Optimizing Row Spacing and Seed Placement for High Yield Potential in Winter Wheat

By Wallas Mendes and Patrick Copeland et.al

To maximize winter wheat yields, crop canopy architecture should be designed to optimize light interception and its conversion efficiency to biomass and finally grains.

This can be achieved by optimizing planting decisions such as row spacing, seed placement, varietal canopy architecture and seeding rates. Previous research conducted in Michigan (Figure 1) has evaluated practices like combining the use of precision planting with narrow row spacing (5 inches) and their impact on winter wheat yield. Small-plot trials demonstrated a yield advantage ranging from 2.4% to 25.8% across four site years, shedding light on the benefits of narrow row spacing combined with the use of precision planting equipment.

To further assess these benefits and the performance of other alternative planting methods, recently concluded research compared wheat planted at field scale using commercial Michigan farms. Results showed an 8-33% yield increase in precision planting (in 5-inch row spacing) compared to conventional drill or air seeder (ranging from 5- to 7.5-inch row spacing) at four out of eight site-years (Figure 2). Other four site-years also showed numerically higher yield using 5-inch precision planter.