What is the optimum seeding rate for winter wheat?
Optimum seeding rates for winter wheat are similar to those of spring wheat. However, because of winter mortality, the target plant populations should be between 25 and 30 to achieve a spring stand of 18-24 plants per square foot. Base your seeding rate on seed size (thousand kernel weight – TKW), germination percentage, seedling mortality and the target plant density. The calculation is performed as shown below: Seeding rate (lb./ac.) = [(Plants/ft.2 x TKW g x 10) x (% Survival)] Note that percentage survival is a product of percentage germination and mortality rate. Seeding rate will also vary by region, but an approximate rate is two bu./acre.
