Soil Type
Wheat can grow in different soils ranging from sandy to heavy types. Good soil drainage is a key factor for good productivity. Heavy, deep, humus-rich, well-aerated soils with a high water capacity and a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 are preferable. Nutrient-rich clay and black earth soils are ideal.
Temperatures
Of all cereals, it is the most widely adapted; the highest yields, however, are achieved in the cooler parts of its ecological range. It develops best at temperatures of 10-24°C and in warm climates it is therefore grown at high altitudes or during the cold season.
Water Requirements
Typically, wheat in Sudan requires irrigation. Water availability is especially important for germination and initial crop growth and development. Irrigation is also very critical during pollination in order to produce good grain quality.
New wheat producing projects in the north of Sudan are irrigated with Pivot Systems while other lands are flood irrigated.
Nutrition Requirements
Soil should be subject to soil analysis for nutrient availability.
Harvesting Period
Harvest usually starts in late April and continues until May.
Harvesting Methods
The larger projects use mechanized harvesting while smaller farmer rely on manual labour to collect the crop.
Planting Period
Wheat normally needs between 110 and 130 days between planting and harvest, depending upon climate, seed type, and soil conditions. In Sudan the appropriate planting period is in mid-October until mid-November. Later sowing has a negative impact on the productivity of the crop.
