Zambia possesses tremendous potential in implementing multiple cropping systems. To utilize this potential, an expansion of irrigated crops grown during the dry season (May to October) must be achieved. However, this implies the need for a more rational and efficient use of water and fertilizer. A two‐year study was, therefore, conducted to find out the response of wheat(Triticum aestivumL.) to different irrigation regimes, different rates and methods of placement of urea N. Differential irrigation commenced after tillering either on a weekly, every two week, or every three week basis with irrigation water applied at 70, 60, and 50 percent of the total pan evaporation during the whole irrigation interval, respectively. Maximum yields were obtained with weekly irrigation and split application of urea at rates of 50 kgN ha‐1at seeding and minimum 25 kgN ha‐1topdressed at tillering. Of the four methods of N fertilizer placement (broadcast or broadcast and incorporation before seeding, side‐banding at seeding and broadcast two weeks after seeding) maximum yields were obtained either by broadcasting the initial portion of the fertilizer two weeks after seeding, or by broadcast and incorporation prior to seeding.