To achieve optimum yield, whether in spring or winter growing, irrigation is desirable at the start before and after germination. The roots must have enough moisture to develop. However, irrigation must be limited during the growth period to avoid the plant tipping over.
The critical periods for optimising yield are therefore at germination and during the flowering period, with a critical requirement for spring wheat around 50 to 70 days after seeding. The requirements are then lower after this.
