Winter Wheat in S.E. Wisconsin ?

   / Winter Wheat in S.E. Wisconsin ?
  • Thread Starter
#11  
So when they harvest the winter wheat in late June, I assume the stubble and roots is left behind and holds the soil in place?
Bob
 
   / Winter Wheat in S.E. Wisconsin ? #12  
Yes, the stubble will usually be left behind. Turning it under just takes more time, requires more cost, more machinery and wear, and dries out the soil. In my area, you almost have to plant soybeans into the wheat. Corn typically has a longer growing season. In WI, you are farther north and your season is even shorter.
Most farmers in the midwest grow corn, soybeans, corn, soybeans etc and alternate yearly. Planting corn every year promotes more rootworm, cutworm growth etc and the crop residue can become a problem. Planting soybeans every year adds little to no crop residue to help hold the soil and depletes the plant matter in the soil. Also corn takes much more fertilizer, while soybeans actually adds some nitrogen back to the soil. The rotation of corn and soybeans is a practice that complements each other. I have known some farmers that have gone at least 5 years straight with soybeans but not common.
 
   / Winter Wheat in S.E. Wisconsin ?
  • Thread Starter
#13  
Most farmers in the midwest grow corn, soybeans, corn, soybeans etc and alternate yearly.

That is the norm around here. The winter wheat is a change. I expected corn next year. The wheat should be "fun". More like a really tall lawn.

How tall will it get?
Bob
 
 
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