May 7, 2010

Soon wheat will be entering a phase of rapid growth and any nutrient deficiencies are likely to become apparent.

To help identify potential nutrient problems in winter wheat, Charles Wortmann, Extension Nutrient Management Specialist, has developed the Symptom Identification Key for Nutrient Deficiencies in Wheat and Other Small Grains. It's available on the Soil Management section of CropWatch.

With descriptions and photos, this online diagnostic key uses plant symptoms to differentiate and identify crop nutrient disorders.  Users first identify a broad category of symptoms and then the key helps them narrow the range of symptoms to identify a particular deficiency which is illustrated by photo.

Symptoms of nutrient deficiency vary with variety, growing conditions, and plant age. Similar symptoms may be caused by other abiotic or biotic stresses.

Resources

Additional UNL Extension information on nutrient management of wheat and small grains is available in:

• Nutrient Management for Agronomic Crops in Nebraska, available online or from your local Extension office.
• Fertilizing Winter Wheat (EC143)
• Winter Wheat Fertilizer Calculator, a downloadable MS Excel spreadsheet, available on the Soil Management section in CropWatch-Wheat
• CropWatch - Wheat