Early-season winter wheat management decisions depend on several factors, including location and production system.

“Variety selection, planting date, and seeding rate vary depending on whether a farmer is producing for grain only, grain and grazing, or just forage,” says Oklahoma State Extension Small Grains Specialist Amanda De Oliviera Silva, Stillwater, Okla.

“Some varieties work better for forage production; some are better for grain,” she says. “It just depends on the system.”

Before planting wheat this fall, “Pay attention to forecasts,” Amanda De Oliveria Silva advises. “Some varieties are more sensitive than others to germination in hot soils.” (Photo by Amanda De Oliveria Silva)

Planting date varies, too. Producers planting dual-purpose wheat — fall and winter forage and spring grain harvest — will want to get started earlier to produce enough forage for fall grazing.

“But planting too early, when temperatures are still high, could result in delayed emergence and poor stands,” Silva says. She says the Southwest Mesonet readings show temperatures continuing to hold in the 80s or higher. “Pay attention to forecasts,” she advises. “Some varieties are more sensitive than others to germination in hot soils.”

Dual purpose

She says dual-purpose wheat requires a bit of a balancing act. “Planting earlier in September will produce more forage, but planting too early might penalize gain yield. Mid-September is a good tradeoff to maximize forage and minimize reduction in grain yield.”

Related:5 keys for early wheat management

Producers planting grain only can wait until mid-October or even later depending on the location, Silva says. Waiting for moisture is another concern. “It is dry now.  We are prepping for our variety trials and hope to plant by the end of the month. I hope we get rain by then.”

She adds that location will also dictate planting date. “Ideal planting time will vary across the state.”

Seeding rate

How much seed to plant also depends on several factors, including the system, variety, and seed size.

“Typically, we recommend a seeding rate of 60 pounds per acre for grain-only and 120 pounds per acre for dual-purpose systems.

“Also, producers need to pay attention to seed size. Across varieties, seed size varies significantly. Larger-seeded varieties may contain 11,000 seeds per pound. Smaller seeded varieties have about 19,000 per pound.

“Planting in pounds per acre, a farmer could plant double the recommended or desired seeding rate,” Silva says. “It is important to know the seed size of selected varieties to determine seeding rate. Producers can adjust from there, depending on their systems.”

Fertility

Silva recommends soil testing to improve fertilizer efficiency. “Soil testing helps to save money on input costs. It is crucial to know what’s in the field. Also, pay attention to pH, which for wheat, the optimal range is between 5.5 to 7.  Some varieties will tolerate lower pH than others.”

Related:Amidst uncertainty, producers charged to press forward

OSU field trial: Ongoing fertility research from the OSU Precision Nutrient Management program indicates split nitrogen application, topdressing in the spring instead of applying total nitrogen requirement in the fall, increases grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency. (Photo by Amanda De Oliveira Silva)

Ongoing fertility research from the OSU Precision Nutrient Management program indicates split nitrogen application, topdressing in the spring instead of applying total nitrogen requirement in the fall, increases grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency.

Weeds and pests

Managing early-season weeds and pests should include killing volunteer wheat. “Volunteer wheat needs to be dead at least two weeks before planting the next crop because it will hold pests that transmit virus diseases. Make sure it is brown and dead before planting. Think about that now.”

Silva says early attention to details on varieties, seeding rate, timing, and fertility offers Oklahoma wheat farmers the best chance of a successful crop.

For more information, follow this link: wheat.okstate.edu.

“That page provides information on the differences in seed size, disease resistance, protein, and other quality traits. It offers a lot of information."