Why You Should Plant Wheat: The Value of Wheat Residue

Before making crop decisions for the upcoming season, consider wheat as a leading option. Backed by decades of research and practical results, wheat offers benefits that extend far beyond the grain. From conserving soil moisture to improving fertility and boosting the performance of following crops, wheat contributes value throughout a crop rotation. When residue is left in the field, it builds a more resilient and profitable farming system.

Natural Protection for Soil Health
Wheat residue protects soil from the damaging effects of wind and water erosion. It stabilizes topsoil during extreme weather, reduces runoff and helps moderate soil temperature. These physical benefits support stronger root systems, more consistent microbial activity, and improved overall field conditions across seasons.

Nutrient Cycling and Organic Matter
As wheat residue decomposes, it returns nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil, reducing the need for added fertilizer inputs. The breakdown process also increases organic matter and microbial biomass, which improves soil structure and long-term fertility. The result is more productive, balanced ground that supports consistent performance across cropping seasons.

Rotational Strength and Yield Stability
Including wheat in a rotation improves the consistency and performance of subsequent crops. Kansas State University research found that soybean yields increased by an average of 12 bushels per acre when rotated with wheat. In western Kansas, corn yields were 14.7 bushels per acre higher after wheat than grain sorghum. These benefits held steady across tillage methods, illustrating the lasting impact of wheat residue on yield stability and soil performance. Similar advantages have been observed with other crops.

Flexibility for Cropping Systems
Wheat offers management flexibility due to its wide planting window, early harvest timeline, and dual-purpose use for grazing and grain. Fields can support cattle in early spring or fall, then transition to summer crops or cover crops with minimal delay. This flexibility spreads labor and equipment demands throughout the season, allowing for more efficient resource utilization.

A Foundation for Sustainable Profitability
Wheat contributes to more than a single harvest. It improves rotations, supports soil health, enables livestock integration, and increases overall productivity across the farming system. Each wheat planting cycle, when residue is retained and properly managed, strengthens the foundation for sustainable, long-term returns.

For producers planning the next cropping cycle, wheat provides measurable agronomic and economic advantages. The value goes far beyond the grain and continues long after the combine leaves the field. 

To read more about the value of wheat in your own cropping system, visit kswheat.com/beyond-the-value-of-the-grain, or watch this video.