Talking about the Limit Factors and Countermeasures of Spring Wheat Development in Our Province

**Talking about the Limiting Factors and Countermeasures of Spring Wheat Development in Our Province** Source: Seed World Author: Wang Deqiang (Heilongjiang Seed Administration Bureau, Harbin), Li Yu (Heilongjiang Farming Shuanghui Agricultural Production Co., Ltd.), Peng Jifeng (Dragon River Farm, Heilongjiang Province) Spring wheat is one of the highest quality wheat varieties globally, known for its strong gluten content, making it ideal for bread production. High-quality spring wheat is commonly found in Canada and the United States. The natural environment and climate conditions in our province are quite similar to those of these countries, which means it's entirely feasible to grow premium spring wheat. Our province has a unique ecological advantage that allows for the production of high-quality "hard red spring" wheat. From an agricultural sustainability perspective, an appropriate planting area of 1.33 million hectares would help maintain a balanced crop rotation system. However, this has not been the case. Since the late 1990s, due to ecological changes, market dynamics, and government policies favoring rice and soybeans, wheat has become less profitable. As a result, the planting area for wheat has significantly declined, reaching historical lows in recent years. According to statistics, from 2003 to 2007, the wheat area was around 230,000 hectares, breaking the traditional "wheat-soybean" rotation system. This disruption has led to serious consequences, including farmland ecosystem degradation, increased soybean planting, deteriorated soil properties, and rising cases of soybean cyst nematode disease. To ensure sustainable agriculture, expanding the spring wheat planting area is essential. ### 1. Limiting Factors for Spring Wheat Development #### 1.1 Drought During the Growing Season Heilongjiang is primarily a dry farming region. In recent years, a northward shift in early dry conditions has become a local trend. Over-cultivation of barren hills and slopes has further weakened the already fragile ecological balance. Additionally, the persistent "neckline dryness" in May and June has become a major constraint on wheat yields. Repeated crop failures have discouraged farmers and reduced their willingness to plant wheat. #### 1.2 Poor Product Quality and Low Market Value For many years, grain production in our province has focused more on quantity than quality or market demand. This approach has led to poor wheat quality, with low flour extraction rates, weak gluten content, and poor processing performance. As a result, spring wheat lacks competitiveness in the market, leading to large stockpiles. Current wheat varieties also show significant quality variability, making it difficult for flour companies to meet processing standards. This lack of consistency has dampened farmer enthusiasm and made wheat less attractive compared to other crops. #### 1.3 High Planting Costs and Low Returns Compared to winter wheat, spring wheat has a shorter tillering period, lower tillering rate, and fewer spikes. Poor production conditions, such as limited water and fertilizer use, force reliance on the main spike for yield. Farmers often use about 300 kg of seeds per hectare, along with large amounts of chemical fertilizers. Although mechanization is high, low yields mean higher production costs. Additionally, poor quality and long transportation distances reduce market competitiveness. In most regions, wheat offers the lowest return among the four major crops—corn, soybeans, rice, and wheat. #### 1.4 Inefficient Management and Lack of Standards Some state-owned farms follow standardized practices, but rural areas face challenges due to small-scale operations and fragmented markets. Technology is often unstandardized, and many farmers only implement basic production steps. Due to low profitability, advanced techniques like seed coating, weed control, and foliar sprays are rarely used. This lack of proper management further reduces productivity and quality. ### 2. Countermeasures for Spring Wheat Development Currently, wheat production in our province suffers from variety disorder, mixed harvests, and poor quality. There is a need for better variety selection and improved cultivation techniques to enhance market competitiveness. Structural adjustments are necessary to increase the proportion of high-quality wheat and support sustainable development. #### 2.1 Improve Quality and Enhance Variety Potential Our province lacks high-protein, strong-gluten hard wheat and low-protein, weak-gluten soft wheat. Most varieties do not meet quality standards. Research should focus on developing high-quality wheat varieties, using techniques like nitrogen application and foliar sprays to improve processing quality. Promoting contiguous planting and unified management can boost yields and enable large-scale mechanization. Deep plowing and soil conservation will also help improve drought resistance. #### 2.2 Reduce Costs and Increase Profitability Promoting efficient sowing techniques, rational water and fertilizer management, and disease control can help reduce costs. Breeding drought-resistant varieties and using water-saving methods will further cut expenses. Encouraging no-till and integrated farming practices can simplify production while increasing efficiency and profitability. #### 2.3 Leverage Market Forces Implementing a "high-quality, high-price" purchasing policy can motivate farmers and improve market stability. Strengthening flour industry enterprises will increase wheat absorption capacity. Establishing contracts between processors and farmers can help manage risks and create a more stable supply chain. #### 2.4 Develop Specialized Wheat Flour Milling companies should invest in R&D to produce high-quality specialty flours. Focusing on raw material testing, formula optimization, and food additive research can improve product quality and reduce costs. Developing new products based on specific food requirements will strengthen company competitiveness and support long-term growth.

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