Nitrogen for wheat: efficiency above all

Agriculture is an activity highly susceptible to the weather, and wheat in recent weeks has suffered from this instability, with low volumes of rain, in addition to recent frosts. Most crops are in the vegetative development phase and some have already reached the beginning of flowering, times when they can be most affected by water difficulties. With unfavorable scenarios, how can we guarantee good plant nutrition for a better final product?

In this sense, the farmer must always opt for nitrogen fertilizers with high technology and agronomic efficiency with the aim of maximizing productivity. We know that nitrogen (N) is the nutrient absorbed and exported by wheat grains in the greatest quantity, 1,7kg and 1,4kg, respectively, for each bag produced and that its functions are directly linked to the quality and productivity of the crop.

The main nitrogen fertilizer consumed is urea, a source that has the function of bringing nitrogen to plants, but is highly vulnerable to losses of N in the form of ammonia gas, during its reaction in the soil, depending on environmental conditions.

In winter, this effect could even be reduced, due to situations of high soil humidity and low temperatures, however, as we have seen, we have experienced periods with less rainfall. Research indicates losses of approximately 20% of N when applied in winter, in situations of abundant dew and drought after application. A tactic that many farmers adopt is to apply after the rains, but losses still occur.

An excellent strategy for managing wheat nitrogen fertilization is the use of ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers, which present insignificant losses of N through volatilization, regardless of environmental conditions. Therefore, these fertilizers can be applied before rain, without risk of loss regardless of the time elapsed between application and rain.

When it rains, nitrogen infiltrates the soil and is used by plants. They deliver other important benefits that, together, can considerably enhance Nitrogen Use Efficiency (EUN). As it is a balanced source (N-nitric and N-ammonium), the balance of nitrogenous forms promotes greater rooting, less acidification of the rhizosphere, less immobilization of nitrogen by the microbiota, synergistic absorption of other cations and anions, which leads to nutrition more balanced and enhanced.

The results in demonstration crops indicate an increase of 6,3 sc/ha (10,9%) with this technology positioned in base and top dressing, compared to conventional fertilizers. The correct management of nitrogen fertilization in wheat can provide considerable increases in productivity, therefore, anyone planning a crop must follow the crop recommendations respecting the 4C Management concept: correct dose, source, time and location.