Tillage and seeding strategies for wheat optimizing production in harvested rice fields with high soil moisture

Abstract

Suitable tillage and seeding strategies for wheat can be used to combat excessive residues and poor soil conditions in harvested rice fields. This study investigated the effects of different tillage (zero tillage and rotary tillage) and seeding methods on wheat growth, grain yield, nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization, and economic benefit when the soil moisture was high during the tillage and seeding practices. In 2016–2017, three seeders were tested: SM1-1, SM2, and SM3; in 2017–2018, four seeders were tested: SM1-2, SM2, SM3, and SM4. Although the soil moisture was different between years, zero tillage could be used to reduce the sowing depth, which facilitated early-phase wheat growth and N uptake compared with rotary tillage, resulting in higher grain yield, NUpE, and net return. In 2016–2017 (high wet soil), a small-size seeder (SM1-1) with sowing near the soil surface facilitated higher grain yield, NUpE, and net returns compared with the other seeders; in 2017–2018 (low wet soil), medium-size seeders (SM3 and SM4) were more suitable than small-size seeders (SM1-2 and SM2). In both years, the seeders that performed the best mainly improved the spike numbers while increasing N uptake, especially after anthesis. Zero tillage lowered input costs, but small-size seeders did not reduce costs due to the higher labor costs associated with their low working efficiency. Improving net returns depends largely on increasing yield. In conclusion, zero tillage is recommended for wheat production in harvested rice fields with a high soil moisture content, but the suitable seeding method needs to be confirmed according to the soil moisture content.

Nitrogen use efficiency—a key to enhance crop productivity under a changing climate

“…A study conducted on various irrigation regimes on wheat in China concluded that the nitrogen partial factor productivity was higher for 40 mm per irrigation (41.57 to 43.69 kg grain per kg N applied) compared with 20 mm per irrigation (32.24 to 32.47 kg grain per kg N applied) ( Si et al., 2020 ). High crop growth rate, yield, and N uptake in crops can be achieved by maintaining optimal soil moisture conditions ( Giller et al., 2004 ; Ding et al., 2021 ). Annual crops have a higher agronomic NUE than perennial crops due to the higher N uptake efficiency and N concentration ( Weih et al., 2011 ).…”

Optimizing Wheat Yield and Profitability Through Conservation Tillage and Supplementary Irrigation During Terminal Heat Stress in North Bihar

“…In this study, the impact of heat stress on wheat yield, during anthesis and grain-lling stages evaluate the role of supplement irrigation in mitigating of heat stress. Some strategies such as rescheduling of sowing time, conservation agriculture and supplement irrigation to reduce the effect of terminal heat stress conditions on wheat farming (Birthal et al, 2021;Ding et al, 2021bDing et al, , 2021bDing et al, , 2021aSharma et al, 2022;Tamta et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2020).…”

Strip Tillage Improves Grain Yield and Nitrogen Efficiency in Wheat under a Rice–Wheat System in China

“…Full tillage is conducive to breaking hardpan, mixing crop residues with soil to improve soil porosity, as it promotes the extension of the roots into the subsoil, which contributes to nutrient uptake and wheat yield improvement [1,[4][5][6][7]. In arid regions, however, loose soil leads to the rapid evaporation of soil moisture, negatively affecting water use and crop growth [8].…”

“…In arid regions, however, loose soil leads to the rapid evaporation of soil moisture, negatively affecting water use and crop growth [8]. Full tillage can easily result in deep sowing, which makes plants susceptible to high soil moisture, likely causing hypoxia stress [4,9]. No-tillage can stabilize soil structure to reduce water evaporation and improve drought resistance [10][11][12], but it increases the mechanical impediment of the surface soil, thereby limiting the root distribution in the upper soil profile and downward progression [13,14].…”