Agricultural News
Prudent Decisions Maximize Early Wheat Planting Success, Edwards Says
Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:09:42 CDT
There are a number of considerations that go into planting a wheat crop early, and OSU Small Grains Extension Specialist Dr. Jeff Edwards prepared a video presentation discussing potential problems and benefits to be considered.
The first decision, Edwards says, is deciding whether the crop will be used mainly to produce forage, grain, or a combination of the two. Depending on the choice, the planting window will vary.
Edwards says many cattle producers in Oklahoma opt to sow about the end of August for maximum forage production. However, he says, planting that early comes at a significant loss of grain yield potential. Maximum forage production usually results from plantings in the first week of September.
He says grain yield potential is maximized when the crop is sown from October 10th to October 20th.
Many Oklahoma producers who are looking for a balance of forage production and grain production choose to sow about September 15th, Edwards says.
Another major consideration for early sowing is soil temperature. Soil temperatures can often hit 100 degrees in September and Edwards says some varieties do not germinate well in hot soils. Overly, Cutter, 2174, and Centerfield have a tendency not to germinate well in hot soils. Edwards recommends producers obtain OSU's fact sheet PSS 2256 "Factors affecting wheat germination and stand establishment in hot soil conditions." It is available by clicking here.
Edwards also discusses common pest problems and preventive measures which can be taken.
You can see Edwards' full presentation by clicking in the video box below.
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