Wheat is intensively managed and fertilized. We split-apply nitrogen (N), making the first application in early spring while the second is made just after jointing. Spreading out the N application ensures more N goes to the head instead of the straw.
How much N we apply in spring depends on tillers. If the wheat has tillered a lot, we put on less N in early spring, saving more for the later application. If it hasn’t tillered well, we will apply more N in the first application to give it a boost.
We spray for weeds at planting and try to avoid any further herbicide applications. We also apply a fungicide at flowering.
We usually raise about 80-bushel wheat and have cracked the 100-bushel threshold.
To learn how the Guettermans manage their corn and soybean crops, see the article “What I’ve Learned from No-Tilling: Focus on Organic Matter, Flexibility Keeps No-Till Farm One Step Ahead” in the July 2017 issue.