During planting, much of wheat’s yield potential is determined. In order to have the best yields, it is important to plant on time and use proper seeding techniques to ensure a level and uniform stand.
Preparation for planting
In order to get the best yields, you need a well-groomed seedling stand. As long as seeds are deposited evenly and at a consistent depth, this should work. Good seed placement necessitates well-prepared fields as well as planting equipment that has undergone rigorous inspection, modifications, and calibrations.
Climate
We can expect a wide range of weather-related events throughout September. Some days are blisteringly hot and dry, while others are stiflingly damp and freezing. It’s like trying to hit a moving target with all of this going on. When you add in the wacky weather we’ve been having, choosing a suitable time to plant is going to be nearly impossible.
It is recommended that the soil temperature for germination be between 54 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a recent Agronomy eUpdate from Kansas State University. It is possible that seeds will not germinate if the soil temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s critical to plant wheat seeds early enough so that they have enough time to establish roots and grow a few tillers before the growing season begins.
A little bit of a late start isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be because of recent seed developments that have helped lessen the risk of wheat winter damage. Despite these developments, sowing the wheat in the optimum amount of moisture is essential for a successful harvest.
Contents of water
Imbibing refers to the point at which the wheat seed begins to suck in water. Soil moisture content should be between 35 and 45 percent, according to Michigan State University Extension, for seeds to be able to absorb and sprout.
In order to get the proper amount of moisture into the soil, there is a lot of dispute and a variety of approaches. Some people like to plant after it has rained. If you do it this way, you’re guaranteed moisture, so you can get started right away. Unfortunately, there may be some difficulties in getting the necessary equipment into the building. However, if you don’t have a rain dance down pat, it’s risky to just dust it off and hope for the best. Finally, you can plant seeds deeper to reach the moist zone, but this may also be problematic depending on the depth and moisture content of that layer. Even if the coleoptile reaches its maximum capacity, it may not be able to penetrate the soil’s surface.
On the seeding date
While soil and air temperatures are still high, winter wheat should be planted so that seedlings can emerge quickly and build a robust root system before frost. According to a recent study by the Michigan State University Wheat Research Program, planting after October 1 results in a yield loss of around 0.6 bushels per day.
Timing is everything in life. It’s common to hear a lot about “fly-free dates” and different planting zones throughout the planting season. Hessian flies can no longer deposit eggs in wheat plants on the “fly-free date” since they have reached adulthood. Waiting a little longer may help avoid the Hessian fly or aphids that could spread the barley yellow dwarf virus, but if you wait too long, your yield may suffer.
In Kansas, there are four distinct areas where perfect planting conditions exist. Dr. Romulo Lollato, an extension wheat specialist at K-State, has conducted studies that show the sowing date has a significant impact on crop yields. Up to 3.5 bushels, an acre a day can be lost if you plant after the recommended dates.
In the following table, you will find the planting dates for each zone.
- Zone 1: Month of September
- Zone 2: 15-to-20-September
- Zone 3: 25-to-20 September
- Zone 4: 5-25 October
There are various methods of tillage
Wheat can be successfully established using conventional, minimal tillage, and no-till methods. No-till farming has become increasingly popular in recent years. The stand will be more uneven as a result, but moisture retention will be better and the stand will be less susceptible to cold temperature damage. The use of tillage, even at a low level, can assist distribute and incorporating residue, fertilizer, and lime; and create a more homogeneous seedbed. Disease inoculum from crop residue can be reduced through tillage (e.g. corn stubble or stalks infected with Fusarium).
Depth of Seeding
Another thing to keep in mind is depth. A depth of around an inch would be ideal. This ensures adequate seed coverage and moisture absorption. Anything less than 0.5 inches may leave your seed vulnerable to the outdoors. If the crown is exposed, it may be susceptible to winterkill. The wheat’s coleoptile, which protects the plant’s first genuine leaf, maybe finish developing before the plant has even broken through to the soil’s surface if it is planted too deep.
In order to enhance the likelihood of a uniform emergence, it is critical to maintaining a constant seed depth. In heavy soil, a planting depth of one to one and a half inches is usually sufficient. Although some types of winter stress may favor deeper seed implantation, the advantage of faster emergence from shallower seed is usually greater. There may be an exception to this rule if the soil is exceedingly dry and gritty. Planting the seed deep into damp soil is critical in this situation.
The rate at which seeds are sown
Planting between 1.2 and 2.2 million seeds per acre is the recommended method. When planting within a week of the fly-free date, lower seeding rates should be used to minimize dense stands that can promote disease development and increase the risk of lodging the following season. It is expected that seeding rates would rise as the year progresses. The sowing rate should be increased to at least 1.8 million seeds per acre if planting continues into the second part of October.
The seeding rate is an additional consideration, which further complicates matters. If the crop is to be watered or planted later, the seeding rate should be raised. Increase seeding by 10 to 15 pounds per acre in western Kansas and by 15 to 20 pounds per acre in eastern Kansas for each week after October 10. It is recommended that no more than 1.35 million seeds per acre be planted. Seeding rates may need to be increased by 30% to 60% for late-seeded wheat. Planting more seeds ensures that more main tillers can be grown to compensate for the reduced window of opportunity for tillers.
