After wheat heading, the growth of roots, leaves, and stems generally comes to a halt. Once the plant has flowered and entered the grain-filling stage, the focus of its growth shifts toward the grains. This is a critical period for determining grain weight and quality. To ensure optimal development, it's essential to protect the roots and leaves, extend their functional lifespan, and maintain their health. Therefore, there are six key strategies that farmers should implement during this phase.
First, **preventing drought** is crucial. From heading to maturity, weather conditions can be unpredictable, with dry and hot winds often occurring. During flowering and grain filling, wheat requires more water. If drought occurs after heading, timely irrigation is necessary to keep the soil moist, support root and leaf function, and improve resistance to dry hot winds. In later stages, when the plants are taller, watering should be done on windless days. It's recommended to water 5–7 days before the expected arrival of dry hot air. If dry hot winds occur, irrigation should be suspended, and the field should be protected from lodging caused by strong winds.
Second, **preventing nutrient deficiency** is important. After heading, the root system begins to age, reducing its ability to absorb nutrients. At this stage, foliar feeding becomes an effective method to supplement nutrients and prolong leaf functionality. Spraying a solution of 0.1%–0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or adding 0.1%–0.2% urea can help prevent nutrient deficiencies, increase grain weight, and improve quality. These sprays should be applied in the early morning or late evening on cloudy days, avoiding direct sunlight. Also, spraying should be done promptly after rain for maximum effectiveness.
Third, **preventing lodging** is vital. As the saying goes, "A handful of wheat determines yield." Late lodging can reduce yields by up to 20%–30%, and in severe cases, even 50%. To control lodging, farmers should shake off dew from lodged seedlings on sunny days to slow their growth. Applying ash or mulch around the roots can strengthen the plant’s resistance to lodging. Watering should be done on windless days, especially during critical times like pulp water and yellow water stages. Fields with excessive density should be thinned out, and some upper leaves can be trimmed to reduce the load and prevent top-heaviness. If lodging has already occurred, avoid manually straightening the plants; instead, allow them to recover naturally through stem movement.
Fourth, **preventing dry hot winds** is another priority. Using early-maturing varieties can help reduce exposure to these harsh conditions. When dry hot winds occur, immediate irrigation and the application of grass ash water can provide relief. A mixture of 500 grams of grass ash in 2.5 kilograms of water, applied at a rate of 20–25 kilograms per 667 square meters, can be effective. Alternatively, using an oil booster—150 grams of growth enhancer mixed with 50 kilograms of water—can improve leaf hydration, enhance photosynthesis, and reduce the impact of dry hot winds.
Fifth, **controlling wild wheat and weeds** is essential. Wild wheat and other weeds compete with wheat for water, nutrients, and light. If left unchecked, they can severely harm production. Since chemical herbicides may not effectively eliminate wild wheat, manual removal is often necessary. Farmers should carefully pull out the entire plant, including its roots, to prevent regrowth. Weeds should be removed before they produce seeds to avoid long-term infestations.
Lastly, **preventing pests and diseases** is crucial. In the late growth stages, wheat is vulnerable to diseases such as rust, stubble blight, and red spider mites. Early detection and prompt action are key. Farmers should monitor fields regularly, prepare appropriate treatments, and apply them as needed to minimize damage and protect yield.
By implementing these six strategies, farmers can significantly improve grain quality and yield, ensuring a successful harvest.
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