Specifics of mineral nutrition and fertilizer application system for winter wheat

This group includes grain crops cultivated in field crop rotations.

Winter wheat. From emergence to full tillering, wheat plants absorb 30–40% of the total amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they require. The accumulation of dry matter by winter wheat during this period is only 8–10%. Consumption of nutrients increases sharply during the stem elongation and heading phases, then decreases. Nitrogen deficiency during this period leads to the formation of a small ear with fewer spikelets and florets. During the grain filling period, low nitrogen availability leads to a deterioration in grain quality due to a decrease in protein content. Phosphorus is consumed by winter wheat more evenly until the waxy ripeness of the grain. Potassium uptake begins intensively earlier than nitrogen, but after flowering, its uptake slows down, and its content in the plant decreases. Unbalanced, excessive nitrogen nutrition at the beginning of wheat growth can lead to excessive tillering, and subsequently to shading of plants, lodging, development of diseases, and a reduction in yield. Improving wheat grain quality cannot be achieved without the combined application of mineral and organic fertilizers, especially in areas with sufficient moisture and under irrigation, where fertilizer application provides the greatest effect in increasing yield. Along with increasing yield and protein content in the grain, the application of nitrogen fertilizers increases gluten content, grain vitreousness, and flour yield. The baking quality of wheat grain is also improved.

Protein accumulation depends, first of all, on the availability of nitrogen to the plants. Phosphorus fertilizers almost do not change the protein content, while potassium fertilizers have a weak effect.

Nitrogen fertilizers for tillage" primary tillage of soil are applied depending on the predecessor crop. In the northern zone of the Krasnodar Territory, N40–60 is applied, and in the central and southern foothill zones, N40–70 is applied. A lower dose is given after better predecessors – perennial grasses, peas, corn for silage, etc., and a higher dose – after late row crops.

With an average soil fertility of phosphorus and potassium, P100K60 is applied in the northern zone, and P80K60 is applied in the central and southern foothill zones, including Adygea. If manure was applied under wheat, then N30 is applied during primary tillage. At sowing, superphosphate at a rate of P20 is applied in all zones.

Top dressing is carried out taking into account soil and plant diagnostics at the following times: early spring (resumption of the growing season), end of tillering – beginning of stem elongation, heading, beginning of caryopsis formation. Early spring top dressing at a dose of N30–60 is carried out based on data on the mineral nitrogen content in the soil. During the period from the beginning of stem elongation to heading, stem diagnostics are performed using an express method. Nitrogen doses for top dressing are determined by the nitrate content in the plant:

Availability score 0–0.5 0.6–1 1.1–2 2.1–2.5 2.6–3

Nitrogen dose, active ingredient kg/ha 60 40 30 20 0

Late top dressing from heading to milk ripeness significantly improves grain quality. To determine the fertilizer dose at this time, leaf diagnostics are carried out – the determination of total nitrogen in the three upper leaves (Table 180; Leplyavchenko L.N., Malyuga N.G., Leplyavchenko L.P., 1983).

Table 180 – Winter wheat demand for nitrogen fertilizer during heading and caryopsis formation

Total nitrogen content in leaves, % of dry matter	Fertilizer dose, active ingredient kg/ha
heading – beginning of flowering	end of flowering – beginning of caryopsis formation
<3.0	<2.0	60
3.0–3.5	2.0–2.5	40
3.6–4.0	2.6–3.0	30
4.1–4.5	3.1–3.5	20
>4.5	>3.5	0

For early spring top dressing, ammonium nitrate is used, and for late top dressing, urea in the form of a 30% aqueous solution is used via spraying.

Winter wheat fertilization in a crop rotation depends on the predecessor crops:

• When sowing after a bare fallow or a layer of perennial grasses, a large amount of mineral nitrogen accumulates. In this case, the dose of nitrogen fertilizers is adjusted downwards or no fertilizers are applied at all.
• After late-harvested predecessors (corn for grain, sunflower), on the contrary, the soil contains little mineral nitrogen, and the dose of nitrogen fertilizer is increased. The application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer creates balanced nutrition.

The Kuban State Agrarian University has developed a fertilization system for winter wheat for the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory, the essence of which is the application of a large dose of nitrogen before stem elongation (Kurkaev V.T., Lysenko A.V., Sharygin Yu.N.). Compared to the existing system, this allows for a reduction in the number of top dressings with equal total doses of nitrogen fertilizers and increases fertilizer efficiency.

