{"id":16106,"date":"2026-11-02T11:30:10","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T11:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makosh-group.com.ua\/?p=16106"},"modified":"2026-11-02T11:30:10","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T11:30:10","slug":"nitrogen-fertilization-of-winter-crops-during-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makosh-group.com.ua\/en\/nitrogen-fertilization-of-winter-crops-during-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Nitrogen Fertilization of Winter Crops During Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Should Weak Winter Crop Stands Be Fertilized and How to Choose the Right Fertilizer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Weak winter crop stands should not be immediately fertilized with nitrogen during winter. First, identify the cause of their poor development, assess plant viability, and evaluate the soil’s supply of essential nutrients. Early application may be appropriate under suitable field conditions, but the decision should be based on crop requirements and the risk of fertilizer losses rather than the calendar.<\/p>\n

Why Do Winter Crops Enter the Winter in Poor Condition?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Late sowing leaves plants with less time to develop their root systems and tiller. Autumn drought limits nutrient uptake even when nutrients are present in the soil. Insufficient nitrogen nutrition can also slow growth; however, pale leaf colour alone does not confirm a nitrogen deficiency.<\/p>\n

Also, check phosphorus availability, root system condition, and the presence of pest or disease damage. If poor development is related to insufficient moisture or phosphorus deficiency, additional nitrogen will not address the underlying cause. Fertilization will also not restore plants that have died or disappeared from the stand.<\/p>\n

When Is the Best Time for the First Fertilization of Winter Crops?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The timing of the first fertilization should be aligned with the plants’ nutrient requirements at the beginning of regrowth, while taking into account the possibility of accessing the field. Viable but underdeveloped crop stands require particular attention when planning the order of field operations.<\/p>\n

During winter dormancy, the nitrogen requirements of winter crops are low or may even be absent. Therefore, when applying nitrogen during winter, it is important to remember that the fertilizer must remain available until plants begin to absorb it during the active resumption of vegetation.<\/p>\n

When Can Early Fertilizer Application Be Considered?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This option can be considered when there is no significant snow cover or risk of runoff, and weather forecasts indicate that the fertilizer is likely to dissolve and nutrients can enter the soil. On light-textured soils and under excessive rainfall, the risk of nutrient losses requires a separate assessment.<\/p>\n

Large cultivated areas and limited machinery availability are arguments in favour of early crop fertilization. However, this does not mean that application under unfavourable conditions is agronomically justified. In arid regions, available winter moisture may be an advantage only if it allows the fertilizer to dissolve and penetrate the soil.<\/p>\n

Under What Conditions Should Fertilizer Application Be Postponed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Do not apply nitrogen fertilizers when there is significant snow cover or when the soil is deeply frozen, as surface runoff may occur during a thaw.<\/p>\n

Is Ammonium Sulphate Suitable for Fertilizing Winter Crops?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ammonium Sulphate AS 21 macro<\/a><\/strong> is one option when crops require both nitrogen and sulphur. It contains 21% nitrogen in ammonium form and 24% sulphur in sulphate form.<\/p>\n

Ammonium nitrogen (NH\u2084\u207a) can be retained by the soil cation exchange complex and is generally less mobile than nitrate nitrogen. In cold soil, the conversion of ammonium into nitrates slows down. However, this does not mean that winter application of ammonium sulphate eliminates nutrient losses or is the best solution for every field.<\/p>\n

Sulphur is essential for the synthesis of amino acids and proteins. Its deficiency can reduce the efficiency of nitrogen nutrition. At the same time, applying a nitrogen-sulphur fertilizer solely because the crop stand looks weak, without assessing the need for both nutrients, is not sufficiently justified.<\/p>\n

How to Calculate the Amount of Nitrogen and Sulphur?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

100 kg of AS 21 macro contains 21 kg of nitrogen and 24 kg of sulphur. This is a calculation based on the fertilizer composition, not a recommendation to apply 100 kg\/ha to every field.<\/p>\n

Nitrogen, kg\/ha = fertilizer application rate, kg\/ha \u00d7 0.21.
\nSulphur, kg\/ha = fertilizer application rate, kg\/ha \u00d7 0.24.<\/p>\n

The application rate should be determined based on the crop, crop stand condition, mineral nitrogen reserves, preceding crop, fertilizers already applied, moisture availability, and realistic target yield. If ammonium sulphate is used to meet the entire nitrogen requirement, the amount of sulphur applied may exceed the field’s actual needs. Therefore, the balance of both nutrients must be assessed.<\/p>\n

What Should Be Checked Before Entering the Field?<\/strong><\/h2>\n