Effect of a press wheel and depth of sowing on the establishment of semidwarf and tall wheats

Abstract

The effects of sowing with a press wheel on the seedling establishment of semidwarf (Banks, Cook, Shortim, 7605) and tall (Gatcher, Spica) wheats at various sowing depths (3.5-13 cm) were studied in factorial experiments in 14 sowings at 7 sites in Queensland. Establishment was generally lower with the semidwarf cultivars. A sowing depth of about 5.5 cm was optimum for wheat establishment when no rain fell between sowing and emergence. However, consistent placement of seed at the optimum depth requires level seedbeds or planting machinery with accurate depth control. Sowing with a press wheel increased the establishment of both semidwarf and tall cultivars at all depths of sowing. Semidwarf cultivars sown using the press wheel gave establishment equal to or better than tall cultivars sown without press wheel pressure. Highest establishment was obtained when tall cultivars were sown using a press wheel. The fitting of press wheels to wheat planters is recommended.