Optimising Soil Preparation and Fertilisation for Wheat Farming

As a wheat farmer in South Africa, you understand the importance of optimal soil preparation and fertilisation for a successful harvest. Soil testing and targeted fertilisers are crucial components of this process, helping you identify and address nutrient deficiencies to ensure healthy plant growth. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of soil testing, nutrient deficiencies, and targeted fertilisers, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to optimise your wheat farming operations.

Soil Testing: The First Step

Soil testing is the foundation of optimal “nutritional” soil preparation that should be done well in advance. It helps you determine the soil’s fertility status (including pH, cations, and phosphorus content, sulphur content, acidity, and silt and clay content, aka texture; as well as all trace elements), enabling you to make informed decisions about correctional fertiliser applications prior to planting, as well as the best suitable fertiliser to apply during planting. The latter will be determined by the soil status, as well as the crop demand, linked to expected yield potential. In the winter rainfall area of South Africa (Western Cape), it is also very important to measure the rock and coarse fragments in the soil sample. According to the Agricultural Research Council, soil testing every 3-5 years is recommended to monitor changes in soil health and adjust your management strategies accordingly (Agricultural Research Council, 2022). Kynoch advises testing every 3 years.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Wheat Farming

Wheat crops require a balanced mix of nutrients to thrive. In general, some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in wheat farming include:

1. Nitrogen (N): Essential for plant growth and development, nitrogen deficiency can lead to stunted plants, reduced yields, and poor grain quality.
2. Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development, phosphorus deficiency can result in reduced plant growth, poor water uptake, and decreased yields.
3. Potassium (K): Important for plant water balance and disease resistance, potassium deficiency can lead to weakened plants, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to disease.
4. Trace elements: Depending on soil conditions, deficiencies of micro-elements could be expected. If the soil is acidic, elements like molybdenum could be deficient; if the soil is sandy, elements like copper, zinc, boron, iron, and manganese could be deficient. If the soil is alkaline, basically all trace elements, except molybdenum, could be deficient.
5. Soil acidity: Wheat is very sensitive to soil acidity (expressed as acid saturation). It is imperative for wheat production to try and keep acid saturation at less than 1%. The only way to neutralise acidity is by applying agricultural lime, whether dolomitic or calcitic (depending on the soil’s calcium-to-magnesium ratio). Lime could be obtained from dedicated lime supplying companies.

Targeted Fertilisers: Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Targeted fertilisers are designed to address specific nutrient deficiencies, providing your wheat crop with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. Mostly, some serious elemental deficiencies identified through the soil analysis done prior to planting could be rectified before planting by targeted fertilisers containing phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and magnesium. An element like nitrogen will always be applied during planting, with the remaining portion applied just before planting (pre-plant application), or as a top dressing 4 to 6 weeks after emergence. The planting blend, consisting primarily of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, will be made up of different ratios according to crop preference and soil conditions. For instance, in the Vaalharts-irrigation scheme, a 7:3:3 or 2:3:2 N:P:K-ratio fertiliser is popular. In the dry-land summer rainfall areas, a 4.1.0 or 8.2.1 N:P:K-ratio fertiliser could be used. In the winter rainfall area, MAP is a popular option.

Reputable Resources for South African Wheat Farmers

For further guidance on soil testing, nutrient deficiencies, and targeted fertilisers, consult the following reputable resources:

1. Agricultural Research Council – Small Grain Institute (ARC-Small Grain Institute)
2. Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa (FERTASA)
3. NviroTek Laboratories ((link unavailable))

You can find more information on these resources through online searches or by consulting with local Kynoch agricultural experts and extension services. Other laboratories in South Africa could also be found online.

Conclusion

Optimising soil preparation and fertilisation is critical for successful wheat farming in South Africa. By understanding the importance of soil testing, identifying common nutrient deficiencies, and applying targeted fertilisers, you can ensure healthy plant growth, improved yields, and enhanced grain quality. Remember to consult reputable resources for guidance and support, helping you make informed decisions for your wheat farming operations.

Note:

1. The article is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand, and is based on reputable sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or technical guide, but rather a helpful resource for South African wheat farmers and producers.
2. Wheat production and practices for the summer and winter rainfall areas differ from one another. Please note the differences in reference sources.

Fertilisers for wheat: [Read more]

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