Dryland wheat production in the summer rainfall region requires soil with good water-storage capacity. FW ARCHIVE
High temperatures (22°C to 34°C) are suitable for summer wheat, while lower temperatures (5°C to 25°C) are suitable for winter wheat. In South Africa, where most of the country receives summer rainfall, winter wheat production requires residual soil moisture.
Wheat requires 600mm of water per annum. If you are farming in a dry area and practise zero tillage or minimum tillage, it is a good idea to use stubble mulching to conserve moisture.
Frost can damage wheat, especially after the formation of ears in spring, resulting in low yield.
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