General Comments Weeds, insects, diseases, and environmental stress can influence the effectiveness of a fertilizer program and reduce yields. Early planting of spring wheat has been shown to result in the highest yields. Starter or pop-up fertilizers have been tried with limited success. Starter fertilizers as a management tool have been most effective when soils were cold and root growth could be stimulated by a readily available supply of both P and N. Take care when banding fertilizer to prevent placing excessive amounts close to the seed. Excessive amounts of N and K can result in salt damage during germination.
Wheat is especially sensitive to excess salts during germination.
Banding fertilizer improves N and P use efficiency. Consequently, if applying N, P, or both in a band, cut the recommended fertilizer application rates by 10 to 15 percent. The University of Idaho provides equal opportunity in education and employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran, as required by state and federal laws. College of Agriculture, University of Idaho. All rights reserved.