The subtleties of the process of growing wheat
In Russia, they are actively engaged in the cultivation of wheat. This product is used for the preparation of pasta, cereals, bakery products, as well as alcohol. The cultivation technology of this species is complex and includes many features. Only with proper observance of all the subtleties in the process of growing wheat can a rich and high-quality harvest be achieved.
Main regions of cultivation in Russia
Despite the whimsical cultivation, wheat is not very demanding on weather conditions and climate. Due to this characteristic, the cultivation of this crop occurs on the territory of most regions of the state, however, some locations are more suitable for growing grain than others. The leaders in this area are the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories. Together, these regions account for approximately 22% of the total share of wheat in the state.
The list of leaders also includes the following regions: Kursk, Saratov, Omsk, Voronezh, Volgograd. They also include the Altai Territory. Within the borders of the Urals and Siberia, wheat is also cultivated, but to a lesser extent. These regions produce approximately 2-3% of the total grain.
Features of culture care
The ideal climate for growing wheat is continental, with moderate warm weather. As for the terrain, the steppe is more suitable for agricultural crops, given the fact that large areas are allocated for the cultivation of plants. Experts from the agricultural sector have compiled a list of certain conditions for obtaining a stable and full-fledged harvest.
- In order for the seeds to germinate, the required temperature should be 1-2 degrees Celsius.
- For the formation of the first shoots, the temperature should be slightly higher - from 3 to 4 degrees.
- The plant withstands the lowest possible temperature of -10 degrees, however, only for a short period.
- In order for the seeds to germinate, they need a moisture content of 50 to 60% of the water from the total mass of dry seeds.
- Soil moisture index - from 70 to 75% of the lowest moisture capacity.
These conditions are considered optimal and most favorable for growing plants. They must be familiarized with before planting seeds. The culture does not tolerate high temperatures, which is why a rich harvest in regions with a hot climate cannot be obtained.
At a temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius, many types of baldness begin the process of dying off the stomata.
Varieties
There are many varieties of wheat cultivated in Russia and other countries. All species are divided into two groups - spring and winter. To properly plant and grow a plant, you need to know the difference between these classifications. It lies in the timing of sowing. Spring types of wheat should be sown in the period from early spring to early summer. Winter wheat is sown from the middle of the last summer month until the end of October.
There are also the following differences:
- the vegetation period of winter wheat is approximately 280 days, spring growth grows more actively, 100 days is enough for them;
- baking qualities in spring species are higher;
- winter varieties are more demanding on the composition of the land, spring varieties - on cultivation conditions;
- spring wheat is drought tolerant, while winter varieties are more tolerant of cold snaps and sudden weather changes.
light mode
A significant factor in the cultivation of crops is daylight hours. The key to a rich harvest is a long sunny day, with enough natural light. With its lack, many internodes can begin to form. In this case, the tillering leaf of the plant is formed too close to the surface of the soil. These factors negatively affect the resistance of the crop to insects, pests and weather conditions. The plant's endurance also decreases.
Soil composition
Experienced agronomists are serious about choosing a site for planting a plant. The composition of the soil is also important for obtaining a rich crop of superior quality. Experts note that wheat feels great on sandy and loamy (sod-podzolic) soils. If it is not possible to choose one of the above options, make a choice in favor of peat-bog lowland soils.
Soil index for crop cultivation:
- minimum pH - 5.8;
- humus composition – from 1.8;
- K2O and P2O5 - at least 150 milligrams per kilogram of land.
predecessors
For a bountiful harvest, it is recommended to regularly change the planting site. Repeated crops in one area come to a significant decline in the yield.This happens due to the depletion of the composition of the soil and diseases. The technology of growing this crop includes the obligatory observance of the crop rotation rule. For planting wheat, areas where potatoes or legumes used to grow are ideal. Experts say soil that used to grow grass or cruciferous vegetables is also suitable.
top dressing
The required amount of additional nutrients, as well as their volume, is calculated depending on the composition of the soil and the region of growth. It is also necessary to take into account the type of crop. Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds are used to fertilize winter wheat. Before sowing, a significant part of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers is introduced into the soil. Top dressing in a small amount is added in the fall or early March using a basal technique. Fertilization in the spring stimulates the growth of wheat. And at this time, the plant has a special need for phosphorus, nitrogen, and also sulfur.
Spring varieties of wheat are fertilized during tillering. At the beginning of growth, in the early stages, this species is practically insensitive to mineral fertilizers. Excellent results can be achieved using nitrogen fertilizing. Also, experts use phosphorus mixtures. During the earing period, potassium compounds are added.
How to grow at home?
Given the popularity of the healthy lifestyle trend, many are starting to grow wheat at home. Sprouted grains have many positive qualities and are considered an important part of a healthy person's diet. Knowing the method of cultivation, it is not difficult to achieve the desired result.
To grow a plant at home, you will need the following.
- Quality grains that have not been processed with chemical compounds. It is recommended to choose winter wheat.
- It is necessary to prepare a tray made of glass or plastic, metal will not work. Plastic containers must be made from food raw materials. Pallets are also used. If there is no tray, use ordinary glass jars.
- A humidifier will help to achieve the expected result; it is actively used by those who are serious about the process of growing a plant at home and do it all the time. The most common model will be enough.
- You can also not do without clean and fresh water, heated to room temperature.
- If cultivation occurs by sowing in the ground, it is necessary to prepare soil or compost.
How to choose grains?
In specialized stores, you can find wheat that is ideal for sprouting at home. A certified product has an appropriate label, which confirms its quality. If you want to save money, you can buy grain from farmers. In this case, it is very difficult to assess the quality of the product. It is impossible to visually check whether the seeds were treated with chemicals or not. Before buying, be sure to evaluate the condition of the product visually. Pay attention to the size of the seeds, as well as their integrity. The ideal option is smooth and dry grains without mold and other defects. They also need to be the same size.
Harvesting seeds yourself
Those who follow a healthy lifestyle and are engaged in growing wheat at home, instead of buying grains, harvest them themselves. Beginners in this business are wondering how many grains grow from one grain of wheat.From one seed, you can grow a full-fledged spikelet. There are several dozen grains in one ear. With self-harvesting of seed, you can be completely sure of its quality and safety.
If growing conditions are violated, even the highest quality seeds can begin to rot, swelling in water. If you notice mold on the grains, discard them immediately. It is impossible to germinate such material. The cultivation process depends on the variety, however, experts point out one rule for all types of wheat - it is better to slightly underexpose the grains in water to prevent mold formation than to overdo it.
cultivation
After buying, the first step is to soak the grains in water. Before starting, it is important to measure the required amount of seed. If you are using a large tray that measures about 40x40 centimeters, two cups of wheat will be enough. Seeds should cover the bottom of the tray or tray in an even and uniform layer.
Next, the grains are thoroughly washed with cool and clean water. After that comes the soaking process in a bowl using filtered water at room temperature. It is not difficult to calculate the volume of liquid, it should be three times the volume of the seed. Wheat is covered with a lid and left in water for about 10 hours. After the first soaking, the procedure must be repeated, adhering to the above description with one difference - use cooler water for the second and third times. After 10 hours, do the procedure for the last time.
If done correctly, you will notice miniature roots on the seeds. The material is washed. If there are holes in the bottom of the container you will be using for growing, line the bottom with paper towels.They should be white, without patterns and various flavors. Otherwise, the roots may grow through them.
Earth or compost of organic origin is poured in a small layer - 5 centimeters. Feeding crops are not used in the process of home cultivation. Grains are distributed on the ground in an even layer.
It is not necessary to dig in the seeds completely, just press them lightly to the ground. Use only clean water for irrigation. Moisten the soil throughout the plane.
How to germinate without soil?
At home, for practicality and convenience, you can use the method of germinating a culture without soil. You will need a tray or tray with a solid bottom and gauze. The textile material is folded in several layers, laid on the bottom, seed is distributed over the top, after which the grains are covered with several more layers of gauze.
In the process of growing, carefully moisten the gauze, but do not completely fill it with water, otherwise mold cannot be avoided. A container of wheat is covered with a cloth or wet newspapers. Check the condition of the grains every day, do not let it dry out. Cloth or newspapers that cover the tray should be moistened regularly. 4 days after planting, remove the paper and cloth that cover the top of the structure. Watering should be done once a day.
General recommendations
Use the recommendations of experts to get a wheat harvest as soon as possible.
- Make sure that the direct rays of the sun do not fall on the grains, but they cannot be kept in a dark room either. The ideal conditions are diffused light.
- The optimum temperature indicator is from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.
- Wheat loves high humidity. If the air in the house is dry, use special humidifiers.
- Sprouts should appear after two days.Otherwise, the seedlings can be thrown away. Try again, more carefully adhering to agricultural practices, or use a different seed, you may have come across a low-quality batch.
About the subtleties of the process of growing wheat, see the following video.