Winter Cereals

A guide to applying nutrients with liquid fertilisers in cereals

• Nitrogen
• Pre-planting with EASY N
• Topdressing with EASY N
• Irrigating with EASY N
• Application guidelines
• Replacing nutrients removed in grain
• Understanding the growth cycle: Zadoks scale

Nitrogen

EASY N fertiliser gives growers an easy and flexible way to apply nitrogen to grain crops. The fertiliser can be applied pre-plant, at sowing or topdressed to match crop growth stages.

Some nitrogen is required early in the life of cereal crops, but the majority is needed from fully tillered stage to boot stage (see graph on page 2). This is when crop roots are most active and nitrogen use is most efficient.

Too much nitrogen early can encourage a crop to use extra water, encourage tillering and potentially increase the risk of lodging.

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Pre-planting with EASY N

Pre-plant application

EASY N can now be applied in a one-pass application system at the same time as a pre-emergent herbicide, such as Triflur Xcel®. Refer to the herbicide’s label for application instructions and incorporation methods.

Applying EASY N with a herbicide means farmers can save on time, labour and machinery running costs and reduce compaction.

This one-pass application system is suited to crops and paddocks where higher rates of nitrogen are needed up front, such as:

• Where soil testing or nutrient budgeting reveals low nitrogen levels in the top 30 cm of the soil. Cereals require about40 kg/ha of nitrogen to mid-tillering and 60 kg/ha of nitrogen to fully tillered stage.
• In soils with low organic carbon levels, as these soils have a lower nitrogen mineralisation capacity.
• When the autumn break is late and summer rains have been low, resulting in a low soil nitrogen status.
• In low rainfall districts with low mineralisation levels where topdressing opportunities are less predictable.
• On light sandy soil types where it is desirable to provide nitrogen at several crop stages, including up front, to minimise leaching losses.

While it should always be applied ahead of rain to maximise fertiliser efficiency, using EASY N reduces volatilisation losses compared with urea. See the results from Deb Turner’s 2008 volatilisation trial in Table .

Table 1: Nitrogen lost through volatilisation, Longerenong

Treatment	N loss	Period of loss
Urea (46 kg N/ha)	26%	3 Sept – 23 Sept
Gran-Am (46 kg N/ha)	12%	3 Sept – 19 Sept*
EASY N (46 kg N/ha)	12%	3 Sept – 19 Sept*

 

* Shorter period of measurement due to problem with the background measurement.

Source: Turner, D. The University of Melbourne, 2008.

Whether EASY N is sprayed on to the surface with Triflur XCEL or alone, it should be incorporated afterwards, either by cultivation or irrigation, to reduce volatilisation losses of ammonia. Rain or irrigation (10 – 15 mm or more, depending on the amount of plant material on the soil surface) will also carry the fertiliser into the soil.

Alternatively, inject EASY N behind the tines into the soil. If applied into prepared beds in row crops close to planting time, apply at or below the furrow line and a minimum of 5 cm to the side of the plant line.

Planting

Apply EASY N between the rows, or in front or behind non-seeding tines.

If applied behind seeding tines, ensure the fertiliser does not come in contact with the seed, for example band 5 cm to the side of and 5 cm below the seed.

If applied on the soil surface in front of seeding tines, use press wheels to avoid dragging treated soil back into the seed furrow.

Maintain a slow to moderate speed to ensure that soil throw does not reach adjacent rows.

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Topdressing with EASY N

Many growers use strategic nitrogen management to achieve better crop results. This recognises that too much nitrogen nearly can encourage a crop to use extra water that will then be missed when it is needed during the grain fill process.

By applying some of the crop’s nitrogen after the vegetative phase of growth, growers affect the level of tillering and then strengthen the integrity of those tillers by supplying nitrogen when it is needed most.

For sulphur responsive crops, consider using EASY NS™ instead of EASY N. Apply using streaming nozzles or dribble bars only.

