Budget
Click here for 2014 Crop Comparison Tool developed by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. The Microsoft Excel version allows you to change wheat prices, yields, input costs, etc. and quickly see the “bottom line”.
Variety Selection
Click here for 2014 Wheat Variety Performance & Recommendations prepared by Dr. Randy Weisz and Dr. Christina Cowger. This information was included in a August 1 email. Please read Page 1 before focusing on Page 2.
Planting Dates
For upper half Duplin County, wheat planting should begin October 20-25. For lower half Duplin County, wheat plantinig should begiin October 25-30. The noted dates are early enough to insure warm weather to promote tillering. The noted dates are late enough to avoid excessive growth and high risk to insects/diseases. Plant early heading date varieties 2 weeks later than the dates noted. If litter is preplant incorporated and used as the wheat fertilizer, plant 2 weeks later than the dates noted.
pH & Fertilization
NCDA&CS Soil Test wheat lime recommendations are designed to raise the soil pH to 6.0 for mineral soils, 5.5 for mineral-organic soils, and 5.0 for organic soils. If soil pH is too high, micronutrients such as manganese can become unavailable. To achieve maximum yield potential, the soil pH, phosphorus index (P-I), potassium index (K-I), sulfur index (S-I), and manganese index (Mn-I) should be within proper levels at planting. Waiting until January (or later) to meet wheat P, K, S, or Mn needs is a good way to miss maximum yield. For maximum yield and test weight (if planting on time), 15-30 pounds/acre of at-plant nitrogen is critical.
Seeding Rate
Proper seeding rate is important. If planting on-time with 90% or better germination seed, the recommended target seeding rate is 1.3-1.5 million seeds per acre. Note the chart below for additional information.
Million seeds per acre: 1.31 1.52
Seeds per square foot: 30 35
Seed size Pounds of seed
(seeds per pound) per acre
10,000 131 152
11,000 119 138
12,000 109 127
12,500 105 122
13,000 101 117
14,000 94 109
15,000 87 101
Drill row spacing Seed
(inches) per drill-row foot
6 15 17
7 18 20
7.5 19 22
8 20 23
The above rates should be increased 20% for no-till plantings. Increase the above rates 13% if using 80% germination seed. Increase the above rates 4-5% for each week planting is delayed beyond the dates noted earlier in this email.
Click here for a 13-minute grain drill calibration video.
Planting Depth
Wheat seeds should be planted 1 – 1 1/2 inches deep when soil moisture is adequate, and slightly deeper if moisture is deficient.
Annual (Italian) Ryegrass Control
Annual ryegrass resistant to Axial, Hoelon, Osprey, and Powerflex have been documented in NC. If you suspect such, other options include Axiom and Zidua. Axiom and Zidua require timely rainfall for activation.
Axiom (Bayer) should be applied when wheat is spike-stage (wheat emergence). The rate is 6-8 ounces/acre (6 on sandy soils). There is a 12-month rotation restriction for grain sorghum.
Zidua (BASF) should be applied delayed preemergence. The label defines delayed preemergence as when 80% of germinated wheat seeds have a shoot at least 1/2-inch long until wheat spiking. The rate is 1 ounce/acre. There is a 6-month rotation restriction for grain sorghum.
Thanks.
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Source : ncsu.edu