Key Technical Points for Classified Fertilization and Management of Wheat in Winter

Weak Seedlings

First, for weak seedlings caused by insufficient soil fertility and soil moisture, take advantage of the higher temperatures before winter, which favor tillering and root establishment, and manage them first. After entering the tillering stage, apply topdressing first and then water, and cultivate and loosen the soil in time; this has a clear effect on promoting root growth and increasing tillers and on turning weak seedlings into strong ones.

Second, weak seedlings from late sowing are mainly due to insufficient accumulated temperature; do not rush to apply topdressing and water, so as to avoid lowering soil temperature and affecting seedling development. Shallow hoeing and loosening the soil can be done to raise temperature and preserve soil moisture.

Third, for late-sown weak seedlings caused by poor seedbed preparation, loose soil with many clods, and insufficient soil moisture, compaction can be carried out in winter, followed by shallow hoeing, to raise and preserve soil moisture.

Luxuriant Seedlings

First, for excessively luxuriant wheat seedlings caused by a good soil fertility base, a large amount of base fertilizer applied, sufficient soil moisture, and too early sowing, continuous deep hoeing to cut roots can be adopted to control the luxuriant seedlings. Generally, deep intertillage is not suitable; if excessive growth is observed, a stone roller can be used for compaction to control the excessive growth of the main stem and large tillers and to turn excessive vigor into strong growth.

Second, for spindly seedlings caused by sowing too early and a too large seeding rate, thin and single out the seedlings early before winter and carry out compaction. Wheat fields that may show fertilizer deficiency after thinning should be topdressed and watered as appropriate to promote healthy growth.