Comprehensive Wheat Programs for Optimal Yields

 At Lone Pine Ag-Services, we offer customized wheat programs designed to ensure your wheat crops reach their full potential. Our comprehensive plans cover all aspects of crop nutrition, protection, and growth. 

1. Starter Fertilizer Blend
   A balanced blend of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) is important to jumpstart your wheat crop. Phosphorus is especially critical for strong root development, and sulfur is essential for protein synthesis and overall plant health.
   Recommended Fertilizer Blend:
    
   • 10-34-0 (10% Nitrogen, 34% Phosphorus) – This provides a good dose of phosphorus to stimulate early root growth and improve nutrient uptake.
      
   • Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) – Sulfur is important for protein development and improving overall crop health.
      
   • Urea (46-0-0) – If additional nitrogen is required, use urea to promote early leaf and stem growth.
      

1. Application Rates:
    
   • Apply 5-10 gallons per acre of 10-34-0 in a banded application directly to the soil at planting. This ensures that phosphorus is placed near the seed, where it can be easily absorbed.
      
   • Depending on soil tests, apply 10-15 lbs per acre of nitrogen using urea or ammonium sulfate. Nitrogen should be applied in moderation as wheat is sensitive to excess nitrogen at planting, which can cause excessive growth at the expense of root development.
      
   • Sulfur: Apply 5-10 lbs per acre of sulfur with ammonium sulfate to meet the crop's needs for protein production and overall plant health.
      

1. Timing:
    
   • Apply the starter fertilizer at the time of planting or just before planting. Applying at planting ensures the crop has immediate access to these critical nutrients, especially phosphorus, which has limited mobility in the soil.
      

1. Soil Conditions:
    
   • In Northeast Kansas, soils can vary from clay to sandy, so a soil test is essential to determine the exact nutrient needs. Make sure to adjust fertilizer rates based on soil test recommendations to avoid over-application or nutrient imbalances.
      

• Phosphorus: Stimulates root growth and early crop establishment, which is vital in the first stages of growth when the wheat is getting its start in cool soils.
   
• Nitrogen: Crucial for early leaf and stem development, nitrogen helps with photosynthesis and plant structure, but should be carefully managed as excess nitrogen can lead to lodging later in the growing season.
   
• Sulfur: Important for protein synthesis, sulfur helps with seed formation and overall plant health, supporting better grain quality and yield potential.

  Beck’s Soft Wheat Recommendations:

• Seeding Rate: 120-150 lbs per acre (adjust based on seed size and soil fertility). 
• Planting Date: Late September to early October. 
• Best for: Moderate to good fertility soils with milder winters. 

Polansky Hard Wheat Recommendations:

• Seeding Rate: 120-150 lbs per acre (adjust based on seed size and soil fertility). 
• Planting Date: Late September to early October. 
• Best for: Tougher growing conditions, cold tolerance, and higher protein content. 

Both varieties are well-suited for Northeast Kansas with proper soil preparation and management.

 Applying Quelex with PowerHouse Adjuvant on wheat provides superior broadleaf weed control by enhancing herbicide coverage and penetration. PowerHouse improves the effectiveness of Quelex by ensuring better herbicide adherence to leaves, resulting in more efficient weed management. Ideal for controlling tough weeds like kochia and pigweed, this combination is a reliable solution for maintaining healthy wheat crops. Apply during the early growth stages for optimal results. 

 Top dressing with dry urea is an effective method for providing wheat with a timely nitrogen boost during its growing season. Applying urea after the crop has emerged helps promote strong growth and increases yield potential. Typically, this application is done in the spring, just before or during the jointing stage, to maximize nitrogen uptake and optimize wheat development. Ensure proper application rates and even distribution for best results. Rates depend off soil samples taken.

 Fungicide application on wheat is essential for protecting the crop from yield-robbing diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and Fusarium head blight. Timing is critical—apply fungicides during the heading to flowering stages to effectively prevent disease and maintain plant health. This treatment helps to improve grain quality, reduce lodging, and enhance overall yield potential. Select the appropriate fungicide based on the disease pressure in your area for optimal results.