Figure 1: Delta T conditions for applying EASY N

Cereal crop nitrogen uptake

The relationship between growth stage and nitrogen uptake in high yielding wheat crops

Be prepared for some leaf burn

When topdressing EASY N in crops planted at narrow row spacings, it is impossible to avoid leaf wetting. As a result, some leaf burn may occur.

If foliar burn occurs before GS32 for wheat and GS31 for barley the effect should be temporary, as long as the crop is responsive to nitrogen. It is also likely to be offset by grain and/or protein responses, given follow-up rain and reasonable seasonal conditions.

However, if leaf burn is a concern, there are a number of ways to minimise the risk :

• Use streaming nozzles or dribble bars so that as much of the fertiliser solution as possible runs off the leaves onto the soil.
• Apply under cool conditions. Where maximum daily air temperatures are expected to exceed 18°C on the day of application and two days following, do not exceed 20 L/ha of undiluted solution when spraying with herbicide nozzles.
• Apply between Delta T 2 – 6 (see Figure 1)
• Avoid night time or early morning applications. Ideally, EASY N should be applied from mid-morning (after dew has evaporated) to late afternoon.
• Apply when rainfall is imminent.
• Do not apply EASY N when the crop is flowering.
• As little as 10 L/ha may burn leaves. Do not use herbicide nozzles or aerial applications after the GS32 wheat and GS31barley.
• Apply only when the crop is actively growing.
• Avoid overlapping applications.
• Do not apply EASY N with a wetter or sticker.
• Expect more burn if tank mixing with crop protection products.
• Leaf burn up to GS31 and GS32 in wheat should not impact yield.
• Avoid damage to leaves that mainly contribute to yield. Table 1 shows the contribution to grain yield at various growth stages. The UK data may be more relevant to higher rainfall/longer season areas, while research conducted by Bowring and Fettell (2011) in Condobolin provides insights from Australian conditions. Irrespective of district, rainfall or length of season, reproductive components of the plant should be protected as they contribute significantly to yield.

These guidelines assume neat applications of EASY N. Dilution with water will not necessarily lessen burn until total spray volume of water exceeds 250 L/ha.

Table 1: Contribution to grain yield

		Contribution to Grain yield (%)
Growth Stage	Part Plant Emerged	Wheat UK		Wheat Condobolin *
GS 31	Leaf 4	3	76	17	38
GS32	Leaf 3	7
GS33	Leaf 2	23		21
GS39	Flag Leaf	43
GS53	30% of Ear	22		14
GS59	100% of Ear
	Stem			23

 

Source: * HGCA, UK 2000. ** Yield contribution by plant components with moisture reserves and no signs of water stress. Source: Bowring, A and Fettell, N, 2011.

How much nitrogen is taken up through the leaf?

Nitrogen is a major nutrient and required in large amounts by crops. Plants can not physically take up their total nitrogen requirements through foliar applications, as the majority is taken up by the roots.

Typically, a crop’s nitrogen uptake via the leaves may be between 3 and 8 kg/ha.

Leaf uptake is greatest when:

• plants are actively growing and not stressed
• the Green Area Index is >1 (no visible ground seen through canopy)
• the crop is at the vegetative growth stage
• lower rates of nitrogen are applied
• the crop is responsive to nitrogen.

Topdressing using herbicide nozzles

Crop stage	Maximum temp. for day of application and two days following	Application method	EASY N rate	Nitrogen applied
5 leaf to flag leaf emergence (DC 15 to DC 32)	Greater than 18°C	Herbicide nozzles	Up to 20 L/ha applied neat	Up to 8.5 kg/ha
5 leaf to flag leaf emergence (DC 15 to DC 32 wheat GS31 barley)	Less than 18°C	Herbicide nozzles	Up to 100 L/ha applied neat*	Up to 42.5 kg/ha

 

Note: Do not apply EASY N when the crop is flowering. * Where rates of more than 20 L/ha are applied, even under cool conditions, some leaf burn may still occur. When the crop is in the vegetative phase DC 15 – 30, and is actively growing, this is not expected to have adverse impacts on yield. If applying with a pesticide or fungicide, the rates and application method may need to be changed.

