CEREALS
Detailed cultivation information and fertilization programs for different cereal types
TRITICALE
Triticale is the result of a cross between wheat and rye (Triticum x Secale). The aim is to combine rye’s hardiness, low input requirements, and disease resistance with wheat’s yield potential. This has only been partially successful. On less fertile soils, rye is often more advantageous thanks to its strong root system. Compared to wheat, triticale is less sensitive to soil acidity and micronutrient deficiencies. However, reaching full yield potential requires adequate nutrient supply and water availability. Triticale is mainly grown in areas with challenging climatic conditions. It is primarily used as animal feed, but can also be mixed with wheat and rye flour for human consumption.
KEY FACTS
- NPK+S fertilization for optimal early spring start
- Nitrate-based fertilizers are best suited for efficient fertilization
- Triticale is sensitive to copper, manganese, and zinc
- Soil quality demand is between rye and wheat
Sowing and Cultivation
Triticale is sown between mid-September and mid-October. Due to its sensitivity to diseases and fusarium, it is best sown after broadleaf crops. Triticale is also commonly grown after wheat. To reduce the risk of Fusarium head blight, practices that accelerate the decomposition of crop residues (tillage/soil cultivation) are beneficial.
Sowing Time
Mid-September – Mid-October
Harvest Time
July – August
Yield Potential
400–600 kg/decare
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
Triticale requires a sufficient nitrogen supply, especially in spring. A balanced NPK+S fertilization program is recommended. Micronutrients such as copper, manganese, and zinc are particularly critical.
Fertilization Strategy
The most suitable fertilization approach for triticale is split applications according to growth stages:
Autumn – Basal Fertilization
NPK is applied. Apply 20–30% of total nitrogen, and all phosphorus and potassium.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15 / KÖK-TAB 5-25-0+MEEarly Spring – Tillering
Apply 30–40% of nitrogen as top dressing. Sulfur support is important.
Recommended: CAB / HormoS / KÖK-MiXStem Elongation
Apply the remaining 30–40% of nitrogen. Provide micronutrient support.
Recommended: KÖK-AminO + MicronutrientsHeading
Micronutrient support via foliar fertilizer and potassium supplementation.
Recommended: KÖK-HumiX PLUS CBSPRING BARLEY
Spring barley is an important cereal crop known for its short growing period and cold tolerance. It is especially used in the brewing industry and as animal feed. It prefers well-drained, medium-textured soils and reduces drought stress risk thanks to its short vegetation period. Malting varieties are valued for their high-quality protein content used in beer production.
KEY FACTS
- Short vegetation period (90–110 days)
- Quality protein content for brewing
- Moderately tolerant to drought
- Performs well in soils with pH 6.0–7.5
Sowing and Cultivation
Spring barley is sown in March–April. It prefers well-drained, medium-textured soils. Its short growing period helps reduce drought stress risk. Sowing depth should be between 3–5 cm.
Sowing Time
March – April
Harvest Time
July – August
Yield Potential
3–5 ton/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
It has a moderate nitrogen requirement (80–120 lt/ha N). Phosphorus and potassium balance is critical for yield. It is sensitive to boron and manganese deficiency.
Fertilization Strategy
Split fertilization program for spring barley:
Before Sowing – Basal Fertilization
Apply a complex NPK fertilizer. Supply all phosphorus and potassium.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 12-12-17Tillering Stage
Apply 60–70% of nitrogen as top dressing.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or UreaStem Elongation
Apply the remaining nitrogen and provide micronutrient support.
Recommended: KÖK-AminOOAT
Oat is a cereal crop known for its high nutritional value and health benefits. It is widely used for human consumption and as animal feed. It performs very well in cool and humid climates. Thanks to its strong root system, it helps improve soil structure and plays an important role in crop rotation systems.
KEY FACTS
- High protein and beta-glucan content
- Suitable for cool and humid climates
- Soil-improving effect
- Low input cost
Sowing and Cultivation
Oat can be sown in spring or autumn. It performs well in cool and humid climates. It has a strong root system and improves soil structure. It develops better in soils with high organic matter content.
Sowing Time
March – April or October
Harvest Time
July – August
Yield Potential
3–4.5 ton/ha
Soil pH
5.5 – 7.0
Nutrient Requirements
Nitrogen requirement is between 80–120 lt/ha. Phosphorus and potassium balance is important. It is sensitive to manganese deficiency.
Fertilization Strategy
Balanced fertilization program for oat:
Before Sowing
Apply balanced NPK fertilization. Organic fertilizer application is beneficial.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 10-10-15Tillering
Apply nitrogen as top dressing.
Recommended: Ammonium Nitrate or UreaStem Elongation
Provide micronutrient support.
Recommended: KÖK-MixWINTER WHEAT
Winter wheat is the most widely cultivated cereal crop worldwide. It is the main raw material for bread making and has high yield potential. It overwinters in the tillering stage and grows rapidly in spring. It is preferred as bread wheat thanks to its quality protein and gluten content. It delivers the highest yields on well-drained, deep soils.
KEY FACTS
- High yield potential (6–8 ton/ha)
- Quality protein and gluten content
- Cold tolerant in winter
- Ideal for bread making
Sowing and Cultivation
Winter wheat is sown in October–November. It overwinters in the tillering stage and grows rapidly in spring. It prefers well-drained, deep soils. Good soil preparation before sowing is critical.
Sowing Time
October – November
Harvest Time
June – July
Yield Potential
6–8 ton/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
It has a high nitrogen requirement (150–200 lt/ha N). Balanced NPK fertilization is critical. It is sensitive to deficiencies of sulfur, copper, manganese, and zinc.
Fertilization Strategy
Stage-based split fertilization program for winter wheat:
Autumn – Before Sowing
Apply NPK as basal fertilizer. 20–25% of nitrogen and all P and K.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15Early Spring – Tillering
Apply 30–35% of nitrogen as top dressing.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+Stem Elongation
Apply 25–30% of nitrogen and micronutrients.
Recommended: Ammonium Nitrate + KÖK-CUPPERHeading
Final nitrogen dose and foliar fertilizer application.
Recommended: KÖK-AminO + MicronutrientsWINTER BARLEY
Winter barley is a cereal crop known for early maturity and high yield. It is used both as animal feed and for brewing. It is cold tolerant and shows rapid growth in early spring. Thanks to its early harvest advantage, it allows more time for soil preparation for subsequent crops. Compared to winter wheat, it requires less nitrogen.
KEY FACTS
- Early harvest (June–July)
- More time for soil preparation compared to winter wheat
- High yield potential
- Drought tolerant
Sowing and Cultivation
Winter barley is sown in September–October. It is cold tolerant and grows rapidly in early spring. It provides an early harvest advantage. It performs well in well-drained soils.
Sowing Time
September – October
Harvest Time
June – July
Yield Potential
5–7 ton/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
Nitrogen requirement is between 100–150 lt/ha. Phosphorus and potassium balance is important. It is sensitive to boron and manganese deficiencies.
Fertilization Strategy
Fertilization program for winter barley:
Autumn – Basal Fertilization
Apply complex NPK fertilizer. All P and K, and 25–30% of nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15Early Spring
Apply 40–50% of nitrogen as top dressing.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or Ammonium NitrateStem Elongation
Remaining nitrogen and micronutrient support.
Recommended: KÖK-AminO + KÖK-Mix