In the Pampas region, wheat has established itself as the most important winter crop. To obtain high yields, adequate nutritional management is essential, and in this context, nitrogen (N) is presented as the most crucial nutrient for the healthy development of the crop. However, this year 2024 brings with it a series of challenges that require new fertilization strategies to maintain productive efficiency.
A difficult start: water shortage and limited fertilization
The wheat and barley campaign began under adverse conditions. In many productive areas of Argentina, the water deficit marked the beginning of the cycle, accompanied by frosts that considerably delayed the development of crops. This scenario, combined with climatic uncertainty, led many producers to choose to reduce or delay the use of nitrogen fertilizers.
Paula Di GeronimoMarket Developer Coordinator for the Pampa Húmeda region and Uruguay in Stoller, He explains that this delay in fertilization has caused crops to face significant nutritional stress. In addition, soil nitrogen mineralization was affected by low temperatures and lack of water, further reducing the availability of the nutrient.
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Although rains have arrived in several wheat-growing areas in recent weeks, other regions such as the west and northwest of the Pampas Region, as well as the north and center of Santa Fe and Córdoba, are still suffering from significant water shortages. Given these conditions, projections for spring indicate higher temperatures, which could further complicate the situation.
Late fertilization: an efficient solution
In this context, late nitrogen applications emerge as a viable alternative to ensure the availability of the macronutrient during the critical growth period of wheat. According to Di Gerónimo, “the greatest demand for N absorption by wheat occurs from the end of the tillering stage to the heading stage.” This is the moment when the greatest efficiency of nitrogen use is obtained.
Paula Di Gerónimo, Market Developer Coordinator for the Pampa Húmeda region and Uruguay at Stoller
Stoller proposes a foliar fertilization strategy with its product Nitroplus 18, a fertilizer rich in amine nitrogen, applied specifically on the flag leaf, in the pre-flowering phase. This stage is critical, as it is when the crop defines its potential yield. With Nitroplus 18, the nitrogen supply is synchronized with the crop’s demand, guaranteeing a more efficient use of the nutrient.
Di Gerónimo points out that the application of Nitroplus 18 at a rate of 10 liters per hectare can be combined with the entry into the field to apply other phytosanitary products, such as fungicides. This not only optimizes the producer’s time and costs by reducing the need for additional entry into the field, but also ensures that the applied nitrogen is absorbed at the time of maximum demand.
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Advantages of Nitroplus 18: efficiency in foliar fertilization
Nitroplus 18 has a key advantage over other nitrogen sources: the amine form of the nutrient is readily available to the plant and its absorption is more efficient than other traditional sources, such as urea. In addition, its use reduces the accumulation of nitrates in the leaves, which decreases the production of ethylene, a plant hormone that promotes excessive foliage growth at the expense of optimal root development. A poorly developed root system reduces the plant’s ability to cope with stress conditions, such as lack of water.
According to Di Gerónimo, “when planning nitrogen fertilization, we attribute efficiencies of 40 to 65% to traditional sources such as urea or UAN. In contrast, foliar fertilization allows for a contribution of close to 100% efficiency, complementing base soil applications and directly contributing to crop yield.”
A key tool for success in 2024
Faced with uncertain weather conditions and water deficit constraints, foliar fertilization with Nitroplus 18 on flag leaves is an efficient tool to maximize wheat yield in 2024. By optimizing nitrogen uptake at the time of greatest crop demand, producers can ensure that their plants receive the nutrients necessary to face climatic challenges and achieve optimal yield.
