Crop rotation is a prerequisite for proper farming, ensuring decent yields and the preservation of natural resources. When spring wheat is sown in the fields, the rotation of plant crops must be observed. Thanks to crop rotation, weed infestation of the soil is reduced and the nutrient soil layer is restored.
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The best predecessors for spring wheat
When sowing large areas with cereals, the rules of crop rotation are observed (selection of plants, consideration of soil quality, planting dates). Plant crops participating in the crop rotation plan are divided into groups according to the degree of influence on the quality of the soil and the yield of the main plant:
- perennial leguminous grasses (alfalfa, clover) as a precursor increase soil fertility. Sown in areas of good irrigation and moisture;
- leguminous plants (peas, china, vetch, lupine) improve the structure of the soil and prevent the growth of weeds. The positive effect on the soil lasts about 2 years;
- row crops (corn, cotton, beets, potatoes) contribute to the development of beneficial soil microflora, which increases the nutritional value of the top fertile soil layer.
Before sowing wheat, it is advisable to draw up crop rotation schemes for 4-5 seasons.
When is wheat sown in different regions of Russia?
It is recommended to sow spring wheat for grain at optimally early dates. In this case, seedlings are provided with moisture reserves in the soil. The cereal crop is planted in several regions of Russia; the sowing period begins in March and ends in June.
In the Trans-Ural regions, the Urals, and Western Siberia, cereals are planted after grain legumes, potatoes, and corn. The optimal sowing time is the last days of April - the first ten days of May.
In vast areas of the Volga region, farmers plant cereals in the spring after row crops and winter plants. The suitable sowing period is late March-early April.
In the southern regions, cereals are planted after melons (melon, watermelon). Sowing is carried out in early spring.