For early-harvested predecessors with a high mineral nitrogen content in the soil (approximately 20–30 mg/kg of soil in the 0–40 cm layer), nitrogen fertilizers are not applied before sowing. For late-harvested predecessors, depending on the mineral nitrogen content in the soil, nitrogen fertilizers are applied at a rate of up to N60.

In cases of insufficient seedling density, weak plant tillering in autumn, and large nitrogen losses from the soil during the winter period, an early spring top dressing is carried out at a rate of N30.

Nutritional characteristics of winter and spring wheat

To obtain maximum return from nitrogen fertilizers on winter wheat, the entire main dose (N90–120) is applied in dry form before the plants begin to stem elongate. This period corresponds to the beginning of the elongation of the lower internode — stage III of organogenesis according to Kuperman. For top dressing, ammonium nitrate or urea is used. Foliar top dressing is not carried out during the heading and flowering periods. Such a system increases fertilizer efficiency, helps to form more productive stems and a large ear, which ultimately improves grain quality.

Spring wheat is more demanding of mineral nutrition than winter wheat due to its short growing season and less developed roots. It is best to plant it after row crops, winter crops, grain legumes, on sod and inverted sod of perennial grasses, or on clean fallow. Fertile chernozem and chestnut soils, as well as well-cultivated podzolic and gray forest soils, are suitable for the crop. Heavy clay and light sands are unsuitable for spring wheat.

Nutrient uptake begins from the first days of seed germination and lasts for 50–55 days. At the beginning of the growing season, for every gram of its biomass, spring wheat consumes 2–3 times more nutrients than in its mature state. Therefore, from the first days of life, it requires a high concentration of available elements in the soil, especially phosphorus. Young seedlings are very sensitive to an excessive concentration of salts in the soil solution, primarily readily soluble nitrogen.

• Requirement for phosphorus per 1 centner of grain — 4.4–6.0 kg
• Requirement for potassium per 1 centner of grain — 2.5–3.0 kg
• Active nutrient uptake — 50–55 days
• Starter phosphorus fertilizer in the row — P20

The requirement for nutrients is distributed according to development stages:

• Phosphorus: required by plants until the full heading stage. Starter phosphorus inhibits excessive growth of above-ground mass at the beginning of the growing season and stimulates root development, which increases drought resistance. Its deficiency at the start cannot be compensated for by subsequent top dressings.
• Nitrogen: required from the start of tillering to the milky ripeness of the grain. During this time, side shoots, secondary roots, and the rudimentary ear are formed.
• Potassium: consumed from the first days of growth until flowering. In case of a potassium deficiency in the soil, the plant redistributes it from old leaves to young organs.

The peak of nutrient uptake and maximum biomass increase occur during the period from stem elongation to flowering.

Timing, methods of fertilizer application, and barley requirements

Basal fertilizer is applied in autumn before autumn ploughing or in spring before re-ploughing and cultivation. Exact rates depend on the soil fertility of the field, the predecessor, and the planned yield. With the correct NPK balance, each centner of complete mineral fertilizer increases grain yield by 3–5 centners/ha. If spring wheat is sown as a substitute crop for winter wheat that has perished, fertilizers applied in the autumn must be taken into account.

Nutrient	Recommended application rate, kg/ha a.i.
Nitrogen (N)	60–120
Phosphorus (P)	40–90
Potassium (K)	0–60

Placement depth of fertilizers is critical for the development of the root system. In the tillering phase, the placement depth should be 5–10 cm to stimulate the development of the tillering node and secondary roots. In the stem elongation phase, fertilizers are placed at 15–25 cm — it is at this level that the main mass of roots is located.

Nitrogen top dressing during the growing season is carried out in split applications. When signs of nitrogen deficiency appear in the tillering phase, N30–45 is applied. Late top dressings during the heading and flowering phases are carried out to increase protein and gluten in the grain, but they are effective only with good soil moisture availability.

Winter barley, due to its early maturity and drought resistance, provides stable harvests. In the south of Russia (particularly in the North Caucasus), spring barley is significantly inferior in productivity to winter wheat, which is why winter barley is predominantly sown there. Chernozem and chestnut soils with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction (pH 6.8–7.5) are suitable for it. Solonetzic and saline lands are unsuitable for the crop. Winter barley does not tolerate even temporary waterlogging well, so it should not be placed in low-lying areas.

