ABSTRACT
The importance of wheat in world agriculture cannot be overestimated. Preeminence of wheat for human consumption is due in considerable part to the unique properties of wheat proteins to form gluten that permits the dough from mixed flour and water to retain gas needed for bread production. Wheat is produced under a wide diversity of environmental conditions, probably exceeding that of any other major crop. Optimum yields require sufficient soil moisture for adequate nutrient supplying capacity of the soil. Highest yields of wheat are produced in central and northern Europe where the climate is generally favorable for soft red winter types. Judicious fertilizer use will enhance water use efficiency by wheat, and may help the crop to better utilize moisture stored at depth in the soil, but can in no way substitute for water. Soil nutrient supply in relation to planting time has its greatest impact with spring wheat planted in the cooler regions.
