Environmental & other issues

Heaving

Description

As wheat begins its spring green up, some plants may begin to die. Close inspection of this plant shows the crown is above the soil surface with only a few roots into the soil. Heaving is a common problem in soils with high clay contents. Note the cracks in the soil indicating shrinking and swelling. 

Potential causes

Clay soils, shrinking and swelling of soil

Photo credits

KSU Wheat Production Handbook