The Wheat School on RealAgriculture.com, brought to you by CNMC Syngenta Canada and the Alberta Wheat Commission, featured Peter Johnson at the Fallings Research Farm to wrap up the data from their drill comparison study. They found that the cedar force technology had potential, showing a numerical yield advantage and better uniformity in emergence and canopy closure. However, the difference was not statistically significant, suggesting the need for more research. The study also looked at row width and seed-placed phosphorus, with the results showing that row width did not have a significant impact on yield, and seed-placed phosphorus did not show a response due to the high fertility levels in the soil. The project yielded the best wheat crop at the farm, with a record of 149 bushels per acre. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of continued research to optimize wheat yield potential.
Exciting Wheat Research Results: Boosting Yields and Improving Uniformity
Welcome back to the latest insights from the Wheat School on RealAgriculture.com, brought to you by CNMC Syngenta Canada and the Alberta Wheat Commission. I’m Peter Johnson, also known as Wheat Pete, and I’m thrilled to share the wrap-up of our research at the Fallings Research Farm.
Our journey began last fall with a drill comparison to test the effectiveness of new downforce technology, including Cedar Force, on wheat yields. We compared various drills, from a John Deere model with Cedar Force to a 10-inch Sunflower drill and a new Borgo drill. After multiple visits throughout the season, the outcome was remarkable – the best wheat crop ever grown at the farm, with plots reaching up to 149 bushels per acre.
Results from the Cedar Force technology were particularly interesting, showing a 3 to 4 bushel advantage over drills without this feature. While statistically similar, the numerical difference indicates the potential for increased yields. The key takeaway was the remarkable uniformity in emergence and canopy closure observed with Cedar Force, suggesting a significant impact on yield potential.
Despite skepticism, row width played a crucial role in crop uniformity and yield potential. While the 10-inch row width from the Sunflower drill did not yield as expected, optimal planting conditions and early growth helped achieve similar canopy closure levels to the 7.5-inch rows. The importance of canopy closure in maximizing solar interception for grain fill cannot be overstated, highlighting the significance of row spacing in wheat production.
In contrast, seed-placed phosphorus did not provide a yield advantage at this high-fertility farm due to existing nutrient levels from crop rotation and dairy manure inputs. Although surprising, this result underscores the importance of soil testing and nutrient management tailored to specific farm conditions.
Joanna, our research lead, emphasized the need for continuous research to explore the full potential of technology like Cedar Force, optimize row spacing for maximum yield, and fine-tune nutrient management strategies. The quest for 150 bushels per acre continues, with each trial bringing us closer to achieving this ambitious goal.
As we reflect on this exciting research journey, it’s clear that advancements in technology and agronomic practices hold the key to unlocking greater yields and improving crop uniformity. Stay tuned for more insights from the Wheat School, where we’re dedicated to helping you grow great wheat.
Thank you for joining us on this informative journey, and remember – when it comes to wheat production, the possibilities are as vast as the fields themselves. Happy farming!
