Early Seeding of Irrigated Cereals

Research at the Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre has shown definite yield advantages for early seeding of faba bean and field peas. Flax has also responded well to early seeding under irrigation management.

Is there a benefit to early seeding (before May 15) for irrigated cereals?

The following table summarizes yield results for cereal crops sown at early and at late dates in 1989, 1990, and 1992 trials at the CSIDC:

Yields are expressed in kg/ha. Early seeding date data is not available for 1991. The plot area was too wet to be planted prior to May 10.

Yields of cereals under irrigation ranged from 8% to 33% greater for early seeding compared to late seeding. Yields were consistently higher for early seeding of all wheats in all three years. In 1989, barley yields were similar at both dates; early seeding was superior in 1990 and 1992.

Date of seeding also has an effect on lodging in cereal grains:

* 1 = good, 9 = poor

Early seeded crops were less prone to lodging than late seeded cereals. The effect was consistent for all wheats in each of the three years. Lodging was reduced by early seeding of Harrington and Manley barley in all years. Early sown Duke lodged less than late seeded Duke in two years out of three.

The reduction in lodging rate with early seeding is more pronounced for those varieties that are most prone to lodging. Those varieties which have poor standability are best sown early in order to avoid lodging as much as possible.

There are two benefits to early seeding of cereal grain crops under irrigation management: Higher yields and reduced lodging.