North Dakota State University Extension Service - Burke County

Burke County AgAlert

April 20, 2004

Applying Urea to the Soil Without Incorporation
Urea is a white, crystalline, granular fertilizer that is often broadcasted in the spring onto winter wheat and used with no-till. Urea can be applied to the soil surface without incorporation in the spring, however, the percent lost due to volatilization will depend on the following factors.

1. Applying urea when the air temperatures are cool (50's -60's) will reduce the potential of volatilization.

2. Precipitation of 1/4 inch within a week of application will be sufficient to incorporate urea.

3. If broadcasting urea into with high residues, volatilization will be reduced if the residue is dry at application.

4. If the urea has not been incorporated by precipitation after a week of application, a harrow can be used as a rescue treatment to get the urea incorporated before significant volatilization losses have occurred.

28-0-0 is less volatile than urea, however, significant losses due to volatilization can occur. If sprayed on heavy stubble significant rainfall will be needed to wash the fertilizer off the residue.

Nitrogen Applications for Winter Wheat
Winter wheat has broken dormancy and most winter wheat fields are in the 1 to 2 leaf stage. The optimum stage to apply nitrogen is early; when the winter wheat is 1 to 3 leaf stage or prior to tiller initiation. If the soil test has moderate nitrogen levels (60 - 70 lbs/acre), then an early application is not as critical and the application can be delayed into the tillering stages. All nitrogen applications should be made prior to the jointing stage. Urea or liquid N using a straight-stream can be used.

"How Long Do I Wait Before Seeding after Applying Anhydrous Ammonia?"
a) When anhydrous ammonia is applied deep (at least 4 inches) and seeding is shallow (1 1/2 inches), seeding can proceed immediately after application.

b) If anhydrous ammonia is applied shallow (3 inches or shallower), seed will or could be placed in the anhydrous zone and waiting a week to ten days is recommended before seeding to avoid injury.

"Is There a Difference Between Anhydrous Vs. Urea in Their Effectiveness?"
Nitrogen is nitrogen! Research has shown that both are effective nitrogen sources. Keep in mind that urea is 46 % nitrogen while anhydrous ammonia is 82 %. Listed below are the results from the North Central Research/Extension Center comparing the effects of spring applied Anhydrous versus urea on durum yields.

Durum Wheat Yields Using Different Spring Applied Nitrogen Sources (Minot, 1975-78)

The same can be said about urea and liquid N. Liquid N is not as volatile as urea if surface applied in a no-till situation. However, liquid N is not more efficient or classified as a "better" fertilizer than urea.

"How Important Is Banding Phosphorus with Wheat?"
Phosphorus(P) is an essential nutrient for all crops. Phosphorus plays an important role in early root formation and seeding growth in all small grain crops and corn. Phosphorus contributes to early tillering establishment. Phosphorus levels in the seed is high in most crops and adequate levels of Phosphorus usually leads to better quality seed at harvest.

Phosphorus is immobile in the soil. Banding phosphorus where roots can intercept it is a very efficient way to apply phosphorus. Banding 10 - 40 pounds of phosphorus down the tube with the seed has shown good results in increasing yields, especially on low testing Phosphorus soils.

Effect of drill-applied P on grain yield of Butte 86 spring wheat. Dickinson 19991-92

Dan Folske
Extension Agent/Burke County
Soil Conservation Technology Specialist
PO Box 280
Bowbells, North Dakota 58721
dfolske@ndsuext.nodak.edu
701-377-2927

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