When is the best sowing time for wheat? A detailed explanation of temperature and seeding rate

SummaryThe suitable sowing temperature for winter-type wheat varieties is 16-18°C, around September 27-October 5; the suitable temperature for semi-winter varieties is 16-17°C. From September 27-October 12; the suitable temperature for spring-leaning varieties is 16-15°C, around October 10-15, the suitable sowing rate for dry-stubble wheat fields is 18-30 jin/mu, and the suitable sowing rate for rice-stubble wheat fields is 35-50 jin/mu.

I. The best sowing time for wheat

1. The suitable sowing temperature for winter-type wheat varieties is 16-18°C, around September 27-October 5; the suitable temperature for semi-winter varieties is 16-17°C. From September 27-October 12; the suitable temperature for spring-leaning varieties is 16-15°C, around October 10-15.

2. Due to the promotion and application of semi-winter varieties, as well as the improvement of soil and fertilizer conditions and the requirement in cultivation to strictly control the pre-winter population, the sowing date has been delayed compared with tradition. “White Dew is early, Cold Dew is late, and sowing wheat at the Autumn Equinox is just right” is only suitable for shady slopes in mountainous areas, as well as some saline-alkali land and the wheat region of northwestern Shandong.

3. Generally, the wheat sowing rate should be determined according to factors such as variety characteristics, the timing of the sowing period, soil texture, and fertility level. If the sowing period is early, the seeding rate should be lower; otherwise, it should be higher. Varieties with strong tillering ability should have a lower seeding rate, while those with weak tillering ability should have a higher seeding rate. For heavy clay soil with poor fertility, the seeding rate is higher. The sowing rate for dry-stubble wheat fields is 18-30 jin/mu, and the sowing rate for rice-stubble wheat fields is 35-50 jin/mu.

4. Generally, planting in plots with deep soil layers, good structure, and a relatively deep plow layer is conducive to storing water and preserving fertilizer and promoting the development of the wheat root system. Soil structure refers to the proportion of solids, that is, organic and inorganic matter, as well as liquids and gases. It is closely related to soil moisture, air, temperature, and nutrients. For example, sandy soil and heavy clay soil have poor structure, making it difficult to achieve high yields.

5. Wheat is a long-day crop and needs 8-12 hours of light per day. If light conditions are insufficient, it cannot pass through the photoperiod stage and cannot head and set grain. The photoperiod stage of wheat generally comes after the vernalization stage.

II. Distribution range of wheat

1. North China includes Tianjin, Beijing, Hebei, Henan, and Shanxi; East China includes Shandong, Jiangsu, and the northern and central parts of Anhui; Central China includes Jiangxi and Hubei; Northwest China includes Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang; Northeast China includes Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang; Southwest China includes Chongqing, Sichuan, and Guizhou; the northern region includes Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.

2. Wheat is a grass-family plant and a cereal crop widely grown around the world. The caryopsis of wheat is one of the staple foods of humankind. After grinding into flour, it can generally be used to make foods such as bread, biscuits, steamed buns, and noodles. After fermentation, it can be made into beer, baijiu (such as vodka), alcohol, or biomass fuel. The Mesopotamian region was one of the earlier regions in the world to cultivate wheat, and China is one of the earliest countries in the world to plant wheat.