Wheat Pete’s Word, March 23: Early N, Maple Syrup Season & Disease Pressure in Big Wheat

In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, examines everything from early N applications in wheat to the maple syrup harvest. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at [email protected].

Highlights:

  • The 2016 crop season has begun in Ontario with some nitrogen going down on wheat
  • When and how much should nitrogen be applied to wheat — crop demand is still low. Hold off for now on big wheat.
  • How much sulphur to apply to wheat? 10 pounds in sulphate form in the first fertilizer application.
  • Peter’s a little worried about disease pressure in big wheat crop. Cases of mildew being found, having survived winter. Leaf rust survived the winter in Kentucky — has half as far as normal to travel.
  • Chicken>hog>dairy manure on wheat. Don’t supply more than two-thirds of total nitrogen as manure.
  • Warm spring will affect nitrogen release, but wheat needs its nitrogen early. Rarely see enough out of organic matter early enough. Could have a big difference on corn in late April/early May.
  • Keep stored grain within 10 degrees of ambient temperatures. Make sure you can leave fans on long enough to push moisture front through the bin.
  • Is there ever a bad time to do a soil test? No. Key is to do it consistently.
  • How to build soil test P? Manure or biosolids are ideal, but likely have to build it over time. If removing 80lbs, put on 110lbs.
  • The Word returns March 30 — send in your questions!

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