1. Base Fertilization (Before or During Sowing)
Period: October – November
Fertilizer Type: Compound granular NPK (e.g. 15-15-15, 20-10-10)
Dosage: 40–50 kg/acre
Purpose: Supply essential macronutrients for a strong start.
2. First Boost (Tillering Stage)
Period: December – January (optional)
Fertilizer Type: Ammonium or nitrate nitrogen (e.g. ammonium sulfate)
Dosage: 10–15 kg/acre
Purpose: Enhance foliage development and tillering under cold conditions.
3. Main Nitrogen Application (Stem Elongation)
Period: February
Fertilizer Type: Urea, nitrate, or ammonium sulfate (stabilized if possible)
Dosage: 15–20 kg/acre
Purpose: Improve leaf area and photosynthesis.
4. Final Fertilization (Grain Filling)
Period: March
Fertilizer Type: Nitrate nitrogen
Dosage: 10–15 kg/acre
Purpose: Enhance grain filling and grain weight.
Supplementary Foliar Nutrition
- Water-soluble NPK fertilizers (e.g. 20-20-20, 10-52-10)
- Micronutrients (Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Boron)
- Foliar sprays at stem elongation or other critical growth stages
Useful Notes:
- The use of stabilized nitrogen forms is preferred to avoid losses.
- Sulfur (S) supports nitrogen nutrition and improves protein quality.
- Soil analysis is essential before each fertilizer application.