Winter wheat sown in autumn 2024 has entered 2025 with strong growth and significant yield potential. As fields begin to dry after recent rains, it’s essential to approach early-season management thoughtfully to ensure optimal crop development.
Nutrient Management:
While the temptation to apply nitrogen (N) fertilizers early exists, research indicates that premature N application can lead to excessive tillering, with many tillers failing to survive until heading. It’s advisable to delay nitrogen fertilization until mid-March. A split application strategy is recommended, with the first dose in early spring as crops break dormancy and the second at early stem extension in April. This approach enhances nutrient absorption and supports steady crop growth.
Sterile Brome Control:
Early planting, while beneficial for crop establishment, can inadvertently increase grass weed pressure, notably from sterile brome (Bromus sterilis). This weed thrives when it establishes early, making timely intervention crucial.
Integrated Management Approach:
- Field Scouting: Regularly walk fields to identify and map areas infested with sterile brome. Utilizing tools like old area maps can aid in pinpointing problematic zones for targeted treatment.
- Herbicide Application: Post-emergence herbicides, such as those containing flufenacet, are effective against sterile brome when applied early. Delaying treatment until the brome reaches stem extension may result in mere suppression, allowing plants to survive and reseed. Early applications can significantly reduce seed return and help maintain cleaner fields in subsequent seasons.
- Cultural Practices: Incorporating cultural control methods, such as delayed drilling and crop rotation, can further suppress brome populations. Delayed drilling allows initial brome germination to be controlled before crop establishment, reducing weed pressure. Crop rotation disrupts the life cycle of brome, decreasing its prevalence over time.
Proactive early spring management, encompassing judicious nutrient application and integrated weed control strategies, is vital for optimizing winter wheat yields. By addressing potential challenges like sterile brome infestations promptly and effectively, farmers can ensure robust crop performance and sustainable agricultural practices.
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