Wheat Planting
Presentation by:
Chad Lee, Grain Crops Extension Specialist
University of Kentucky
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
1
Most of the information comes from:
ID-125: A Comprehensive Guide to
Wheat Management in Kentucky
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
2
Objectives
• Planting Guidelines
– Date
– Depth
– Rate
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
3
Three Critical Management Issues
1. Seeding: Date, Depth, Rate
2. N Rate and Timing
3. Fusarium Head Blight
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Dates
• Planting date is often dictated by weather
or harvest of a previous crop.
– One week before to one week after the
expected first fall frost.
• Compromise between early planting and
late planting.
– Early: ensures adequate fall growth.
– Late: decreases disease and insects
infestations.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Dates
• Illinois: Ideal is 1st 10 days following
Hessian fly-free date.
– Plant no later than 1 month after the
fly-free date.
– Planting would begin late Sept. to midOct depending on Hessian fly-free date.
• Optimal planting date for Kentucky is
October 10-30.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Dates
• Earlier Plantings
• Higher fall disease incidence
– Take-all, wheat streak mosaic virus,
blights
– Barley Yellow Dwarf (aphid problems)
• Greater risk of Hessian fly
• Potential for excessive fall growth
– More winter injury
– Greater risk of spring freeze damage
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Dates
• Later Plantings
• Crucial period for fall growth is
diminished.
– Reduced tiller development.
• Reduced winter survivability.
– More prone to heaving (less root development)
• Stands are reduced.
• Delayed maturity.
• Reduced yield potential.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Date
Effect
Planting Date Effect on Soft Red Winter WheatYield
120
Yield (bu/acre)
100
80
60
40
20
Princeton, KY
120
0
Yield (bu/acre)
100
80
60
40
20
Lexington, KY
0
280
10/06
290
300
310
320
10/26Day of Year11/15
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
330
340
12/05
9
Planting Depth
• 1½ inches deep (adequate soil
moisture).
• Plant slightly deeper in dry soils.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Depth
• Deep plantings
– Delayed emergence
– Reduced plant vigor.
• Too much energy lost in emergence.
– Reduced stands.
• Limited elongation of coleoptile (2-3 inches).
– Reduced tillering.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting Depth
• Shallow plantings (< ½ inch)
– Poor germination and uneven
emergence (dry soil).
– More winter injury (crown above soil
surface).
– More susceptible to heaving (shallow
root system).
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Planting No-Till
• Uneven crop residue distribution
results in uneven planting depth.
• Heavy crop residue often results in
poor soil penetration and shallow
seed placement.
• Be sure to have drill settings
adjusted for no-till.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
13
Wheat Seeding Depth
Seeding Depth Stand Count
(inches)
(plants/ft2)
% Stand
Achieved
0.5
27
77
1.0 – 1.5
26
74
2.5 – 3.0
12
34
Stand counts taken in mid-November.
Seeding rate of 35 seeds/ft2.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Row Width Study
Row Width
Wheat Yield
(bu/A)
Yield
Difference
Broadcast
87
+4%
4.75 inches
91
+8%
7.0 inches
84
0
9.5 inches
77
-8%
1984, Tyler wheat was used, Princeton, KY
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Importance of Wheat Seeding Rates
High Seeding Rates
Lodging
More Disease
Higher Seed Costs
Low Seeding Rates
Less than optimum yield
More weed pressure
Excessive tillering
No flexibility for plant loss
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Seeding Rates
• Seeding Rate Goal
– 30 to 35 seeds/ft2 (270 – 315 seeds/yd2)
– 1.52 million seeds/acre
• Minimum Optimum Stand Needed
– 25 plants/ft2 (225 plants/yd2) with 2 to 3
primary stems/tillers per plant
– 60 – 70 heads/ft2 (550-600 heads/yd2)
– 35 kernels/head (16-18 spikelets/head)
– 1.1 million plants/acre
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Estimated Yield Potential
% Stand
Plants/ft2*
% Yield Potential**
100
30-35
100
80
24-28
100
60
18-21
90-95
50
15-18
75-80
40
12-14
60-70
20
6-7
40-50
Multiply by 9 for plants/yard2.
**This is an estimate and other factors can alter these estimates.
*
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
18
How to Determine Wheat Seeding
Rates
• Methods Used:
– Volume or weight
– Number of seeds/unit area (sq. ft. or
linear foot)
• Which is Best?
– Greatest accuracy achieved with
seeding rates based on number of
seeds/unit area
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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How to Determine Wheat Seeding
Rates
• Why Seeds/Unit Area
– Differences in seed size
– Range from 10,000 seeds/lb (large
seed) to 20,000 seeds/lb (small seed)
– One seed (large or small) is one seed.
