Wheat Production Requirements and Harvesting in Australia PlantGrowPick
• Australia boasts of being among the top ten wheat-producing countries in the world with a production of 22 million tonnes yearly. • The main states in wheat production in the continent include Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. • Wheat is the largest grain crop sewn in the autumn and harvested in spring and summer. • Here is PlantGrowPick- a company that offers labor-hire services to different aspects of Agriculture from horticulture to general farming services. • The company decides to walk us through the production requirements to ensure a happy harvesting of wheat in Australia.
Production • Wheat is used basically for human consumption, livestock feeds and exports.
• Here are the requirements to ensure a profitable production.
Soil Type and Testing • The good news is wheat can adapt to a wide range of soil type but the varieties adapt differently on the pH and the aluminium level of the soil. • To optimize production, ensure the soil surface pH is 6.0 and the subsurface is 4.8. If there is a significant fall or rise in the pH level, liming is required. • Soil testing also helps farmers to know the nutrients that might be inadequate and to take the necessary steps.
Wheat Variety •
Quality and variety choices are some of the key determinants of a high-yielding crop. With different varieties to choose from, it is important for farmers to be wise in selection- says PlantGrowPick.
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The same variety can survive differently given different soil types, environments, and rainfall pattern.
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The main factors influencing its success are the soil type, rainfall temperature, quality, and a host of others.
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One way to determine the adaptable variety is to extend the farming operation to different variety and carry out performance reviews.
Climatic Condition • The germination is very rapid when there is enough rainfall and in case it isn’t adequate, water irrigation can be used to supplement it. • Moreover, water is stored up in the soil before sowing the seed. • This will provide adequate water to the crop.
Planting •
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Things to consider while selecting paddock or site for the sowing of wheat includes the seasonal pattern, herbicides options, risk of diseases or weed, and water present in the soil. Seed dressing is an important part of sowing preparation. This helps to control smuts and bunts that can otherwise lead to yield loss.
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The sowing depth will influence the crop yield. Therefore, a depth of 2-4 cm is suggested.
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Nitrogen and phosphorus are the most important nutrients required for the growth of the grain. Phosphorus is important at the early stage for the growth and nitrogen is essential during the grain fill. Another important nutrient is potassium.
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For weed management, herbicides are generally not a good idea as there can be herbicide resistance. Before cropping, weed control strategies should be put in place.
Harvesting •
Wheat is generally harvested between September to December depending on the climatic condition, the region, and the wheat variety. “Check the moisture level to see if the wheat is dried and ready for harvest,” says PlantGrowPick.
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Here are the points made by PlantGrowPick to guide farmers in wheat production and harvesting to ensure successful farming.
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