Winter Wheat Seeding Rate, Depth, and Planting Date
Shawn P. Conley, UW-Agonomy / UWEX Soybean Specialist, and John Gaska 

The targeted fall stand for wheat seedlings is between 30 and 35 plants per square foot. To achieve this goal, the planting rate for soft red winter wheat is between 1,300,000 and 1,500,000 seeds per acre. Depending upon varietal seed size this equates to a range of between 74 and 119 pounds of seed per acre (Table 1). Growers may choose to use the lower seeding rate if planting conditions are ideal, however increasing the seeding rate under poor planting conditions, in no-till production systems, or when the planting date is significantly delayed may prove beneficial. 

Table 1. Wheat seeding rate in pounds per acre based on thousand kernel weight.

	Pounds of seed per acre
Thousand kernel weight	1,300,000 seeds/a	1,500,000 seeds/a
26.0 grams	74.4	85.9
28.0 grams	80.2	92.5
30.0 grams	85.9	99.1
32.0 grams	91.6	105.7
34.0 grams	97.4	112.3
36.0 grams	103.1	118.9

Wheat should be planted between 0.5 and 1.5 inches deep depending upon soil moisture conditions. Wheat planted less than 0.5 inches deep may result in uneven germination due to seed exposure or dry soil conditions. Shallow planted wheat is also more susceptible to heaving. Wheat planted more than 1.5 inches deep may result in death due to pre-mature leaf opening or poor tiller development and winter survival. Uniform seed placement and seeding depth are important in promoting crop health in the fall.

The optimal planting date window for winter wheat in Wisconsin is September 15^th through October 10^th. Wheat planted in late August or early September is more susceptible to Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus infection. This virus complex is vectored by several aphids including corn leaf aphid and oat-bird-cherry aphid. Fall infection of this virus complex can substantially reduce yield through decreased tillering and increased winterkill (decreased plant vigor).