Wheat is one of the world’s most widely grown staple grains, processed into flour for bread, pasta, and baked goods, and used for animal feed. Successful wheat production requires careful planning and execution across several stages, beginning long before planting. This article provides an overview of the steps involved, from selecting the right variety to the final harvest and storage of the grain.
Essential Pre-Planting Decisions
Selecting the correct variety for the local climate is the first decision in wheat farming. Wheat is broadly categorized into winter wheat and spring wheat, depending on regional weather patterns. Winter wheat is planted in the fall, requires a period of cold temperatures (vernalization) to trigger heading, and is harvested in the summer. Spring wheat is planted in the spring and harvested in the late summer or fall, a practice common in regions with severe winters.
Preparing the field begins with assessing the soil, as wheat thrives in well-drained loamy soils. The optimal soil pH range for growth is between 6.0 and 7.5, which maximizes nutrient availability. Soil testing identifies nutrient deficiencies, particularly for phosphorus and potassium, allowing for amendments before planting. Since wheat is sensitive to poor drainage and can suffer from root rot, selecting a field that does not chronically flood is important.
Growers must choose a method for preparing the seedbed, involving either conventional tillage or no-till farming. Conventional tillage, such as plowing and disking, creates a finely worked seedbed but increases the risk of soil erosion and moisture loss. No-till farming minimizes soil disturbance, leaving residue on the surface to conserve moisture and reduce erosion. This method may require adjustments to fertilization and weed control strategies.
Sowing, Fertilization, and Crop Management
Proper sowing technique ensures uniform germination. For most wheat varieties, the seed should be placed at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches for good seed-to-soil contact and moisture access. Planting too shallowly leads to poor emergence in dry conditions, while planting too deep reduces tillering. For winter wheat, planting is timed based on the local “fly-free date” to avoid the Hessian fly pest.
Nutrient management is continuous, with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) being the major requirements. Nitrogen stimulates early vegetative growth, promotes tillering, and increases grain protein content. Phosphorus supports root development during early stages, and potassium improves structural integrity and water management. Nitrogen is often applied in split applications: a portion at planting and the remainder during early spring growth stages like tillering or stem extension.
Weed and Pest Control
Weeds compete directly with wheat for light, water, and nutrients, which can drastically reduce yield. Management involves a combination of pre-plant herbicide application and post-emergence sprays timed to the wheat’s growth stage, targeting common weeds like annual ryegrass or wild mustard. Pests, such as aphids and armyworms, must also be monitored, as they can cause direct damage or transmit viruses like Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus.
Water Management
Water is necessary for growth, and while wheat is often grown without irrigation in many regions, signs of drought stress, such as leaf rolling, may indicate a need for supplemental water during flowering and grain fill stages to maximize yield.
Harvesting and Grain Storage
Harvesting the grain at the correct maturity preserves quality and maximizes yield. Harvest readiness is determined by the grain’s moisture content, not just the visual appearance of the head. Wheat reaches physiological maturity at approximately 30-40% moisture, but it must dry down in the field before mechanical harvest.
The ideal moisture content for harvesting is between 18% and 20%. Harvesting above this range increases the risk of kernel damage during combining and complicates storage. Harvesting below 14% can lead to increased cutter bar losses in the field and reduced test weight, especially if the crop is repeatedly rewetted by dew or rain.
Post-harvest handling focuses on drying and preparing the grain for long-term storage. If wheat is harvested above the safe storage level (typically 13.5% for commercial sale or 12.5% for long-term storage), it must be dried immediately. Grain is stored in clean, cool, and dry environments, often in silos with aeration systems to manage temperature and moisture. Keeping the temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and moisture content low prevents mold growth, mycotoxin production, and inhibits storage pests like weevils.