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18 Steps for Maximum Winter Wheat Yields

The important steps for intensive wheat management can be summarized into the following 18 steps. The application of these steps at the proper stage of growth and time of year is presented in the Comprehensive Guide to Soft Red Winter Wheat Management in Kentucky as the basis for obtaining maximum and efficient wheat yields.

1. Test soil to determine fertility of field.

2. Apply P, K, and lime according to soil test.

3. Select several high-yielding, disease-resistant, winter-hardy varieties.

4. Calibrate the drill.

5. For conventional tillage, prepare a good seedbed.

6. For no-tillage, use a contact herbicide.

7. Nitrogen: 30 lb./Acre in fall as residual or applied.

8. Plant from October 10 to October 30.

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 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.

13. If stand is adequate (25 plants/ ft2 or >), apply 30-40 lb. of nitrogen mid-to-late February.

14. If stand is thin (<25 plants/ ft2 ), apply 40-50 lb. of nitrogen mid-to-late February.

15. Apply an additional 50 to 60 lb. nitrogen at Feekes 5 (mid-March).

16. Use proper weed control measures (fall and spring).

17. Apply fungicides as needed for disease control during the growing season.

18. Harvest on time at optimum grain moisture (13 to 15%)

19. Provide and prepare adequate, safe storage space.

20. Market wisely for optimum profits.

Developed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.