How to increase wheat specific weight

Grain specific weight is a measure of the density of the grain. Specific weight is predominantly a genetic trait of varieties, but poor crop nutrition and application can reduce specific weight.

Grain specific weight is measured in kg/hectolitre, and is an indication of the density of the grain. Many markets require wheat grain to be at a minimum specific weight to be utilized. For example, some millers require a minimum of 76kg/hl, whilst some animal feed producers require a minimum value of 72 kg/hl. Specific weight is predominantly a genetic trait of varieties, but poor crop nutrition and application can reduce specific weight.

Nitrogen influences grain specific weight

Nitrogen used at above optimum levels can cause lodging of a crop which leads to germinating of the grains in the ear, and as a consequence, a lower specific weight.

Effect of applied nitrogen on winter wheat grain protein

Variable applications of nitrogen with the optimum rate across the field can be used to create a more homogeneous crop.

Potassium reduces crop lodging risk

Potassium increases the thickness and strength of wheat straw and thereby its resistance to lodging. Spring applications of potassium will ensure a good canopy structure least prone to lodging.

Effect of potassium on lodging in winter wheat

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Recommended Yara fertilisers for wheat

YaraMila ACTYVA S
15.6-14.6-14.6+ 6.5 SO3 - Granular fertiliser often used for grassland, winter cereals and oilseed rape to supply phosphate and potash together with nitrogen and sulphur.
YaraBela AXAN
27% N + 9% SO3 - Granular uniform compound nitrate based nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser for use on all crops.
YaraBela SULPHAN
24% N + 15% SO3 - Uniform compound nitrate based nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser for use on all crops, particularly those with a higher sulphur requirement.
YaraMila SULPHUR CUT
22-4-14 + 7.5% SO3 - Compound fertiliser for arable and grass crops where sulphur is required.
Yara Nuram 35+S
35% N + 7% SO3 - A liquid nitrogen + sulphur fertiliser suitable for use on a wide range of crops.
YaraVita GRAMITREL
A flowable liquid fertiliser with a balanced combination of micronutrients including manganese, magnesium, copper and zinc for foliar application to cereals.
YaraVita MANTRAC PRO
A flowable liquid micronutrient fertiliser containing 500 g/l of manganese for application as a foliar spray or seed treatment to a wide range of crops.
YaraVita ZINTRAC 700
A fully formulated flowable liquid micronutrient fertiliser containing 700 g/l zinc for foliar application to prevent and treat zinc deficiency on a wide range of crops.
YaraVita FOLIAR POTASH
A liquid foliar fertiliser containing 500 g/l potash for foliar application to provide additional potassium or correct potash deficiencies in a wide range of crops.
See all fertilisers products

How correct nutrient management can affect your wheat

Farmer fields in Scotland
Micronutrients: Micro but Mighty
Don’t be fooled by the name - micronutrients are NOT unimportant, we just need less of them than the macronutrients to achieve the best results.
Managing late drilled wheat crops
Managing late drilled wheat crops
Where drilling of winter wheat has been delayed, the crop nutrition strategy should be adapted to help recover the lost yield potential
Agronomy Advice - Do you really need straight nitrogen
Do you really need straight nitrogen
Before ordering your straight nitrogen it is worth considering how much you actually need as it may be you actually need NS or NPKS grades instead.
Agronomy Advice - Don't forget about sulphur
Don't forget about sulphur
Sulphur was often overlooked in the past but today it is recognised as an essential nutrient and considered just as important as nitrogen, so not to be forgotten.
Heavier fertiliser spreads further
Heavier fertiliser spreads further
Some fertilisers consistently spread further and more accurately than others. A heavier and larger fertiliser granule will spread further because the spreader can put more energy into it.
Increase grain protein with well timed nitrogen
Increase grain protein with well timed nitrogen
A well-timed application of nitrogen after the flag leaf final-dressing will increase the amount of nitrogen available to your crops during that crucial stage of protein development.
See all agronomy advice

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