How to grow wheat

Climate Conditions

Wheat plants adapt to various environments, whether humid, dry, or coastal. However, excessive rainfall can damage crop roots and spread diseases, leading to reduced yield. Most wheat is cultivated in areas with annual rainfall ranging from 375 to 875 mm. The optimal temperature for wheat growth is 25°C, with a minimum of 3–4°C and a maximum of 30–32°C.

Soil Type

Wheat can grow in different types of soil as long as it is not overly acidic or alkaline. The soil must have a balanced water retention or drainage capability since waterlogging significantly affects wheat. Suitable soils include loamy, clayey, or silt soils. Wheat can also thrive in well-drained clay soil in dry conditions or sandy soil with improved water retention and nutrient capacity.

Choosing the Land

Several factors should be considered when selecting land for wheat farming:

1. Ensure soil fertility and proper drainage for irrigation during plowing and ripening stages.
2. Accessibility for field monitoring and supervision.
3. Avoid land previously affected by pests or diseases and leave it fallow for two years if necessary.
4. Plant a specific area with wheat, maintaining a 3-meter gap between wheat and other crops to prevent disease transmission. If any crop is infected, a 150-meter separation is advised.

Seed Rate and Plant Density

To achieve the best yield:

• Use 6 kg of seeds per dunam in areas with low annual rainfall (up to 400 mm).
• Use 8–9 kg of seeds per dunam in regions with higher rainfall. This ensures a planting density of 150–200 plants per square meter. Seed rate can be calculated using the following formula:
  Seed Rate = Seed Weight × Germination Percentage × Desired Plant Density.
  Seeds should be tested to ensure they are disease- and pest-free.

Seed Treatment and Planting Depth

Seed cleaning and treatment before planting are crucial to prevent diseases transmitted by wind or plowing. Planting depth also affects seedling emergence:

• Deep planting delays emergence.
• Shallow planting risks pesticide absorption and seed spoilage.
  For wet conditions, shallow planting promotes quicker emergence. An ideal planting depth ranges between 25 mm and 50 mm, depending on soil type and moisture.

Spacing between rows should allow for adequate yield and equipment movement. A row width of 18–20 cm is recommended; wider rows (>25 cm) decrease yield, while narrower rows (10 cm) increase it by 5–10%.

Irrigation

Wheat is typically rain-fed but can benefit from one or two irrigation cycles:

• The first irrigation occurs 20–25 days after planting when roots emerge.
• The second occurs after 3.5 months during spike formation.
  However, excessive irrigation can lead to disease.

Fertilization

Wheat benefits from fertilizers such as:

• Nitrogen: Essential for growth, available in forms like urea and anhydrous ammonia. Avoid excessive use to prevent reduced yield.
• Phosphorus: Vital for winter survival; applied before planting or directly into the soil.
• Potassium: Stimulates initial growth but should not contact seeds directly. Common forms include potassium sulfate and potassium nitrate.

Weed Control

Methods to prevent weeds include:

1. Using clean seeds.
2. Keeping field boundaries weed-free.
3. Filtering irrigation water sourced from canals.
4. Introducing competitive crops to limit weed growth.
   Crop rotation and herbicides are also effective weed management strategies.

Harvesting

Wheat requires 140–170 days to mature, transitioning from green to yellow stalks and heads. The grains should be firm and crisp, harvested within seven days of maturity under sunny conditions to prevent mold or contamination. Large-scale harvesting uses machinery, while smaller crops are harvested manually with sickles or shears.

Diseases and Pests

Wheat is susceptible to various diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or pests. Key examples include:

• Bacterial Leaf Streak: Appears as wet brown streaks; avoided by using clean seeds.
• Yellow Dwarf Virus: Causes yellowing and stunted growth; managed by controlling aphids.
• Common Bunt: Leads to smelly, spore-filled grains; preventable with resistant seeds.
• Rust Diseases: Causes yellowing and pustules on leaves; mitigated with fungicides and resistant varieties.
• Aphids, Armyworms, Stink Bugs, and Wireworms: Pests causing damage to leaves, stalks, or grains. Managed through biological controls, pesticides, and crop rotation.

Reducing Disease and Pest Impact

1. Crop Rotation: Alternating wheat with non-host crops like corn or soybeans every 2–4 years reduces disease prevalence.
2. Nitrogen Fertilizers: Using slow-release fertilizers minimizes disease risks.
3. Planting Time: Delaying planting in the fall avoids early infections.

Wheat Plant Overview

Wheat belongs to the Poaceae family, thriving in various climates and used for making bread, pasta, and baked goods. China leads global production, followed by India, Russia, the U.S., and France.