Michigan State University Extension
Soils & Soil Management - Fertilizer - 06029712
07/10/97
Fertilizer Recommendations for Field Crops in Michigan Extension Bulletin E-550A, March 1992
D. R. Christenson, D. D. Warncke, M. L. Vitosh, L. W. Jacobs and J. G. Dahl, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Barley, Canola, Oats, Wheat Rye, Millet, Buckwheat-Most grain drills apply fertilizer directly in contact with the seed. This placement can injure the seed when large amounts are applied, especially when the soil is dry. Do not drill more than 100 pounds of plant nutrients (N + P2O5 + K2O) in direct contact with the seed for sandy soils and 140 pounds per acre for fine textured soils. If more fertilizer is needed, broadcast before planting. Follow fertilizer recommendations for total amounts of nutrients needed.
On winter wheat, apply no more than 25 pounds of nitrogen per acre in the fall. This amount may be included in the planting time fertilizer. In the spring prior to green-up, topdress additional nitrogen, usually 80 to 100 pounds N per acre for high-yielding wheat varieties and sites.
For rye grown for grain, apply 40 lb nitrogen/acre prior to spring green up. No nitrogen is recommended for rye when grown as a cover crop. Broadcast and incorporate nitrogen before planting or top dress after emergence for millet and buckwheat.
Applying manure prior to wheat often leads to increased incidence of root rot and lodging. Therefore, it is best not to apply manure prior to wheat. Wheat does best following field beans, soybeans or silage corn.
Manganese may be needed for wheat, oats and barley when grown on lake bed soils and dark-colored soils where the pH is above 6.5. Test these soils for manganese and apply the amounts shown in (Vis. 4).
For spring-seeded small grains, apply the nitrogen before and/or at seeding.
MINERAL SOILS-Refer to(Vis. 10) for recommended nitrogen rates and (Vis. 11) for recommended phosphate and potash recommendations.
ORGANIC SOILS-(Vis. 16), (Vis. 17), (Vis. 18) give recommendations for oats and rye grown on these soils.