– One pound is ???? Seeds.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seed Size Determinations
• Factors that affect
wheat seed size:
– Variety (very
important).
– Great differences
occur.
– Environment where
wheat grown
• Year to year
differences with
same variety
• Different locations in
same year.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seed Size
Determinations
• Know the seed size of wheat seed
being planted:
– Stated on seed tag.
– Can determine if not known.
No. of seeds weighed
= seeds/pound
Weight of seeds (lbs)
1,000 seeds
0.08 lbs
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
= 12,500 seeds/pound
1 lb = 454 g = 16 ounces
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Importance of Wheat Seed Size
• Volume difference if seeding rate is
35 seeds/ft2.
Variety A (large seeds)
10,000 seeds/lb = 152 lbs seed/acre needed
Variety B (small seeds)
18,000 seeds/lb = 85 lbs seed/acre needed
Volume difference is 67 lbs (1 to 1 ¼ bags)/acre.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Importance of Wheat Seed Size
• Same seeding rate of 110 lbs/acre.
Variety A (large seeds), 10,000 seeds/lb
42 lbs/acre short of what’s needed
Rate of only 25 seeds/ft2
Stand of ~ 20 plants/ft2 (< optimum)
Variety B (small seeds), 18,000 seeds/lb
25 lbs/acre more than what’s needed
Rate of 45 seeds/ft2
Stand of ~ 35 to 40 plants/ft2 (> optimum)
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Effect of Wheat Seed Size on Seed
Costs
Variety
Volume
Seed Size
Rate
Seed Cost
(seeds/lb)
(lbs/A)
($/A)
(Difference)
A (large)
10,000
152
42.56
+18.76
B (small)
18,000
85
23.80
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seed Size
• If adjustments not made for wheat
seed size or the drill is not calibrated
for accuracy.
– Not sure of number of seeds planted
– Estimated guess
– Stand could be too thick or too thin
– Overcome limited stands is difficult
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seed Size
• Seed size and seed rate allows us to
calculate total seeds needed.
35 seeds/ft2 x 43,560 ft2/acre =
1,524,600 seeds/acre
1,524,600 seeds/acre / 13,000 seeds/lb =
117 lbs/acre
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Seeding Rate Determinations
Needed for Drill Calibration
1) Decide on seeding rate desired per ft2
•
Optimum rates are 30 -35 seeds/ft2
2) Know row width of drill
3) Determine linear length of row that is
equivalent to one ft2 (144 in2) for row width
being used.
•
•
Obtain from a table
Calculate:
•
144 in2/ Row Width (inches) = Row Length Equivalent
for 1 ft2
4) Calibrate drill to deliver desired seeding rate (#
of seeds) in row length equivalent to 1 ft2.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Seeding Rate Guide per Unit Area (ft2)
Based on Row Width and Row Length
Drill Row
Width
Linear Length
of Row
Needed to
Equal 1 ft2
(inches)
(inches)
35 seeds
per ft2
30 seeds
per ft2
4
36.0
12
10
6
24.0
18
15
7
20.6
20
17
8
18.0
23
20
10
14.4
29
25
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
Seeds/Row Foot Needed
29
Determining seeding rate
in seeds/row-foot at 35 seeds/ft2*
ROW
WIDTH
PLANTING TIME
Inches
Timely
2 Wks Late
1 Mo. Late
4
12
13
14
7
20
22
24
8
22
24
26
10
29
31
33
* SQUARE FOOT OF ROW = 144 + ROW WIDTH = LINEAR DISTANCE OF ROW.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Determining seeding rate in
pounds/acre
Seeds per
pound
Seeds/ square foot*
25
30
35
--------(lbs/acre)---------10,000
109
130
152
11,000
99
119
139
12,000
91
109
127
13,000
84
100
117
14,000
78
93
109
*Based on 90% or greater germination.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Seeding Rate Guide per Unit Area (ft2)
Based on Row Width and Row Length
Example:
A. Target seeding rate = 35 seeds/ft2
B. Drill Row Width = 7 inches
C. For seeding rate of 35 seeds/ft2, you need to
calibrate a drill with a 7 inch row width to
deliver 35 seeds in a 21 inch length of row (or
20 seeds per foot of row).
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Adjusting Seeding Rate for
Germination
A. Adjust wheat seeding rates for germination,
particularly if below 90%.
B. Calculate germination adjustments by dividing
the desired seeding rate (seeds/ft2) or (lbs/A)
by the percent germination.
Seeding rate desired
(# of seeds or volume)
% germination
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
=
ADJUSTED
SEEDING
RATE
33
Adjusting Seeding Rate for
Germination
(continued)
Example: using Pioneer 2555 with 11,714
seeds/lb and germination = 85%
A.