Spray applications of up to 20 L/ha of EASY N can be considered to help a crop overcome waterlogging stress.

Ideally, spray the crop before waterlogging occurs. Otherwise, spraying should not commence until the crop shows signs of growth.

Refer to the Application section of the EASY Liquids® manual for specific information on herbicide nozzles.

Topdressing using streaming nozzles or dribble bars

Crop stage	Application method	EASY N rate	Nitrogen applied
5 leaf to flag leaf emergence (DC 15 to DC 37)	Streaming nozzle or dribble bar	Up to 120 L/ha applied neat	Up to 51 kg/ha
Flag leaf to the beginning of flowering (DC 37 to DC 60)	Streaming nozzle or dribble bar	Up to 120 L/ha applied neat	Up to 51 kg/ha
Post flowering prior to the end of grain fill (DC 69 onwards)	Streaming nozzle or dribble bar	Up to 120 L/ha applied neat	Up to 51 kg/ha

 

Note: Do not apply EASY N when the crop is flowering. If applying with a pesticide or fungicide, the rates and application method may need to be changed.

Streaming nozzles or dribble bars can be used to apply up to 120 L/ha of EASY N to cereals from 5 leaf stage to post- flowering under good moisture conditions.

Temperature does not limit application rate because the large droplets minimise leaf contact.

While ground sprays allow most of the fertiliser to run off the leaves onto the soil, leaf wetting is unavoidable and leaf burn may occur (see tips on page 2).

Follow-up rain is necessary to carry the fertiliser into the soil and crop root zone, although South Australian studies have suggested significant leaf uptake (compared with broadcast urea) where low rates (20 L/ha) of EASY N have been applied under dry conditions.

Post booting, particular care needs to be taken not to burn the flowering parts of the plant and the flag leaf.

Refer to the Application section of the manual for specific information on dribble bars and streaming nozzles.

Topdressing for higher protein

Topdressing EASY N at the right time and in the right conditions can improve grain protein levels for growers targeting specific crop grades and markets.

To succeed in increasing protein levels, growers need a good understanding of the crop and its nutrient needs. There needs to be:

• an identified need for additional nitrogen
• no root disease, pest or weed problems
• significant plant available water
• follow up rainfall
• nitrogen applied at the right time for targeted production outcome.

When it comes to affecting protein, trial results show better responses are seen when nitrogen is applied boot stage to mid-flowering (see over page). However, to minimise the potential for yield losses due to flag leaf burn and flower damage, application is recommended up to flowering and after flowering, rather than during flowering (see ‘Topdressing using streaming nozzles or dribble bars’).

A late EASY N application can improve protein levels if the crop is on target for ‘critical protein’ by boot stage. Critical protein is the point at which the addition of nitrogen will no longer increase yield, but will affect protein levels. The critical protein for wheat is usually in the order of 11 or 12%.

Crops need sufficient plant available soil water at the time of EASY N application and follow up rainfall to move the nutrient into the soil. Most of the EASY N will still be taken up by the crop’s roots, even at this late stage.

To achieve high protein, a crop must not run out of nitrogen before it runs out of water. EASY N can be used in late applications to ensure the crop has adequate nitrogen right through grain fill.

Response to 50 kg/ha of nitrogen at combined high rainfall sites* 2000 – 2002

Method and timing of nitrogen application	No. of trials	Increase versus control %		Fertiliser N recovery in grain %
		Yield	Protein
Mid-row banded at sowing	12	13.3	5.5	29.9
Broadcast and incorporated by sowing	7	12.8	3.8	26.8
Topdress at 5-leaf stage	4	18.8	6.2	45.5
Topdress at fully tillered stage	7	18.5	7.2	44.4
Topdress at boot stage	12	14.6	10.8	47.2
Topdress at mid-flowering	12	5.5	12.4	34.1

 

*Sites include: Dookie 2000 – 2002, Gnarwarre 2000 – 2002, Naracoorte 2000, Clare 2000 – 2001, Woorndoo 2000, Glenthompson 2001, Lake Bolac 2002. Source:

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Irrigating with EASY N

In irrigated crops, EASY N can be applied with the irrigation water for a fast and efficient nitrogen top up.

