Soils have generally been very dry in much of the western half of Kansas this fall. Producers who have yet to plant their wheat basically have three main options, according to Jim Shroyer, Kansas State University Research and Extension crop production specialist.

“First, producers could plant the wheat now into dry soil – ‘dust it in’ at normal seeding depth – and hope for rain. This probably is the best option,” Shroyer said.

The seed will remain viable in the soil until it gets enough moisture. So, rather than cutting back on seeding rates and fertilizer, hoping to save money on a lost cause, producers should increase seeding rates, consider using a fungicide seed treatment, and think about using a starter fertilizer, he said.