the area of the state in question. For the western portion of the state, where most of the wheat is grown, the soil nitrate test (soil samples collected to 2 feet) is the best and most accurate management tool for predicting the amount of fertilizer N to use. This soil test is recommended if wheat is grown in the shaded area of the state shown on the map.

If the soil nitrate test is used, the amount of fertilizer N required to meet the yield goal is calculated from the following equation:

NRec = [(2.5) x YG] - STN(0-24 in.) - NPC

  • YG = yield goal, bushels per acre
  • STN = nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) measured to a depth of 2 feet, pounds per acre
  • NPC = amount of N supplied by the previous crop, pounds per acre

For situations where the soil nitrate test is not used, suggestions for fertilizer N are based on previous crop, yield goal, and soil organic matter content.

The soil nitrate test is not used to make nitrogen fertilizer guidelines for wheat grown in eastern Minnesota (the area not shaded on the map). Use the fertilizer N guidelines for soils that have high organic matter content when wheat is grown in southeast Minnesota. This recommendation applies in Goodhue, Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston counties.

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Phosphate and potash

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Applying fertilizer

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Other nutrients

The major emphasis in wheat production should be directed to efficient and effective management of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizers. Sulfur (S) and copper (Cu) can be important in certain situations.

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Authors: Daniel E. Kaiser, Extension soil and plant nutrient management specialist, and Keith Piotrowski, director of the soil testing laboratory

Reviewed in 2024

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