Nutritional characteristics of winter and spring barley

Winter barley grows rapidly in the initial stages of development, so it is demanding of available nutrients from the very start of the growing season. Nutrient consumption is uneven: the peak occurs during the phase from tillering to heading, when plants absorb up to 70% of the total volume of elements. By the beginning of heading, winter barley manages to assimilate 90% of nitrogen and 75% of phosphorus, while potassium absorption ceases completely by this phase.

Due to its short growing season and relatively weak root system, spring barley is even more demanding of soil fertility. In the Non-Chernozem zone, it is better to allocate loamy soils for it, and in the southern regions — chernozems. Acidic and peat soils are unsuitable for this crop. Spring barley grows poorly on sandy and sandy-loam soils; it can only be sown there after the application of a sufficient amount of organic and mineral fertilizers.

• Maximum nutrient consumption — tillering to heading
• Nitrogen assimilation by the heading phase — 90%
• Phosphorus assimilation by the heading phase — 75%
• Early spring top dressing of winter barley — N30–40

Crop	Nitrogen (N), kg	Phosphorus (P), kg	Potassium (K), kg
Winter barley (removal per 10 centners of grain with by-products)	24–30	14–17	19–26
Spring barley (removal per 10 centners of grain)	26	11	24

Signs of nutrient deficiency in spring barley manifest as follows:

• Nitrogen deficiency is most dangerous from the start of tillering to stem elongation, when the ear is forming. The leaves turn pale (from light green to yellowish or reddish-yellow), older leaves die off prematurely, and the plants transition to the reproductive phase too early.
• Phosphorus deficiency inhibits root growth and the setting of a large ear. Externally, phosphorus starvation in young plants manifests as a reddish-purple color of the leaves.
• Potassium deficiency delays the formation of carbohydrates and sharply reduces yield. Plants lag in growth, and the edges of the lower leaves turn brown and dry out.

Fertilization system for barley and oats

Doses of mineral nutrition for winter barley are calculated based on soil conditions and the preceding crop. Following cereal predecessors, the nitrogen application rate is reduced to N30, while after row crops, it is increased to N60. Spring barley absorbs nutrients more intensively than winter barley; however, fertilizer doses for it are planned lower than for wheat to avoid crop lodging.

The effectiveness of fertilizer types for spring barley depends on the soil type in the field:

• on podzolic, chestnut, gray forest soils, degraded or podzolized chernozems, the crop responds best to nitrogen and phosphorus;
• on sandy loams and drained marshy soils, priority is given to potash fertilizers;
• on common chernozems, phosphorus fertilizers provide the greatest yield increase.

Crop and application method	Fertilizer dose by active ingredient (kg/ha)	Application specifics
Winter barley, basic application	N30–60 P60 K40–60	Applied during basic tillage
Winter barley, at sowing	Р20	Applied directly into the rows
Winter barley, early spring top dressing	N30–40	On growing plants at the beginning of the resumption of spring vegetation
Spring barley, basic application	N40–60 Р40–60 К40–60	During basic tillage or pre-sowing cultivation

Oats differ from spring wheat and barley by having a more powerful root system. Their roots possess high absorptive capacity and can effectively absorb hard-to-access forms of nutrients from the soil. Thanks to this, oats are successfully cultivated on a wide variety of soil types.

Nutritional characteristics and fertilization system for oats

Oats are a plastic crop that grows successfully on heavy and light soils, drained peatlands, and sufficiently moist sands. They tolerate high soil acidity better than most other cereals, although they respond actively to liming. At the same time, solonetzic soils are poorly suited for oats. Nutrient consumption in this crop is extended over time: the peak of absorption occurs in the period from stem elongation to the milk stage of grain maturity. By the beginning of flowering, oats manage to assimilate 60% of nitrogen, 60% of phosphorus, 55% of calcium, and from 30 to 45% of potassium.

