Conservation Education, Cover Crops Series - Issue 9
How is winter wheat planted?
Plant in mid-July to mid-October
Seeding rates vary
Plant a minimum of 50 lbs/acre depending on use
Planting depth should be 1"
About winter wheat
First used as a grain crop in the 19th century
Today winter wheat is used for grain, forage and cover crop
Planted in fall and germinates before vernalization begins
Underground biomass increases in spring as it greens up
The value of winter wheat as a primary forage is currently being researched
Benefits of winter wheat
Winter wheat develops large fibrous root structures, reducing erosion. Large amounts of aboveground biomass make it suitable for soil health building.
Winter wheat is commonly used as a nurse crop for alfalfa and clover.
The slow maturing nature of winter wheat optimizes crude protein levels in the boot stage and later into the growing season.
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