When is the wheat jointing stage? It can begin in mid-to-late March

SummaryThe wheat jointing stage generally occurs around March 20 each year, that is, when the internodes at the base of the wheat plant emerge about 2cm above the ground, it enters the jointing stage. From the jointing stage to before heading is a period of relatively fast growth. To increase the number of spikes and the seed-setting rate, a small amount of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer can be applied according to the growth conditions of the wheat.

I. In which month is the wheat jointing stage

1. Generally, when planted in the Huang-Huai Plain and North China region, around the spring equinox on March 20 each year is the jointing stage of wheat. When the internodes of the planted wheat emerge about 2cm above the ground, it enters the jointing stage, and then the tillers gradually differentiate toward the two extremes of ineffective and effective, and the boundary slowly begins to become distinct.

2. From the jointing stage to before heading is a period of relatively fast wheat growth. Organs such as the spike, leaf, root, and stem advance simultaneously, and the leaf area, the length of the root, stem, and spike, as well as the volume, will increase several-fold or dozens of times, and it is also a period of rapid increase in dry matter accumulation.

II. Key management points during the wheat jointing stage

1. During the jointing stage, wheat grows and develops relatively vigorously, both growing leaves and stems and beginning the young spike differentiation of the wheat spike. During this period, sufficient nutrients are needed. In order to increase the number of spikes and the seed-setting rate, a small amount of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer can be applied at the jointing stage.

2. The suitable amount and timing of fertilization at the jointing stage can be determined according to the seedling condition and soil condition. It is necessary to prevent wheat from fertilizer deficiency and premature senescence, which causes fewer spike grains and reduces yield, and also to avoid excessive fertilizer and excessive vigor, which causes wheat lodging and reduces its yield.

3. Generally, for high-yielding wheat, the leaves will show a dull color at the jointing stage. This is a normal phenomenon, reflecting the transition of wheat from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. Therefore, the middle leaves will not grow excessively. At this stage, it is also when the first internode at the base extends to its fixed length, which is very suitable for applying a small amount of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, helping to promote the growth and development of wheat.

III. Principles for applying wheat jointing fertilizer

1. For wheat fields that have suffered severe drought, with patchy yellow seedlings and dead seedlings, watering can be carried out in time after the soil thaws to preserve the seedlings, and nitrogen fertilizer can be topdressed in separate applications.

2. When wheat turns green, first apply 10-14 jin of urea to promote early seedling development, then at the jointing stage apply an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer according to the seedling condition. It is suitable for wheat fields where urea is applied in 2 applications, and for irrigated wheat fields with a total seedling count of less than 450,000 per mu before turning green, fertilization can be carried out. After spring, at the second jointing stage, 20-30 jin of urea can be applied along with watering.

3. For irrigated wheat fields with a total seedling count of 450,000-600,000 per mu before turning green, apply 20-28 jin of urea per mu along with watering at the standing-up stage, while for wheat fields with a total seedling count of 600,000-800,000 per mu before turning green, nitrogen fertilizer needs to be applied and delayed until the wheat seedlings at the jointing stage basically show chlorosis, then carry out watering and topdressing, applying 24-30 jin of urea per mu.

4. In dry wheat fields, combine compaction and hoeing to preserve and raise soil moisture, thereby strengthening the wheat's own drought resistance. In early spring when the soil returns moisture or during rainfall, apply 10-14 jin of urea by opening furrows or using a fertilizer drill.