While planting time is an important factor in determining yield potential in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), adverse weather conditions in the US Midwest often pose a challenge for achieving timely planting. In recent years, broadcast incorporation of seed has gained some traction as a faster, cheaper alternative to the traditional grain drill or air seeder, but there are concerns with imprecise seed placement. Precision planting, which results in more precise seed placement but does not have the speed or cost benefits of broadcast incorporation, is also being considered as an alternative planting method. Multiple field trials were conducted across Michigan to examine the influence of planting time, seeding rate, planting method, and seeding depth on stand establishment and yield in winter wheat. A significant reduction in yield was observed when planting occurred after mid-October, with >20% yield decline in all three years. Precision planting exhibited an 8–33% yield increase over drill or air seeder at 4 out of 11 site-years. Broadcast incorporation showed a 63–103% increase in depth variability relative to drill or air seeder but did not consistently result in yield difference. This may have been due to a 50–169% increase in the number of effective tillers plant-1. Yield showed no relation to seeding depth, except in 2022, where shallow seeding depth of 1.3 cm resulted in higher yield, likely due to favorable fall weather allowing for more fall tiller formation. Overall, while precision planting in winter wheat may result in a yield increase compared to a grain drill, broadcast incorporation may be a better choice in situations where its increased speed of operation allows for earlier planting.
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