Last week, Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that farmers who planted small grains for harvest may top-dress their wheat and barley crops with commercial fertilizer beginning Feb. 15, assuming ground conditions remain favorable. The determination follows Maryland’s nutrient management regulations.

It applies to all Maryland farmers growing small grains, including those enrolled in the commodity option of the department’s Cover Crop Program. In all instances, manure applications are restricted until March 1. 

Impact of growing degree days
Ongoing soil temperature and crop growth data collection by University of Maryland researchers indicates “these small grains have absorbed all available nutrients in the soil,” explains Ag Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Now they require additional nutrients to keep growing.”

“Once wheat or barley accumulates 350 to 400 growing degree days from Jan. 1, both crops may benefit from the first application of spring nitrogen,” elaborates Bob Kratochvil, Extension agronomist at University of Maryland.

This year’s warm winter resulted in an early GDD accumulation, which is used to estimate plant growth and development. Kratochvil recommends split applications of spring nitrogen, with the first application occurring on or soon after Feb. 15, based on that GDD accumulation, and the second application when the crops begin to joint.

For more on Maryland’s Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program’s cover crop requirements, click on MACS. For successful growers’ experiences, click on Kick up your wheat results.

Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture