After wheat heading, the growth of roots, leaves, and stems generally comes to a halt. Following heading and flowering, the plant’s focus gradually shifts toward grain development, which is a crucial period for determining grain weight and quality. To enhance yield and quality, it's essential to maintain root and leaf health, prolong their functional lifespan, and ensure optimal nutrient uptake. Therefore, implementing the following six key strategies is vital.
1. **Drought Resistance**
During the period from heading to maturity, weather conditions can be unpredictable, with frequent occurrences of dry and hot winds. During flowering and grain filling, adequate water supply is critical. If drought occurs after heading, timely irrigation is necessary to keep the soil moist, supporting root and leaf function and enhancing resistance to dry hot winds. In later stages, when the plants are tall, watering should be done on windless days, ideally 5–7 days before the expected dry hot air. If dry hot winds occur, irrigation should be suspended, and once the wind subsides, watering should resume to prevent lodging.
2. **Fertilization Management**
After heading, the root system begins to age, reducing its ability to absorb nutrients. At this stage, foliar feeding becomes more effective. Applying 0.1%–0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or mixing with 0.1%–0.2% urea through foliar sprays helps prevent nutrient deficiency, improves grain weight, and enhances quality. Spraying should be done during cloudy or cool mornings and evenings for better absorption. Avoid spraying during midday heat, and apply immediately after rain to maximize effectiveness.
3. **Lodging Prevention**
Wheat lodging, or falling over, can significantly reduce yields—up to 20%–30% in many cases. To prevent this:
- Shake the plants on sunny days to reduce excessive growth.
- Apply grass ash around the roots to strengthen the plant structure.
- Water only on windless days to avoid root damage.
- Remove excess dense plants and cut 1/3 of the upper leaves in wide-leaved varieties to balance the load.
If lodging has already occurred, do not attempt to straighten the plants; instead, allow them to recover naturally by bending and twisting.
4. **Dry Hot Wind Protection**
To minimize damage from dry hot winds, use early-maturing wheat varieties. When such conditions arise, quickly irrigate and spray a solution made from 500g of grass ash mixed with 2.5kg of water, applying 20–25kg per 667 square meters. Alternatively, use an oil booster: 150g of growth enhancer mixed with 50kg of water. This increases leaf moisture, enhances water retention, and boosts photosynthesis, helping the crop withstand dry hot winds.
5. **Weed Control**
Wild wheat and weeds compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. If left unchecked, they can severely impact wheat production. Since chemical herbicides often fail to eliminate wild wheat, manual removal is usually required. Weeds should be removed before seed formation to prevent further spread. When pulling weeds, ensure that the entire root is removed to avoid regrowth.
6. **Pest and Disease Management**
In the late growth stages, wheat is vulnerable to pests and diseases such as rust, wheat stubble, and red spider mites. Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential. Prepare appropriate pesticides and apply them promptly to minimize losses and protect grain quality.
By implementing these six measures, farmers can significantly improve wheat yield and quality, ensuring a successful harvest.
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