THE EFFECT OF SWATHING AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF MATURITY ON THE BUSHEL WEIGHT AND YIELD OF WHEAT

Abstract

Tests were conducted over a 3-year period to determine the earliest stage of maturity at which wheat could be swathed without loss of quality or yield.Wheat was cut daily over a period of several weeks. Kernel moisture content was used as a measure of maturity, an attempt being made to remain within the moisture range of 50 to 14.5 per cent. Weights per bushel and yield in bushels per acre were determined at the time of picking up the swath with the combine.A variance analysis of the data indicated that wheat may be swathed at a stage when the kernel moisture content is 35 per cent without loss of yield or bushel weight. Correlations between kernel moisture at swathing and final weight per bushel indicated that an association existed until the moisture dropped to 35 per cent. The relationship was not significantly correlated beyond this point. Similarly, the correlations between kernel moisture at swathing and yield pointed to an association that was present down to the 35 per cent moisture level but was not significant at later stages of maturity.