• Nitrogen utilization by oats in the year of application — 50–70%
• Phosphorus utilization by oats in the year of application — 20–25%
• At-planting phosphorus rate for oats — P10–20
• Lower soil acidity limit for rye — pH 4.0–4.5

The maximum amount of elements accumulates in oat grain phase by phase. Nitrogen is accumulated most actively during the milk ripeness phase, potassium and magnesium during the waxy ripeness phase, and phosphorus and calcium during full ripeness. Depending on the developmental phase, element deficiency manifests as follows:

• Nitrogen: most required during the first growth period. With its deficiency, plants develop poorly, and leaves turn a light green color.
• Phosphorus: critically important up to the age of four weeks, until the secondary root system has developed. Until this moment, oats absorb phosphorus mainly from at-planting fertilizer, and subsequently transition to soil reserves. A lack of phosphorus inhibits growth and delays ripening.
• Potassium: necessary for healthy growth. Deficiency manifests as browning of leaves and the appearance of rusty spots on them.

Oats utilize the aftereffect of organic fertilizers applied under the previous crop well. When calculating mineral nutrition, account for the nutrient removal per every 10 centners of harvest and orient yourself toward standard application rates.

Crop	Nitrogen (N) removal per 10 c of grain, kg	Phosphorus (P) removal per 10 c of grain, kg	Potassium (K) removal per 10 c of grain, kg
Oats	33	14	29
Rye	35	14	30

Nutrient (for oats)	Estimated application rate, kg/ha a.i.
Nitrogen (N)	30–60
Phosphorus (P)	40–60
Potassium (K)	40–60

Oats absorb 50–70% of nitrogen fertilizers in the year of application. It is better to apply them in the spring, but with high rates, half of the dose can be moved to the autumn in the form of ammonium types, which are resistant to leaching. Phosphorus in the first year is utilized by the crop by only 20–25%. Simple or double superphosphate (and phosphate rock on acidic soils) is applied in the autumn for autumn ploughing. The low mobility of phosphates requires them to be deeply incorporated into the moist soil layer near the main root mass, which is especially important in arid conditions.

At sowing, oats respond well to local application of superphosphate at a rate of P10–20. In case of a deficiency of the main fertilizer or on poor soils, crops are top-dressed no later than the tillering phase to stimulate branching and panicle grain set. On weakened and pale crops, nitrogen is applied, and on well-cultivated ones, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are used. To increase protein content, nitrogen is applied in split doses (according to the scheme for wheat and barley), and phosphorus and potassium are provided before sowing.

Nutritional features of winter rye

Winter rye is successfully cultivated on sod-podzolic soils and chernozems, but prefers light soils with low water-holding capacity. Thanks to a powerful root system, the crop is able to penetrate to a great depth and effectively extract nutrients from the deep soil layers. It tolerates increased acidity without liming, however, it handles a pH drop below 4.0–4.5 poorly. The period of most intensive nutrient consumption occurs during the tillering and jointing phases. By the time of heading, rye has already accumulated up to 93% of nitrogen, 78% of phosphorus, and 99% of potassium of their maximum content in the harvest.

Winter rye fertilization system

Mineral fertilizers for winter rye pay off with a high yield increase. Each centner of nitrogen fertilizers applied provides an additional 4–5 c/ha of grain. A similar amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers ensures an increase of 2.0–2.5 c/ha.

Fertilizer type	Estimated application rate, kg/ha a.i.
Nitrogen (N)	40–60
Phosphorus (P)	30–60
Potassium (K)	20–40

For winter rye, it is critically important to observe the timing and methods of incorporation for each element. If the regulations are not followed, plants will not have time to absorb the substances during critical developmental phases. This will lead to an irrecoverable shortfall in grain yield.

1. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in split doses: 70% of the planned rate is incorporated into the soil before sowing, and the remaining 30% is used for top dressing in the spring during the plant tillering period.
2. Phosphorus fertilizers are applied entirely before sowing or directly into rows during sowing, as rye absorbs phosphorus most intensively in the first 30–35 days of the growing season.
3. Potassium fertilizers provide the greatest effect when they are fully incorporated before the start of sowing for primary tillage.

Nutrient requirements and fertilization system for millet

Millet is capable of producing a harvest on various soil types — from chernozems to solonetzic and podzolic loams. Optimal growth conditions occur at a neutral (pH 6.5) or slightly alkaline (pH 7.5) soil solution reaction. The crop does not tolerate highly acidic, waterlogged, or heavy, over-compacted lands at all.

The initial growth of millet is slow. Until the tillering phase, its above-ground organs and root system are poorly developed, so young plants absorb nutrients worse than other spring crops. The period of active uptake occurs later and coincides with the summer warming of the soil, when the processes of mobilizing nutrients are activated within it.

