ADOPT (WARC) Benefits of Early Seeding in Wheat
A 2024 study evaluated the practicality of ultra-early wheat seeding based on soil temperature triggers at three Saskatchewan locations: Swift Current, Scott, and Melfort. The first seeding treatment targeted 2°C soil temperature, followed by weekly intervals for six seeding dates from April 9 to May 27. While early seeding delayed emergence by up to 24 days due to cold conditions, all treatments established well, though plant survival was significantly lower for the earliest seeding date. Plant densities peaked for seeding dates in late April. Early seeding extended the wheat growing season by increasing days to maturity but had minimal effects on lodging and plant height. Yield responses varied by location, with early seeding resulting in yield penalties at Melfort and Scott (north of 51°N), likely due to cool, wet conditions, while Swift Current (south of 51°N) showed no significant yield differences between seeding dates. Protein content was slightly reduced for early seeding at Melfort and Swift Current but remained acceptable, and test weights were higher for early seeding at Swift Current. These results suggest that early seeding north of 51°N may benefit from seed treatments to mitigate risks, while in southern regions like Swift Current, early seeding offers greater flexibility without yield penalties.