In the Furrow
Preparing for wheat planting
By Will Duffie County Extension Coordinator

Some of the most important decisions in wheat production are made before a seed is sown.

The planting season for wheat and other small grains is right around the corner.

Many

cattlemen have already planted winter grazing, but grain producers are just now making key management decisions.

An important aspect of wheat production is the choice of which variety to grow. Some very important differences ex- ist among the varieties, and the choice you make can play a large role in your success in growing wheat. A variety can only perform well if given the proper environment in which to grow. The decision of which varieties to grow has been narrowed due to a high demand in seed wheat. Seed supply is short due to a difficult growing season during last year along with the increased demand for this fall. As long as you know the characteristics of a variety, the better you can manage each variety to its highest potential.

Tillage can greatly affect wheat yields. Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina research have consistently shown increased wheat yield with deep tillage. As far as wheat yields are concerned, deep tillage with a bottom or para-plow is the best tillage option available. It is slower and more costly than disking, but the yield increase is usually cost effective. Notill production tends to yield 5 to 20% less, but some growers in Burke County have made it work in their system of management.

Soil fertility is one of the primary yield building components of small grain management. A properly managed fertility program, including recommended fertilization and liming practices, can improve yield and quality more than any other single management practice. Nitrogen rates recommended range from 80 to 120 lbs per acre based on yield potential. Apply phosphorus and potassium based on a soil analysis.

The last topic I want to cover is planting date. Planting date is a critical component of successful wheat production. Planting too early or too late reduces yield potential. Always plant late maturing varieties first since their varieties most often have the longest vernalization requirements. Recognize though that some medium maturing varieties may have lengthy vernalization requirements which make them less suited for late planting. The recommended planting date for the Upper Coastal Plain of Georgia is from November 7 to December 1.

For more information on wheat and other small grain management contact the UGA - Burke County Extension Office at 706-554-2119.