The scientist identified the best way to fertilize weakened winter grain crops.

Weakened winter grain crops, especially after predecessors such as sunflower or corn, after which a lot of plant residues remain, should be fertilized in the autumn. But the question arises, which method is better - broadcast or with a seed drill in rows?

This question was answered by Dr. (Agricultural Sciences) Serhiy Avramenko

"If you apply fertilizer with a seeder in the rows, the coulters wrap up underdeveloped plants. After that, they are severely injured, crushed, and the yield decreases because of this, so it is best to fertilize weakened crops by spreading," says the scientist.

He adds that in assessing the effectiveness of this measure, one should not compare it with spring spreading. After all, in spring there is always a risk of dry winds that will affect the result. Whereas in autumn, against the background of low temperatures and intense rainfall, the loss of active substances of mineral fertilizers is minimal.

"...we applied different types of fertilizers: ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and urea, and had a positive result from all types of fertilizers. The main rule is that at least 10 days should pass from the time of applying fertilizers to the end of the autumn vegetation, preferably two weeks. The more, the better, so that the plant absorbs this nitrogen from autumn. Then this method will be effective as a practically complete top dressing on frozen soil," Serhiy Avramenko justified.

In his experience, autumn fertilization provides even better results than fertilization on frozen soil.