Effects of Method and Time of Application on Uptake of Fertilizer P by Wheat

SUMMARY The efficiency of fertilizer P uptake by irrigated wheat, as affected by method and time of application, was studied in the field by using P32 labelled superphosphate. Fertilizer P was applied at planting in a sideband, with the seed, or broadcast, and broadcast at tillering. Phosphorus applied at tillering was most productive for grain and straw yield, and its utilization was significantly higher than from P applied at planting. Phosphorus broadcast at planting was least efficiently utilized. A high correlation was found between the ratio of fertilizer P to soil P in grain and straw, and with their respective yields.