What are the fertilizer recommendations for winter cereals?
• Fertilization is important for the growth of winter cereals, especially N and P. Rates depend on soil tests but if soil tests aren’t available then follow general recommendations. 20-25 lbs P can be seeded in the seed row in the fall. N can be side banded at seeding as long as the seeding depth is not compromised. Otherwise, N can be broadcast in the spring in about mid April. Winter cereals need nitrogen and it is important that spring application happens at the proper time for it to be used by the crop. Spring application is most effective if applied at tillering to early stem elongation. Keep in mind that urea broadcast in the spring onto warm dry soils may be lost through volatilization.
