Dry conditions followed by surplus rain have delayed wheat planting for many growers in the western High Plains.
Planting wheat after optimum planting dates can lead to delayed plant establishment heading into winter and less tiller development into spring. Despite postponed planting, wheat growers can still increase their chance at a successful season by utilizing the appropriate management strategies:
- Seeding rate adjustments: Increase seed rates by 10% or by 1% for each day after the optimum planting date with a maximum 20% increase.
- Fertility: Band phosphorus (P) fertilizer with the seed when planting in cooler, wetter soils. This helps wheat become established as soon as possible and results in quicker emergence and growth.
- Seed depth: Plant the seed an appropriate depth to help to protect it from cold and desiccation in the winter. Planting with a depth of 1.5-2” allows the crown to establish at the desired 1” below the soil line.
In addition to these planting guidelines, growers should consider their variety selection. AgriPro winter wheat variety SY Monument features good winter hardiness—which can help smaller seedlings make it through the winter—and the ability to produce tillers later in the spring. In thinner stands, SY Monument can also increase the number of spikes per head, seeds per spike and weight per seed. A high tillering ability and compensation for less heads per acre makes SY Monument an ideal variety for delayed planting.
In a four year analysis, SY Monument out-yielded competitive varieties by more than three bushels per acre in 12 sites of no-till wheat after planted late after soybean harvest.
“SY Monument is a great example of the hardy varieties growers have come to expect from the AgriPro brand,” said Greg McCormack, key account manager for the Plains region. “Delivering varieties that perform in a wide range of conditions and identifying those that work across the range of planting dates is a top priority for AgriPro. We’re dedicated to providing growers with wheat varieties that fit their needs and perform year after year.”
For more information about AgriPro brand wheat varieties including SY Monument or to find a local AgriPro Associate, visit www.agriprowheat.com.