Balanced nutrition increases the yield of grain and straw, and also increases seed size and protein content. Thanks to fertilizers, the transpiration coefficient is reduced, which forces plants to use water more economically. Under the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus, the anatomical structure of the leaf is improved, fruiting is accelerated, and the resistance of millet to drought, disease, and pests is increased.

In terms of nutrient uptake, millet exceeds most cereal crops, second only to corn in this regard. The peak consumption of nitrogen and potassium occurs during the heading phase of the plants. The maximum uptake of phosphorus is shifted to later stages and is observed during the wax ripeness period of the grain.

• Nitrogen uptake per 10 centners of grain — 30 kg
• Phosphorus uptake per 10 centners of grain — 14 kg
• Potassium uptake per 10 centners of grain — 35 kg
• Calcium uptake per 10 centners of grain — 10 kg

Millet makes excellent use of the residual effect of organic and mineral fertilizers applied to the predecessor. The complete nutrition system for the crop is based on a combination of basal, at-sowing, and top dressing. On chernozems and gray forest soils, the basal dose of N40–60P40–60K30–45 and organic matter (20–30 t/ha) are applied in autumn under autumn ploughing. With spring incorporation, local application of fertilizers by seed drills at a depth of 12–14 cm across the sowing rows shows high efficiency.

Due to the extended period of nutrient consumption, millet requires additional nitrogen top dressing (N20) in the second half of the growing season. On wide-row sowings, it is recommended to carry out one or two such treatments. The first top dressing is timed to the beginning of the tillering phase, and the second — to the phase before heading.

Top dressing period	Recommended dosage, kg/ha a.i.
First top dressing (at the beginning of tillering)	N20 P30 K20
Second top dressing (before heading)	N10 P15 K15

Ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, and potassium chloride are used as the main forms of fertilizer for millet. Magnesium, iron, and trace elements such as boron, manganese, zinc, copper, cobalt, and molybdenum play an important role in metabolism. They activate enzymes, accelerate the synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, helping the crops to endure unfavorable environmental conditions.

Sorghum and buckwheat: calculating nutrient rates and choosing fertilizers

Sorghum is undemanding to soils and grows successfully on both light sandy and heavy clay lands. However, you will obtain the maximum yield of grain and green mass on fertile loams and light chernozems. Place the crop in fields clean of weeds and wireworms. The best predecessors are winter cereals and grain legumes, which retain a large supply of soil moisture.

The sorghum nutrition system consists of basal and at-sowing fertilizer. Apply organic fertilizers under the primary tillage. Incorporate phosphorus and potassium under autumn ploughing or during early spring tillage. It is better to apply nitrogen in fractions — in the spring for pre-sowing cultivation and as top dressing. When sowing, it is advisable to apply granulated superphosphate to the rows at a dose of P20.

• Nitrogen dose for sorghum — N30–60
• Phosphorus dose for sorghum — P40–60
• Potassium dose for sorghum — K25–60
• Manure application rate — 15–30 t/ha

Buckwheat prefers light loamy and sandy loam soils that warm up quickly and are well-aerated. Heavy sites prone to compaction and surface sealing are poorly suited for it. The optimal soil acidity for the crop lies within the range of salt extract pH 5.0–6.0. At pH 4.5, plant development deteriorates, and in an alkaline environment (pH 7.0 and higher), buckwheat begins to suffer.

Nutrient consumption by buckwheat is uneven across development phases. In the first 1.5 months after sowing, it assimilates 61% of nitrogen, 62% of potassium, and 48% of phosphorus. Plants use the remaining portion of phosphorus during flowering and grain filling, while nitrogen becomes acutely necessary after the roots are fully developed. Excess nitrogen is harmful: it provokes lush growth of green mass to the detriment of the grain and delays the growing season. Phosphorus and potassium are critically important in the second half of the growing season, as most of the formed inflorescences die off if phosphorus is lacking.

Nutrient	Requirement for the formation of 10 centners of grain, kg
Nitrogen	44.0
Phosphorus	30.5
Potassium	75.5
Calcium	31.2

When choosing fertilizer forms, give preference to ammonium sulfate as a nitrogen source. Any form of phosphorus fertilizer can be used, including phosphate rock on acidic soils. For potassium nutrition, it is better to choose chlorine-free forms, and when applying top dressing, prioritize nitrogen and nitrogen-phosphorus mixtures over complete fertilizer.