With fixed line irrigation sprinklers, inject the fertiliser into the lines over a reasonable period of time, such as the mid third of the shift, leaving the last third to flush the lines and wash any fertiliser solution from the leaves.

With moving irrigation systems, such as centre pivots, inject the fertiliser constantly during the irrigation cycle for even application to the crop.

Because of the high dilution rates, higher rates of EASY N can be applied to cereals by irrigation than other methods, without risk of leaf burn. This dilution factor also means that there is minimal risk of corrosion to irrigation systems. Refer to the EASY Liquids irrigation application guide for more details.

Crop stage	Application method	EASY N rate	Nitrogen applied (kg/ha)
Early to mid tillering	Irrigation	50 – 200 L/ha applied neat	21 – 85

 

Source: Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, 2011

Phosphorus and potassium

EASY Liquids starter fertilisers can be used to supply a balance of readily available starter nutrients to cereals at sowing.

EASY NP™ fertiliser contains nitrogen and phosphorus. Where zinc is required, EASY NP + Zn™ fertiliser offers nitrogen and phosphorus plus zinc.

EASY NPK 27™ fertiliser contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

The nutrients supplied in EASY Liquids starter fertilisers have been carefully chosen for maximum efficiency in crop. They contain100% water soluble phosphorus, chelated zinc and ammonium nitrogen.

EASY Liquids starter fertilisers can be applied with precision and offer a better distribution of nutrients than can be achieved using granular fertilisers, especially where low rates of phosphorus are required.

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Application guidelines

Apply EASY Liquids starter fertilisers at sowing with the seed, between the rows, or in front or behind of non-seeding tines.

When applying EASY Liquids starter fertilisers with the seed, do not exceed the recommended safe rate of nitrogen for your sowing operation, taking into account your soil type, row spacing, soil moisture status and sowing equipment. EASY Liquids starter fertilisers contain a similar amount of nitrogen in 100 litres as 100 kg of MAP.

As a rule of thumb, the upper limit safe rate of MAP will be the upper limit safe rate of EASY Liquids starter fertilisers. Seek advice from your agronomist before application.

When applying EASY Liquids away from the seed, rates can be determined based on the crop’s starter fertiliser requirement.

To ensure the fertiliser does not come in contact with the seed when applied behind seeding tines, band 5 cm to the side of and 5 cm below the seed. If applied on the soil surface in front of seeding tines, seed and fertiliser contact can be avoided by using press wheels to avoid dragging treated soil back into the seed furrow. It is also advisable to maintain a slow to moderate speed to ensure that soil throw does not reach adjacent rows.

Applying EASY Liquids starter fertilisers

Crop stage	Placement	Application method	Product	Product rate	Nutrient applied (kg/ha)
					N	P	K	Zn
Sowing	Away from the seed	Soil injection or directed soil spray	EASY NP	Up to 200 L/ha	22	32
Sowing	With the seed	Soil injection or directed soil	EASY NP	Up to 100 L/ha*	11	16
Sowing	Away from the seed	Soil injection or directed soil	EASY NP + Zn	Up to 200 L/ha	20	30		1.4
Sowing	With the seed	Soil injection or directed soil	EASY NP + Zn	Up to 100 L/ha*	10	15		0.7
Sowing	Away from the seed	Soil injection or directed soil	EASY NPK 27	Up to 200 L/ha	16	28	10	1.4
Sowing	With the seed	Soil injection or directed soil	EASY NPK 27	Up to 100 L/ha*	8	14	5	0.7

 

*For application with the seed, do not exceed the recommended safe rate of nitrogen for your sowing operation. Take into account your soil type, row spacing, soil moisture status and sowing equipment. Seek advice from your local agronomist before application to determine a safe rate.

