Wheat and barley production tips

Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota small grains specialist

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Prairie Grains is the
official publication of
the Minnesota
Association of
Wheat Growers,
North Dakota Grain
Growers Association,
South Dakota Wheat,
Inc., and the
Minnesota Barley
Growers Association.

Some critics have claimed that anhydrous ammonia will harden soil and "burn up" soil organic matter. However, Kansas State University researchers measured the effects of four nitrogen fertilizers on a variety of soil properties after annual applications for ten years. The results provided evidence that N fertilizers do not compact or burn soils. There is no research information to suggest that anhydrous has a negative effect on soil properties, says George Rehm, U of M extension soil scientist, and if applied properly, it continues to be an excellent source of N for corn and small grains production.

Seed treatments beneficial

Research clearly shows that seed treatments get crops off to a better start with better stands. Treatments are especially important for: seed stressed by disease, weather, or soil conditions; seed with germination that’s lower than 90 percent; and fields with a history of disease and a narrow rotation. Seed treatments will not prevent scab infection or revive very poor seed. A yield response of as little as one bushel per acre will recover wheat seed treatment costs. There’s a good selection of products on the market; your county extension office is an objective source for performance information.

But don’t overtreat

This applies to dosage and seed amount. Seed treatments over recommended levels may actually reduce germination and injure a crop. Further, crop scientists and industry representatives generally do not recommend the storage of treated seed, which has the risks of reduced germination; people or animals coming in contact with the treated seed; and sanitation and contamination concerns in the storage area. Treat what you need to, and any treated seed left over from planting may be used for cover crop seeding later in the year.

Hedge your varieties

The variety of choice for many in the Red River Valley recently has been 2375, which rates the best for scab tolerance among current varieties. However, 2375 can be prone to other problems, such as shattering, lodging, and competitiveness with weeds. It is also susceptible to some leaf diseases such as Septoria and tan spot.

Growing at least three different varieties with different heading times and genetic backgrounds is good insurance against potential problems in 1996. No variety will be best every year and under all conditions; it is suggested to include ones that do better under stress conditions along with others that will produce best in ideal conditions.

Stored grain attention

As long as the temperature of stored grain is less than about 40 degrees, molds and insects are relatively inactive, according to Bill Wilcke, U of M extension ag engineer. With warmer weather around the corner, stored grain management will require more attention, especially if grain drying wasn’t completed before winter. Check the condition of stored grain and correct grain temperature or moisture before the weather gets too warm in the spring. Binned grain should be down to about 14 percent moisture for storage into summer, Wilcke says. Your county extension office is a good source for detailed grain drying and storage information.

Optimum stand guidelines

To increase the likelihood of achieving the best stand possible for wheat, shoot for these planting guidelines: A plant population of about 1.2 million to 1.3 million plants per acre, or 27 to 30 plants per square foot.

Calculate your seeding rate on the basis of the number of seeds per pound, the germination rate of the seed, and adjust for historic stand losses in the field. An example for calculating the planting rate for wheat:

Desired population is 1,125,000 stems per acre at harvest. 2) Historic field stand loss is 10 percent. 3) Seed lot germination is 95 percent. 4) Seed lot has a seed count of 15,000 seeds per pound.

Then: 15,000 x 0.95=14,250 viable seeds per pound.

1,125,000 seeds x 110 percent= 1,237,500 viable seeds needed per acre.

1,237,500 seeds / 14,250 seeds/lb= 87 pounds per acre seeding rate or 28 total seeds per square foot.

Planting depth important

Seed at a planting depth between 1 and 1½ inches. Planting closer to the soil surface is desirable for quick emergence and helps establish a quick stand to compete against weeds. Planting too deep is often a problem. A firmer seedbed, depth control measures (such as depth gauge bands) on seeding equipment, and a planting speed of about 3 to 4 mph will help.

Production survey

Some of you may have received a survey this winter about your wheat and/or barley production. Thanks to those who have responded. I’ve extended the deadline for returning the survey; so those who have not yet responded, I’d sure like to hear from you, as the results help guide our outreach efforts.