• Total nitrogen dose — N30–40
• Total phosphorus dose — P40–60
• Total potassium dose — K40–60
• Solution application rate for foliar top dressing — 250–300 l/ha

1. Application of base fertilizer at a rate of N20–30P30–40K30–60 under winter ploughing or spring tillage.
2. Application of granular superphosphate at sowing into rows at a rate of P10–20.
3. Root top dressing in the period from budding to the beginning of mass flowering (applied in wide-row and strip sowing without base fertilizer).
4. Foliar top dressing with a 0.1% aqueous solution of micronutrient salts during the budding phase.

Maize requirements for soil conditions

With competent agricultural practices and balanced nutrition, maize is capable of producing high yields on almost any type of soil. Nevertheless, good water-holding capacity, aeration, and a deep arable horizon for the free development of the root system are critically important for it. The crop demonstrates its highest productivity on chernozems, dark chestnut soils, and in river floodplains with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Acidic (pH less than 5), saline, and waterlogged areas are unsuitable for maize.

To produce 1 centner of grain with the corresponding amount of leaf-stem mass, maize, depending on the yield volume on chernozems, consumes the following amount of nutrients (kg):

Nitrogen	21.5–43.4
Phosphorus	6.1–15.6
Potassium	17.0–25.5

The absorption of nutrients is most intensive in the period from jointing (6–7 leaves) to tassel emergence, and the absorption of nutrients outpaces the formation of dry matter. Potassium is absorbed particularly intensively by maize plants. The content of this element in plants decreases after the cobs flower. Maximum nitrogen consumption by maize is observed 2–3 weeks before tassel emergence. Phosphorus is absorbed by plants more evenly.

A lack of nutrients in the soil leads to deviations in the growth and development of maize plants. With a nitrogen deficiency in the initial growing season, the plant's growth slows down, it becomes stunted, the leaves have a yellowish-green color, and their lifespan is drastically reduced. Nitrogen deficiency at a later time leads to the formation of a smaller assimilating leaf surface. Nitrogen starvation in maize can occur more frequently during the period of intensive growth of vegetative organs and during cob formation. In this case, the most characteristic signs of nitrogen deficiency appear: yellowing of the tips of the lower leaves, which spreads along the main leaf vein, although the green color along the edges of the leaves remains; then the entire leaf yellows and dies. The death of leaves with a significant nitrogen deficiency in the soil is explained by the fact that nitrogen moves from the lower leaves of maize to the growing upper leaves and the generative organs forming on the plant. With a phosphorus deficiency in the early development period, maize grows slowly, although it retains a dark green color. Sometimes the plants have a reddish-purple hue, especially during a protracted cold growing season. In the late development period with a phosphorus deficiency, slow plant growth is observed, the emergence of silk from the cob husks is delayed, and underdeveloped cobs are formed; furthermore, the root system develops poorly and the growing season is extended. During potassium starvation, maize seedlings and young plants grow slowly, its root system develops poorly, and the plants lodge more often than usual. Cobs remain poorly filled, and the grain is shriveled. This happens as a result of a delayed outflow of organic compounds synthesized in the leaves and a sharp decrease in the intensity of photosynthesis. A characteristic sign of potassium deficiency in maize is marginal leaf "burn," in which the edges of the leaf blades and the tips turn yellow or yellowish-brown with red specks, similar to a rust infection.

The base fertilizer application rate in the northern zone, as well as the first and fourth subzones of the central zone of Krasnodar Krai, is N60–90Р80К60, and N90–120P80K40 in the southern foothill and western zones. Organic fertilizers are applied at 40–60 t/ha. During maize sowing, P15–20 is applied into the rows. In zones with severe erosion, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied in autumn, and nitrogen fertilizers in spring. Among nitrogen fertilizers, ammonium nitrate, urea, and aqueous ammonia are most commonly used for maize. Among phosphorus fertilizers for maize, water-soluble phosphates are primarily effective: powdered superphosphate and granular or double granular superphosphate; thermophosphates—precipitate, defluorinated phosphate, and phosphate slag. Among potassium fertilizers for maize, potassium chloride, potassium salts, and potassium-magnesium sulfate can be used with equal success.

In many regions of the Russian Federation, maize requires zinc fertilizers. The most effective method is to perform top dressing at the 6–7 leaf stage using an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate at a rate of 250 g/ha.