Jarrod O. Miller, Extension Agronomist, jarrod@udel.edu
Cooler weather the past few weeks has slowed down wheat growth. On our research plots we have observed many plants still at Feekes 3/4, with no jointing or nodes above ground. Any fields that already have 2-3 tillers per plant can wait for N applications until after Feekes 5, when plant leaves become erect and the first node will be above the ground. Fields with lower tiller counts could still benefit from an application of N before jointing begins (up to 30 lbs).
Recommendations based on yield are often 1.1 lbs N per bushel expected, while the University of Delaware recommends 80-120 lbs N/acre. The higher end of the UD range is for sandy soils or those fields receiving a single application. Subtract any March applications from your total N application.