WSU study shows risks in advancing wheat planting dates
Planting wheat earlier in spring to avoid extreme summer heat may not keep yields steady, according to new research from Washington State University. The study challenges the idea that shifting planting schedules earlier is an effective climate adaptation strategy for farmers.
Researchers used advanced computer modeling to evaluate spring wheat productivity across northern U.S. regions. The findings, published in Communications, Earth, and Environment, revealed that while earlier planting may reduce exposure to mid-summer heat, it can increase stress during other growth stages, affecting crop health and yields.
“Over the years, a lot of studies addressing climate change in agriculture have talked in positive terms about earlier planting as a fix for increased heat,” said Kirti Rajagopalan, an assistant professor in WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “We wanted to look at that more critically because it seemed very simplified. We thought the reality could be more nuanced, and that is reflected in our findings.”
Graduate researcher Supriya Savalkar explained that crops might experience new cold or heat stresses depending on regional temperature shifts. The study also showed that early planting significantly reduces the typical 11-week planting window to as few as one to seven weeks, creating operational challenges for farmers.
“Shrinking the planting window is a nightmare for farmers,” Rajagopalan said. “It’s already challenging for them to get all their crop in the ground; having less time would be much harder.”
The study emphasizes the need for developing wheat varieties that can mature earlier while maintaining high yields. According to co-author Mike Pumphrey, WSU’s O.A. Vogel Chair of Spring Wheat Breeding, these insights could reshape future breeding and adaptation strategies.
Although early planting showed potential stability in the Pacific Northwest, most regions face greater risks. Researchers hope further work will support farmers in adapting effectively to a changing climate.
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