Wide-Row Wheat Management Practices to Maximize Profits.

In Ohio, wheat acreage has decreased since the 1970s.  Wheat acreage is decreasing partly due to an increase in corn and soybean prices and a reduction in equipment inventory.  However, soft red winter wheat is an integral component of Ohio’s economy and baking industry.  The objectives of this study were to:  1.) Evaluate the effect of row width and wheat variety on grain yield, and 2.) Evaluate the effect of row width and nitrogen application rate on grain yield.  Two studies were established fall 2012 in Custar and Wooster, Ohio.  Studies were a split-plot randomized complete block design with four replications of treatments.  In the first study, main plot factor was row width (7.5 or 15 inch) and subplot factor was wheat variety (Rupp 935, Rupp 972, Syngenta W1104, and Syngenta SY483).  In the second study, main plot factor was row width (7.5 or 15 inch) and subplot factor was nitrogen application rate (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 lb N/ac).  In both trials, wheat was seeded at 25 seeds per foot row regardless of row spacing.  At harvest, lodging and yield were evaluated.  Wheat grain yield tended to be greatest when grown in 7.5-inch row spacing compared to 15-inch row spacing.  However, yield was dependent on wheat variety.  Optimum nitrogen application rate was the same regardless of row spacing.  Economic return was generally greater at Custar when wheat was grown in 15-inch row spacing.  However, at Wooster, economic return was generally greatest when wheat was grown in 7.5-inch spacing.  Yield potential was greater at Wooster compared to Custar indicating that 7.5-inch spacing is optimum in high-yielding environments.