Fertilizing Fall Rye

Fertilizer should be applied according to soil test results. Fall rye responds well to adequate phosphorus and to higher levels of nitrogen when compared with hard red spring wheat.
In the absence of soil test results, consult the Alberta Fertilizer Guide, Agdex 541-1, for general information applicable to your area.

Place phosphorous with or near the seed at seeding time or band prior to seeding. Typical application rates with the seed range from 20 to 35 lb/ac of P205 to a maximum safe rate of 50 lb/ac. Nitrogen to a maximum of 40 lb N per acre of ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) or 25 lb N per acre of urea (46-0-0) can be placed with the seed, if moisture is good. The amount of nitrogen safely placed within the seed will vary depending on soil texture, amount of seedbed utilization and moisture conditions.

If soil moisture is marginal for germination, high rates of fertilizer should not be placed with the seed. Both nitrogen and phosphorous can be banded prior to seeding, but take care to avoid loss of seedbed moisture and protective crop residue.

Nitrogen can also be broadcast in early spring when winter survival, spring conditions and crop outlook can be used to adjust the rate of nitrogen application. Use ammonium nitrate for spring broadcasting because it is less likely to volatilize (vaporize into the air) when surface applied. If applying nitrogen by broadcasting, minimize losses to the atmosphere by applying just before a rainfall or use a urease inhibitor to slow down the denitrification.

Possible disadvantages of spring application:

weather conditions prevent timely application
nitrogen may be trapped on the soil surface owing to lack of moisture
requires valuable spring working time
risk of nitrogen losses due to surface application increases as soil and air tempertures increas

Source: Agdex 117/20-1. Revised February 2009.

Fertilizing Fall Rye

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