Effect of Planting Density on Canopy Structure, Microenvironment, and Yields of Uniformly Sown Winter Wheat

Abstract

A strong canopy structure is central to maximizing yield. The canopy microenvironment, which is related to crop growth and development, reflects changes in a crop’s microclimate. In this study, with the uniform sowing of winter wheat (Triticun aestivum L.), five planting densities (in 104 plants·ha−1: 123, 156, 204, 278, and 400) were established to examine how the planting density affected filling stage spikes, canopy structures, microenvironments, yields, and yield components. The large-spike Xindong 50 and multi-spike Sangtamu 4 varieties were used. The experiment was conducted over 263 days in the Xinjiang province, in a warm continental arid desert-type climate, with low precipitation. The study aimed to determine the optimal parameters for cultivation on limited land and improve the production potential. For both varieties, from anthesis to filling, increases in planting density were associated with a rapid reduction in the leaf area index of the lower and middle parts of the leaves. Canopy temperature and canopy CO2 concentration also decreased, whereas relative humidity increased. The number of grains per spike and the thousand-grain weight of both varieties decreased with increased planting density. Yields were maximized at densities of 278 × 104 and 156 × 104 plants·ha−1 for the large- and multi-spike varieties, respectively, indicating that uniform sowing improves plant uniformity, and adjusting planting density optimizes canopy structure and microenvironment. Our study provides valuable data for optimizing planting densities to ensure high yields.