How Late Can You Seed Winter Wheat and Still Produce Grain?
The Nebraska Wheat Board reported declining winter wheat conditions in western and southwestern Nebraska, with wind erosion affecting 30-40% of the wheat in some areas in the northern Panhandle, and producers expecting 25-35% winterkill in these areas without moisture.
KSU Wheat Seeding Date Study
Kansas State University researchers conducted a seven-year study (1985-1991) at Garden City, Kansas, where they seeded winter wheat every month from October 1 to April 1. They used a seeding rate of 80 lb/acre of TAM 107.
Grain yields decreased as planting was delayed after October 1, the optimum planting date for the area (Table 1). Wheat planted on all dates through March 1 headed and produced grain yields each year. Wheat planted on April 1 did not receive enough cold winter weather to vernalize and slowed down.
The grain-filling period was progressively shortened and delayed into warmer weather with later planting dates, with each monthly planting delay hastening this period by an average of 1.7 days. The average daily temperature during this grain-filling period increased by an average of 1.5u00b0F per monthly planting delay, becoming progressively less favorable for plant productivity.
h3>H3>H3>H3>H3>H3>
Summary
- Although wheat yields decline with planting delays%2C considerable flexibility is available for planting winter wheat.%3BAlthough wheat yields decline with planting delays%2C considerable flexibility is available for planting winter wheat.%3BOctober 1 %3D 100%25November 1 %3D 77%DEcember 1 %3D 59%25January 1 %3D 57%FEbruary 1 %3D 41%25%2C and%3BMarch 1 %3D 16%25.
| Table 1. Wheat responses to delayed planting dates 1985-1991 at Garden City, Kansas as reported in Kansas State University study. | |
| PlantingDate | GrainYield
bu/a /td> td>TestWeightlb/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu/bu VernalizationWinter wheat requires vernalization, a process where plants exposed to cold temperatures experience physiological changes. With wheat this means the plants will not flower until they have been exposed to cold temperatures. Not all plants have a vernalization requirement, and the degree of vernalization required can vary within a species. Vernalization days (VD) are a measure of cold temperature, similar to how growing degree days (GDD) are a measure of warm temperatures. Despite popular belief, the best vernalization temperatures for winter wheat are 40u00b0F u2013 50u00b0F, not colder temperatures, because vernalization is a biological process that requires plants to be biologically active u2014 not frozen. How long does it take for winter wheat to sprout?Invert the jar over a bowl at an angle to allow the wheat berries to drain while still allowing air to circulate. Rinse and drain again after 8-12 hours of draining. Repeat rinsing and draining 2-3 times daily. Tiny sprouts should appear in 2-3 days. Does winter wheat grow back?Reich cuts the wheat for hay in early to mid-July, just as the heads are emerging, after breaking the winter dormancy in the spring. When planting the winter wheat behind alfalfa, Reich grows two years of the forage cereal back-to-back. Does winter wheat grow back every year?The crop could potentially be grazed in the spring without harming the grain, which is common practice for annual wheat in regions with a long spring season. However, perennial wheat is a weak perennial because the current lines of the crop only regrow twice. How many days does it take for wheat to come up?It’s planted in the fall, usually between October and December, and grows over the winter to be harvested in the spring or early summer; it takes about seven to eight months to mature, and it makes a lovely golden contrast in spring gardens. Is it illegal to grow wheat at home?Commercial wheat operations, which rely heavily on commercial pesticides and fertilizers for production, are often very traumatic to otherwise fertile land, making it illegal to grow wheat at home. Can you mow winter wheat?In terms of maintenance, don’t forget to water winter wheat during periods of drought; if plants grow quickly enough, you may have to mow them several times. Trim winter wheat with a string trimmer or scythe in small planting areas. Till winter wheat into the soil before plants set seed in the spring. Is winter wheat hard or soft?Soft red winter wheat has all of the flavor characteristics of hard red winter wheat, but it’s much easier to mill and produces a finer, “soft” texture that’s ideal for cookies, crackers, and cakes. What temperature does winter wheat grow?Vernalization is a biological process that requires plants to be biologically active u2014 not frozen u2014 and does not occur at the same temperature for all winter wheats. Is wheat a perennial or annual?The vast majority of the food we eat comes from annual crops, primarily grains like corn, rice, and wheat, but there are some plants that have a perennial life cycle and are closely related to those crops. A perennial crop is one that is productive for at least two years, and often much longer. What month do you plant wheat?Spring wheat is planted as soon as possible in the spring and harvested in the late summer; dormant seeding occurs in late November or early December, when the ground is cold enough to prevent germination until spring. What is the best time to plant wheat?Sow in late summer or early fall for an overwintered crop; spring wheat can be planted while the soil is still cool. Broadcast seed about 3 inches (7 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep into cultivated soil. What is the fruit of wheat?The caryopsis, also known as a grain, is the fruit of the Poaceae (or Gramineae) family, which includes wheat, rice, and corn. What are the stages of oats?From planting to harvest, the oat crop goes through three distinct phases, which can be described as foundation, construction, and production. What season does wheat grow?Spring wheat is planted in the spring and harvested in the summer and fall, whereas winter wheat is planted in the fall or winter and harvested in the spring and summer. |