How to adapt to wheat late sowing

Late-sown wheat can be categorized into two main types. The first type occurs when the previous crop matures late, leading to delayed harvesting and, consequently, a later planting date. This results in wheat being sown too late. The second type arises due to environmental factors such as excessive rain or poor weather conditions, which force farmers to delay planting, ultimately creating late-sown wheat.

The growth characteristics of late-sown wheat are quite distinct. Before winter, the seedlings grow slowly, with weak root systems, fewer tillers, and reduced cold tolerance. In most years, wheat planted between late October and early November typically has only one leaf, referred to as "a needle." By the end of November, many plants have not yet emerged, known as "soil cover."

In spring, the growth and development of late-sown wheat is faster. The main stem produces a high number of seeds, and the seed setting rate is also high. However, the total number of leaves is usually only 1 to 2, resulting in lower biological yield. Because late-sown wheat matures about three days later than normally sown wheat, it may be vulnerable to dry hot winds during the grain-filling period, which can reduce the 1000-grain weight.

The overall growth period is shortened, and the late sowing does not necessarily mean late maturity.

To support the growth of late-sown wheat, several management practices are recommended: 1. Fertilizer application should be increased to compensate for nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Late-sown wheat requires more nutrients to promote tillering, ear formation, and higher yields. Applying phosphate fertilizer in soils with severe phosphorus deficiency significantly improves root development and dry matter accumulation. Therefore, using a balanced fertilization approach—combining organic and chemical fertilizers—is essential. For late-sown wheat yielding 350 to 500 kilograms per mu, applying 3,500 to 4,000 kilograms of organic fertilizer, 20 kilograms of urea, and 40 to 50 kilograms of superphosphate is generally effective.

2. Choosing high-quality varieties that mature quickly helps compensate for the late sowing. Semi-winter varieties are ideal for late planting, as they develop faster, have shorter vegetative growth periods, and improve grain filling, making them more likely to produce large ears, full grains, and higher yields.

3. Increasing the seeding rate is crucial for late-sown wheat, as it compensates for reduced tillering. Conventional seeding rates may lead to insufficient spike numbers, affecting yield. By increasing the seeding rate and relying on the main stem for ear formation, farmers can boost the yield of late-sown wheat. It's important to adjust the seeding amount based on the sowing date and variety characteristics, as local experience varies widely.

4. Improving land preparation helps make up for the challenges of late sowing. (1) Early plowing and timely sowing are essential to avoid delays. (2) Fine soil preparation ensures proper moisture levels, promoting better germination and plant establishment. (3) Shallow sowing is beneficial, allowing the use of accumulated warmth and reducing seed nutrient consumption. (4) Soaking seeds in warm water before planting can speed up emergence by 2 to 3 days.

5. Proper field management is key to enhancing the growth of late-sown wheat. (1) Rolling and hoeing help promote seedling growth by maintaining soil temperature and moisture. (2) Timely fertilization and irrigation are necessary to ensure adequate nutrition and water supply. (3) During the booting stage, water is critical for flower preservation and grain development. Adequate watering at this time improves photosynthesis and protects against hot winds, ultimately increasing grain weight. Additionally, monitoring for pests like rust, mildew, and aphids is important to maintain healthy crops.

 

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