Winter Wheat Production as Influenced by Fallow Method, Seeding Method, and Nitrogen Fertilization 1

Use of conservation tillage practices for erosion control retains more crop residue on the soil surface and alters plant environments. The objectives of a study conducted on a Williams loam (fine‐loamy, mixed Typic Argiboroll) were to determine the effects of fallow method, seeding method, and N rates on winter survival and production of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Factorial treatment combinations of fallow method (stubble mulch, reduced tillage, and chemical fallow) and seeding method (deep‐furrow and double‐disk) were whole plots, with N rates (0, 34, and 68 kg/ha) as subplots. Winter survival as determined from stand counts taken in late October and again in April was 100% for each year and treatment except in 1984 when deep‐furrow seeded wheat had a 13% reduction in stand. Winter soil temperatures at 30‐mm depth in deep‐furrow seeded plots were 1 to 3°C higher than in double‐disk seeded plots. Snow insulating effects were achieved with fallow methods that left residue erect, resulting in good winter survival on double‐disk seeded plots. Reduced tillage and chemical fallow reduced grain yields in 1981 but had no influence in the other years. Double‐disk seeded wheat yielded 200 to 400 kg/ha more grain than deep‐furrow seeded wheat. Grain N concentration was 0.9 to 1.8 g/kg less in double‐disk seeded wheat than in deep‐furrow seeded wheat. These data support use of conservation tillage methods to maintain crop productivity and to reduce soil erosion.