Better Nutrient Choices for Wheat

By Scout Nelson

Kansas wheat growers continue to monitor rising input costs, especially fertilizer, which remains one of the most expensive parts of wheat production. As global markets shift due to supply changes and international demand, nutrient management has become an important tool for reducing risk and improving field decisions.

In a recent episode of Wheat’s on Your Mind, Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, discussed how fertilizer prices are shaped by world events. Nitrogen production depends heavily on natural gas, and when Europe lost access to Russian gas, much of its nitrogen production shut down. This caused supply chains to tighten and prices to increase. Other fertilizers are also influenced by global markets.

The United States produces some nitrogen but still imports important products. Potash is mostly imported, and phosphate prices depend on international suppliers and export choices. Large buyers, including India, can influence global prices with a single major purchase, and China’s policies also affect markets around the world.

Even though Kansas producers cannot control these global issues, they can manage their own fields wisely. As Rosenbusch explained, “There’s no better time to be a good steward of your fertilizer. Now’s the time to really tighten the belt and look at some of those good stewardship things, because you can’t control, as a grower in Kansas, what China’s going to do, what Russia’s going to do.”

This idea fits well with Wheat Rx, a research‑based program from Kansas Wheat and K‑State Research and Extension. Wheat Rx focuses on producing high‑quality winter wheat in a way that is efficient, sustainable, and suitable for Kansas conditions. It emphasizes proper nutrient timing, realistic yield goals, and improved field management.

Wheat Rx studies show that nitrogen does not always need to be applied early. Research found that winter wheat can recover from low early nitrogen levels if nutrients are available around the joint stage. In some situations, applying nitrogen later even improved yields compared to pre‑plant applications.

This gives growers more flexibility, especially when fertilizer prices are high. Instead of applying everything at once, they can observe crop growth, estimate yield potential, and adjust fertilizer needs during the season. Tools such as remote sensing and in‑season field checks make these decisions more accurate.

Wheat also strengthens the entire cropping system. According to Wheat Rx, wheat residue protects soil, reduces water loss, and keeps soil temperatures stable. Standing wheat stubble helps catch snow and improve soil moisture for future crops. These benefits support long‑term nutrient efficiency.

The Wheat Rx publication states, “Winter wheat can handle early nitrogen deficiency and recover well,” highlighting the crop’s flexibility and resilience.

Although Kansas winter wheat acres have declined by about 1.9 percent per year since 2005, research continues to show the agronomic and economic benefits of including wheat in crop rotations.

While global fertilizer markets may change due to world events, efficient nutrient decisions happen at the local level. For Kansas wheat growers planning this season, Wheat Rx offers valuable guidance for balancing profit and sustainability. More information is available at kswheat.com/kansas-wheat-rx.

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