Buckwheat in high desert - Q?

ec Roberts (news-relay.ncren.net!newsgate.duke.edu!agate!howland.erols.net!newsfeed.internetec Roberts)
Mon, 17 Mar 1997 05:46:40 GMT

I came into possession of a few pounds of
buckwheat seed. I've proved the seed in sprout
test and would like to sow it. I have sufficient
available irrigation but know nothing about the
plant, except what I have picked up on the
pre=packaged mixes in the store.
I had thought to treat it like wheat, but, having
found this group, perhaps someone has advice for
me.
Sandy soil, medium organics in top 30", well
drained. 4000' elevation, essentially no rain in
summer, soil well wetted now. Soil temp now about
45-50 F and holding moisture in top 1 1/2 inches
36 to 48 hours. Surface crusts to about 1/2 inch
if allowed to dry without working, but remains
friable after light working.
Summer temps will be high 90s to 110 F daytime,
45-60 F nights until mid to late August. After
that, all sensible living things go underground
until late September.
Can I assume that 17 to 20 inches, light nitorgen
application until June and pull the water on the
Fourth will give me a harvest in August?
I'm only growing about 100' by 50 ' this year, but
will have the opportunity to grow several acres
next year, if this proves out.
Any comments, advice or such out there?
Thanks.

Bob

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