Wheat Fertilization Program for Flood Irrigation

Some traditional farmers say they rely on old cultivation methods. However, this approach is no longer effective. A proper agricultural program must be followed:

1. Proper Land Leveling Before Planting

Ensuring the field is well-leveled prevents water from accumulating in certain areas, which can lead to root rot.

2. Pre-Planting Soil Preparation

• Apply 12 cubic meters of well-sourced organic manure.
• Add 2 bags of fine superphosphate.
• Add 1 bag of granular superphosphate.
• Add 1 bag of granular potassium.
• Add 1 bag of ammonium sulfate.

3. Fertilization at First Irrigation (“Mohaya” Irrigation)

• Apply 2 bags of ammonium nitrate.
• Add 5 kg of phosphoric acid.

4. Fertilization at 50-60 Days After Planting

• Apply 2 bags of ammonium nitrate.
  At this stage, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization is completed.

5. Foliar Spraying

Micronutrient spray:

• 500g zinc
• 500g iron
• 250g manganese
  This spray should be repeated once at the start of spike emergence.

Before spike emergence:

• A calcium-boron spray is essential for proper pollination.

After spike emergence:

• Apply half a liter of potassium and half a liter of zinc.

6. Fungal Disease Management

Wheat is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including:

1. Loose smut
2. Yellow rust (stripe rust)
3. Black rust
4. Powdery mildew
5. Downy mildew

Some may find it surprising that powdery and downy mildew affect wheat, but these diseases are becoming increasingly common.

The most dangerous diseases:

• Loose smut
• Yellow rust
• Black rust

Control Strategy:

• Preventive spraying with micronized sulfur.
• If infection occurs, treat with one of the following fungicides:
  1. Divazol
  2. Tilt
  3. Pharmazon
  4. Topas
     Any fungicide effective against powdery mildew can also control rusts and smuts.

7. Weed Control

For broadleaf weeds:

• Granstar (at full germination stage)
• Sencor (at 4-6 leaf stage)
• Atlantis (at 4-6 leaf stage)

For grassy weeds:

• Topic (30 days after first irrigation)
• Action (30 days after first irrigation)
• Traxos (15 days after first irrigation)
• Axial (15 days after first irrigation)

Why Use Potassium at the Beginning?

Some may question the use of potassium in wheat planting, as it’s not commonly done. However, applying potassium early significantly increases yield by 2 to 3 ardebs per feddan.

Source: Engineer Saber Abdel Rahman