Optimizing nitrogen fertilization boosts wheat yield and reduces soil nitrogen waste.
The study looked at how different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer affect soil nitrogen levels and wheat growth. High basal nitrogen fertilizer increased soil nitrogen before stem elongation. Adding more nitrogen at booting increased soil nitrogen at anthesis. Not using nitrogen fertilizer led to a nitrogen deficit in the soil. The best results for grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency were seen with a 5:5 ratio of basal to topdressing nitrogen fertilizer. Adjusting nitrogen application can improve wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency while reducing soil nitrogen surplus.