Sulphur

Consider topdressing with EASY NS™ fertiliser instead of EASY N in sulphur responsive crops. EASY NS should be applied using streaming nozzles or dribble bars only. Do not use herbicide nozzles.

EASY NS contains 37% nitrogen (w/v) and 7% sulphur (w/v).

Trace elements

Foliar sprays can also be effective in correcting trace element deficiencies during the season.

Zincsol® is best applied early. Coppersol® and Mangasol® can be applied up to flowering.

Dilute Zincsol, Coppersol and Mangasol in a minimum of75 litres of water before foliar spraying to reduce the likelihood of leaf burn.

Crop stage	Application method	Product	Product rate	Nutrient applied (kg/ha)
				N	S	Zn	Mn	Cu
Early to mid tillering (DC 15 – DC 30)	Herbicide nozzles	Zincsol	2 L/ha in 75 L/ha water		0.16	0.32
Mid tillering (DC 30). A further spray at around first node may be needed.	Herbicide nozzles	Mangasol	6.5 L/ha in 75 L/ha water		0.66		1.12
Mid to late tillering	Herbicide nozzles	Coppersol	1.5 L/ha in 75 L/ha water		0.05			0.1

 

Source: Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, 2011

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Replacing nutrients removed in grain

At a minimum, fertiliser programs should replace the nutrients removed by the harvested crop. Removal of nutrients will vary with yield, soil type and management techniques, such as water scheduling, pest and disease control.

This approach to fertiliser programs is best suited to soils that have adequate nutrition available for plant growth. On low fertility soils, applying fertiliser rates based on grain removal will not satisfy crop requirements and full yield potential will not be achieved.

Species	N	P	K	S	Ca	Mg
	kg/t grain
Barley	19.2	2.88	4.39	1.1	0.35	1.08
Oats	16.5	3.0	3.9	1.5	0.5	1.0
Wheat – durum	23.1	3.1	4.34	1.52	0.37	0.99
- prime hard	24.5	2.43	3.1	1.64	0.36	1.64
- soft	16.6	2.51	3.43	1.19	0.32	0.95

 

Source: Data extracted from the Australian Soil Fertility Manual (2000) Appendix 1.

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Understanding the growth cycle: Zadoks scale

 

	Seedling growth			Tillering
	First leaf through coleoptile	First leaf unfolded	Two leaves unfolded	Three leaves unfolded, main shoot and 1 tiller	Five leaves unfolded, main shoot and 3 tillers	Leaf sheath (pseudostem) erect
Zadoks	10	11	12	13,21	15,23	30

 

	Stem elongation				Booting – Ripening
	First node detectable	Second node detectable	Flag leaf just visible	Flag leaf ligule just visible	Boots swollen	Three quarters of ear emerged	Emergence of ear complete	Grain hard
Zadoks	31	32	37	39	45	57	59	91
Note: In the stylised drawings below, the tillers have been omitted

 

For more information on EASY Liquids, contact your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Distributor or freecall 1800 009 832.

www.incitecpivot.com.au

This is a guide only, which we hope you find helpful as a general tool. While Incitec Pivot Fertilisers has taken all reasonable care in the preparation of this guide, it should not be relied on as a substitute for tailored professional advice and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers accepts no liability in connection with this guide. Talk to your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Distributor Agronomist about soil testing and arranging a specific fertiliser recommendation that best suits your needs.

® EASY Liquids, EASY N, Zincsol, Coppersol and Mangasol are registered trademarks of Incitec Pivot Limited. ™ EASY NP, EASY NP + Zn, EASY NS

and EASY NPK 27 are trademarks of Incitec Pivot Limited. ® Triflur Xcel is a registered trademark of Nufarm Australia Limited.

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited, ABN 42 004 080 264.

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