Target seeding rate = 35 seeds/ft2
B.
In 7-inch rows (from Table) = 20 seeds / foot of row
C.
At 30 ft calibration distance (20 seeds/ft x 30 ft) = 600 seeds
needed
D.
At 35 seeds/ft2 + 11,714 seeds/lb = 130 lbs/acre
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Adjusting Seeding Rate for
Germination
(continued)
Example: using Pioneer 2555 with 11,714 seeds/lb and germination = 85%
Calculations adjusted for 85% germination.
1
35 seeds/ft2
= 41.2
seeds/ft2
2
3
0.85
= 705.9 seeds
= 23.5 seeds/ft
0.85
0.85
600 seeds/
(30 ft distance)
20 seeds/ft
4
130 lbs/A
= 152.9 lbs/A
0.85
A drill set to any one of these calculations will deliver
35 live seeds per ft2 based on a germination of 85%.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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No-Till Wheat Seeding Rates
Should seeding rates be increased for no-till?
Light Residue
Capable Drill
Heavy, Uneven residue
Drill Problems
Probably Not
Yes
If less than optimum planting conditions, increase
seeding rates for no-till wheat by 10-15% (35-40
seeds/ft2).
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Plant Stand Establishment
• Plant stand establishment goal.
– Plant sufficient seed to achieve optimum
stand allowing for seed quality
(germination), seedbed conditions
(tillage, moisture) and possible losses
due to pest and winter kill.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Plant Stand Establishment
• Expected % Plant Stand
Establishment
% Plant Stand
Seeding Rate
30 seed/ft2
35 seeds/ft2
Established Plants/ft2
90%
27
31
75-80%
23
27
21 or <
24 or <
70% or less
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Estimated Yield Potential
% Stand
Plants/ft2*
% Yield Potential**
100
30-35
100
80
24-28
100
60
18-21
90-95
50
15-18
75-80
40
12-14
60-70
20
6-7
40-50
Multiply by 9 for plants/yard2.
**This is an estimate and other factors can alter these estimates.
*
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
39
Wheat Seeding Rate Study - 1999
• 15, 25, 35, and 45 seeds/ft2
• No-Till (NT) and Conventional (CV)
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seeding Rate Study - 1999
Seeding Rate
Seeds
Drilled
Fall Stand
seed/ft2
tillage
seeds/ft2
plants/ft2
%
45
NT
48.8
40.6
83.0
CV
48.8
40.1
82.1
NT
38.8
34.7
89.4
CV
38.8
33.5
86.5
35
Adjusted for 90% germination. Planted 10/12/98.
Location: Caldwell County, Donnie Gilkey Farm.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seeding Rate Study - 1999
Seeding Rate
Seeds
Drilled
Fall Stand
seed/ft2
tillage
seeds/ft2
plants/ft2
%
25
NT
29.6
25.1
84.6
CV
38.8
33.5
86.5
NT
16.0
14.9
93.0
CV
16.0
15.9
99.5
15
Adjusted for 90% germination. Planted 10/12/98.
Location: Caldwell County, Donnie Gilkey Farm.
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seeding Rate Study – 1999
Conventional Till
Seeding
Goal
Fall
Stand
Head
Count
Head
Count
Grain
Yield
seeds/ft2
plants/ft2
heads/ft2
per plant
Bu/Acre
15
15.9 d
68.2 c
4.3
105.8 a
25
25.1 c
75.6 b
3.0
105.2 ab
35
33.5 b
79.8 a
2.4
104.0 ab
45
40.1 a
76.4 b
1.9
100.6 b
Adjusted for 90% germination. Planted 10/12/98.
Location: Caldwell County, Donnie Gilkey Farm.
Variety, Pioneer 2540
N = 100 lbs N/acre spring split (Feb 40 lbs; March 60 lbs).
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Wheat Seeding Rate Study – 1999
No-Till
Seeding
Goal
Fall
Stand
Head
Count
Head
Count
Grain
Yield
seeds/ft2
plants/ft2
heads/ft2
per plant
Bu/Acre
15
14.9 d
68.6 d
4.6
104.3 a
25
25.1 c
75.6 c
3.0
107.7 a
35
34.7 b
81.4 b
2.3
103.9 a
45
40.6 a
84.6 a
2.1
103.6 a
Adjusted for 90% germination. Planted 10/12/98.
Location: Caldwell County, Donnie Gilkey Farm.
Variety, Pioneer 2540
N = 100 lbs N/acre spring split (Feb 40 lbs; March 60 lbs).
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
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Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
45