Nitrogen Timing for Cereals: Split It

Cereals need most nitrogen when growth is fastest, not at sowing.

A simple split

• At sowing: a small starter dose for early growth.
• At tillering: the main dose, which sets tiller number.
• At stem elongation or booting: a smaller top-up, aimed at grain number and protein.

Why it works

Nitrogen is easily washed below the roots in sandy soil or heavy irrigation, and lost as gas in wet or flooded soil. Applying close to demand means the crop captures more of it.

Practical tips

Apply before irrigation or rain so it moves into the soil, avoid applying on wet leaves in strong sun, and do not top-up past booting; late nitrogen may only lodge the crop.