Part 1, Section 7: Small Grains

Section 7 Table of Contents

Small grain in July in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania

WINTER WHEAT

Nutritional Requirements

Determine lime and fertilizer needs by soil test. Maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Winter kill may be more severe if pH is below 6.0 and/or phosphate availability is low. In the absence of a soil test, refer to the most recent soil test available for the field and adjust rates according to values listed in Table 1.2-5. Spring nitrogen recommendations are given in Table 1.7-2. If plants did not tiller well (reach Growth Stage 2) in the fall, topdress nitrogen at “green up” in late winter or early spring. Otherwise, topdress any time up to Growth Stage 5 (Figure 1.7-2).

Table 1.7-2. Spring nitrogen recommendations for small grains.
  1. Base N recommendation for the typical yield given. This recommendation must be adjusted for different yield and for residual N from manure applications. (See table 1.2-14).
  2. If plants did not tiller well (reach Growth Stage 2) in the fall, topdress nitrogen by mid-March. Otherwise, topdress any time up to Growth Stage 5. (See Figure 1.7-2)
  3. Not more than lb of nitrogen should be applied with the drill. Any additional nitrogen should be worked into the soil before planting.
Small grain N recommendation¹
(lb N/bu/A)		 Typical
yield
(bu/A)		 Base N recommendation¹
(lb N/A)
Spring oats, spring barley³ 0.8 80 60
Winter barley² 0.8 80 60
Winter wheat² 1.0 60 60

Up to 20 pounds of nitrogen and all of the phosphorus and potassium may be broadcast prior to planting, or a portion applied with the drill and the remainder broadcast. To minimize fertilizer burn, do not apply more than 15 pounds (nitrogen) or 30 pounds (nitrogen + potash) per acre in the row with the seed.