Winter wheat

• shenke3
• Nov 2, 2022
• 1 min read

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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