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Adaptation
Buckwheat will grow under a wide range of soil conditions and it grows best in a cool, moist climate. Buckwheat is sensitive to both spring and fall frost, high temperatures, drying winds and drought. Stress factors can reduce yield, especially if they occur during the blooming period. Wind, heavy rainfall and excessive soil nitrogen can cause buckwheat to lodge, which makes it difficult to harvest and may result in yield loss.
Buckwheat has a taproot with numerous lateral roots that may extend to a depth of 3 to 4 feet. The root system is small, usually comprising only 3 percent of the total plant weight compared to 6 to 14 percent in cereal grains. Adequate soil moisture must be available from early July through August during the time the crop is blossoming and producing seed in order to produce good yields. Dry conditions, hot winds, and other stress during blossoming can drastically reduce buckwheat yields by causing high levels of flower and seed abortion.
Buckwheat flowers are self-sterile and require cross pollination. Bees, other insects, and wind are required to distribute pollen.
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