In this regard, both nitrogen and sulfur are important. Fertilizer application rates have to be based on soil test results on an individual field basis. Production goals should be matched to a fertilizer program. Grower commitment is needed to successfully grow durum. In general, 3.8 pounds of N are needed to produce a bushel of durum.
Durum is sensitive to late fertilizer applications.
This is because the plant goes through its physiological changes earlier than other types of wheats. For this reason, the advice is to apply three quarters of the fertilizer pre-plant. The plant requires adequate fertility at the third leaf stage, and if it does not have it at this time, proper tilling of the plant may not occur. Tissue testing is recommended to track plant fertility. McKay Seed Company, which contracts durum production, is developing guidelines for tissue test results.