Wheat farmers can boost yields and quality with optimal sowing and planting
The research studied the best time to plant and how close together to plant wheat to get the most grains and the best quality. They used a type of wheat called Zhenmai 168 in the southern part of Jiangsu. They tested different planting times and densities to see which gave the highest yield and quality. They found that planting on October 30 with a density of 2.70 million seedlings per hectare gave the most grain. More seeds per hectare led to more spikes but fewer grains per spike. Late planting increased protein and gluten content in the grain and improved dough quality. However, having too many seeds per hectare reduced protein and gluten content. In conclusion, for wheat variety Zhenmai 168, planting on October 30 with 2.70 million seedlings per hectare is best for high yield and quality.