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Description

Wheat yield performance has experienced major improvements in the last 20 years. Producers commonly select for high yielding cultivars based on several years and several locations of performance data, which is important since environmental conditions that effect yield vary by year and location.

18 Steps for Maximum Winter Wheat Yields

1. Test soil to determine fertility of field.
2. Apply P,K, and lime according to soil test and University of Kentucky recommendations.
3. Select several high-yielding, disease-resistant, winter hardy wheat varieties.
4. Calibrate the drill or other seeding equipment.
5. For convertional tillage, prepare a good seedbed.
6. For no-tillage, use a contact herbicide
7. Nitrogen: 30 lb N/acre in fall as residual from previous crop or applied as fertilizer.
8. Plant from Oct. 10 to Oct. 30 (depending on Hessian fly free date in your area).
9. Plant in 4- to 8-inch row spacings. Tramlines may be established at this time for subsequent applications.
10. Seed 35 (up to 40 for no-till) seeds/ft2 of high quality viable seed.
11. Apply insecticide as needed for insect control (fall and spring).
12. Check stand density near mid-February when winter survival can be rated.
  - a) If stand is adequate (25 plants/ft2 or more), apply 30 to 40 lb of nitrogen mid-to-late February.
  - b) If stand is thin (less than 25 plants/ft2), apply 40 to 50 lb of nitrogen mid-to-late February.
13. Apply additional 50 to 60 lbs of nitrogen at Feekes 5, Zadoks 30 (mid-March).
14. Use proper weed control measures (fall and spring).
15. Apply fungicides as needed for disease control during the growing season.
16. Harvest on time at optimum grain moisture (13 to 15%).
17. Provide and prepare adequate, safe storage space for grain.
18. Market wisely for optimum profits.