Types and varieties of wheat
Wheat is a cereal crop that has a large variety. To know what types and varieties of wheat are, it is necessary to study the features of each of them. All of them are characterized by the individual structure of ears, as well as grain and flowers.
Soft and hard varieties
According to the level of grain hardness, the following types of wheat are distinguished:
- Soft. It may have white or red grains. The growing process is carried out in a rather dry climate, which is typical for countries such as the USA, Canada and Africa. Flour from such grains is more crumbly with a minimum gluten content and excellent taste, so it is perfect for rich pastries.
- Solid. This species is significantly inferior in terms of yield to soft varieties and grows best in well-moistened soil. Flour from such grain is mainly used for the production of pasta, as it contains a large amount of gluten.
Each of these types has individual characteristics and purpose.
Soft varieties of wheat are more high-yielding, so they are actively grown not only in Russia, but also in many other countries. Hard varieties have also proven themselves positively, although they are more whimsical in terms of cultivation.
Spring wheat
This wheat variety is characterized by a high level of resistance to adverse factors and a high yield.Sowing time starts from March and continues until May. The growing season of this crop lasts up to 110 days. The variety of spring wheat is very large and each species has individual characteristics.
The most famous varieties of such wheat are:
- Saratovskaya-70. A variety of wheat that belongs to the soft species. The grain is characterized by white color, collected in a hairless ear. It has an average degree of ripening and is characterized by a high yield, since up to 45 centners of wheat can be harvested from 1 hectare.
- Dobrynya. A variety of the Lutescens variety, which belongs to the soft species. Grain of red color in white ears. Mid-season wheat, most resistant to shedding and lodging. About 40 centners of grain can be harvested from 1 hectare.
- Kharkovskaya-46. High-yielding wheat, which belongs to the hard species. The culture has an average ripening time and feels most comfortable during a drought. The grain is white, collected in a red ear. Does not crumble and does not lie down.
- Melanopus-26. A hardy crop characterized by large white grains. It adapts well to any weather conditions, and is also included in the list of the highest yielding wheat varieties.
All these varieties of wheat are widely popular in different parts of the world. They are valued for high yields, palatability, and the ability to adapt to different weather conditions. Such advantages make spring wheat widely popular in various fields of application.
winter
This variety of wheat is characterized by an increased level of productivity in relation to spring wheat. The process of its sowing begins at the end of summer and lasts until mid-autumn. It is recommended to sow this variety in areas with mild climatic conditions.At the same time, it is worth remembering that timely fertilization of the soil and timely watering will help to get a high yield.
The most common varieties of winter wheat are:
- Moscow-39. It is a soft variety. It is presented in the form of white ears with red grain. The culture is mid-season, resistant to lodging and the effects of various kinds of diseases.
- Bezenchukskaya. A soft variety of culture, the grains of which are rounded and amber-brown in color. It is steady against adverse factors of influence thanks to what is high-yielding.
- Nemchinovskaya-57. Wheat, which belongs to soft varieties. It is characterized by large red grains, collected in neat spikelets. It has a good level of productivity and is resistant to frost. Perfectly adapts to almost any weather conditions.
It is worth noting that each variety of winter wheat has individual characteristics that should definitely be taken into account during the sowing process. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the purpose of growing this crop, as well as the features of the area. This will help you make the right choice of variety and get the desired result.
crushed
Depending on the degree of grinding, wheat may have a certain degree of crushing. The most famous are the following categories:
- Semolina. It is crushed wheat without bran and is characterized by an average degree of processing. Mainly used for making porridge.
- Wheat groats. It is considered the crudest method of obtaining cereals. To do this, the grain is thoroughly cleaned and then polished. Ready-made wheat groats are actively used in cooking for the preparation of various kinds of dishes.
- Wheat flour. To obtain it, wheat grains lend themselves to maximum crushing. Designed for baking and bread, and also used for cooking various dishes.
The individual characteristics of each category of wheat indicates that it has a wide and rather diverse range of applications, taking into account the degree of its crushing.
fodder
It is a plant component intended for use in agriculture. It is made from fifth grade wheat. It is characterized by low quality grain. Varieties that contain a large amount of cellulose are used as feed for horses. Soft varieties with a minimum cellulose content are used as feed for pigs or poultry.
Feed wheat, due to its energy value, often serves as an additive to animal feed. For long-term storage, the grain is thoroughly dried, and in winter it is used as complementary food. This type of wheat is actively used on farms that specialize in raising rural animals.
It is worth noting that fodder wheat contains a large amount of nutrients. Animals that are fed with such food grow and multiply quite actively. At the same time, the amount of feed wheat consumed should not exceed 25% of the total diet. Only such a portioned norm is able to benefit and favorably affect the growth and development of the body. The larger the particle size of the feed, the better the quality of the grain from which it is made.
Composition and useful properties
Wheat has long been known for its rich vitamin content. In addition to vitamins B and E, it contains magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pectin, zinc, pectin, fiber and linoleic acid.It perfectly retains its useful qualities in any form.
It is especially useful for the human body, as it perfectly normalizes cholesterol levels, and also improves digestion. In addition, eating wheat products can improve brain activity and heart function.
The pectin in the composition of the grain has a positive effect on the intestines. Wheat is an excellent antioxidant and also prevents cancer and lowers blood sugar levels. Sprouted wheat performs the function of a food additive, due to the large number of useful elements in its composition. This culture is considered simply irreplaceable, because it is actively used in a variety of applications. It is wheat that ranks first among cereal crops in production around the world.
Growing Features
A high yield can be ensured by proper preparation for the sowing process. First of all, the soil intended for sowing is carefully cultivated with the help of cultivators, after which it is leveled using special equipment. Only then can sowing be carried out. In the fields, wheat is sown using special agricultural equipment, and in smaller areas, sowing can be done manually. The sowing depth of grain is not about 5 cm, and the width between the rows is 15 cm.
A good soil moisture level is an important indicator of high yields. But, no less important feature is the timely fertilization of the soil. Saltpeter is most often used as fertilizer, which is considered the best option for creating favorable soil and full plant growth. Once fully ripe, the wheat is harvested using agricultural equipment such as a combine harvester.
Wheat is extremely resistant to drought, so it perfectly adapts to almost any climatic conditions. The best conditions for the full growth of this crop are where there is a humid climate. A grain crop such as wheat needs good soil moisture, but without exceeding the permissible norm. Constant rainy weather can cause the development of various diseases, which subsequently significantly reduce yields.
Therefore, everyone who is actively involved in its cultivation is constantly introducing new technologies in order to create the most favorable conditions for the full growth of this grain crop.
See below for a video on growing different types of wheat.