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Cereal Crops Fertilizer Solutions

Boost grain yield and quality with Terafon's science-backed nutrient programs for wheat, rice, maize, barley, and sorghum.

Introduction to Cereal Crops

Cereal crops such as wheat, rice, maize (corn), and barley are central to global food security. These crops are typically high in nutrient demand — especially nitrogen — and benefit from balanced NPK programs combined with targeted micronutrient applications.
Introduction to Cereal Crops

Nutrient Requirements

Key macro- and micronutrients for cereal development and grain quality.

Nutrient Function Deficiency Symptoms Recommended Fertilizer
Nitrogen (N) Leaf/stem growth, chlorophyll Yellowing of lower leaves, poor tillering Urea, NPK 20-10-10
Phosphorus (P) Root development, energy transfer Poor root growth, delayed maturity DAP, NPK 16-20-0
Potassium (K) Grain filling, stress resistance Weak stems, shriveled grains MOP, NPK 12-12-24
Zinc (Zn) Enzyme activation, chlorophyll Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves Zinc Sulfate, Chelated Zn
Iron (Fe) Chlorophyll synthesis Yellow striping on young leaves Chelated Iron
Boron (B) Pollen viability, grain setting Poor pollination, malformed grains Boron-based fertilizers

Fertilizer Recommendations

Fertilization for cereals is most effective when done in stages that correspond to the crop’s growth cycle. Below are practical recommendations that can be adapted by soil test and local conditions.

Basal Application (Pre-planting / Sowing)

Apply a balanced NPK fertilizer (e.g., 20-10-10 or 15-15-15) as a base dressing. Incorporate organic matter where available to improve soil structure and long-term fertility.

Topdressing (Tillering)

Use fast-acting nitrogen sources (Urea or Ammonium Nitrate) to stimulate tiller production and canopy formation. For high-yielding varieties, split nitrogen applications improve nitrogen use efficiency.

Foliar Spray (Booting to Heading)

Apply micronutrient solutions (Zn, Fe, B) as foliar sprays during the booting to heading stages to support pollination, grain set and to correct emerging deficiencies quickly.

Recommended Products

Terafon® GrainMax NPK 20-10-10

Balanced compound fertilizer for strong early growth and higher yield. Use as base dressing.

Terafon® NitroPlus

High-efficiency nitrogen source for tiller development and canopy growth. Ideal for split N applications.

Terafon® MicroBoost (Zn + Fe + B)

Chelated micronutrient blend for foliar application to improve grain setting and stress tolerance.

Terafon® SoilVital

Organic-mineral soil conditioner to improve soil fertility and nutrient availability over time.
Application Guidelines by Growth Stage

Application Guidelines by Growth Stage

Pre-sowing

Apply balanced NPK (GrainMax 20-10-10) and incorporate into soil.

Tillering

Topdress with NitroPlus (split N) to promote tillers.

Booting / Heading

Foliar MicroBoost to aid grain filling and pollination.

Grain Filling

Maintain K and B until grain maturation for higher weight.

Pro Tip: Combining balanced NPK base applications with targeted micronutrient foliar sprays can increase cereal yields by up to 15–20% depending on baseline soil fertility and variety.

Results & Benefits

  • Higher yield and grain weight
  • Improved nutrient use efficiency
  • Stronger root and stem development
  • Better drought and lodging resistance
  • Uniform maturity and improved grain quality

Related Food Crops

Explore nutrition solutions for other food crops:

Contact & Resources

Need expert advice on fertilizing your cereal crops? Our agronomists will design a customized nutrient plan for your farm.

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