Effects of precursor crops and management levels on the straw and grain yield of wheat at Horro highland, Western Oromiya

Abstract

The sustainable production of wheat may be possible by integrating crop rotation with improved crop management practices. The maximum grain yield of wheat was observed when field pea was the precursor crop. The precursor crop and management levels showed a significant effect on the mean straw and grain yields of wheat. Field pea as precursor crop gave a better wheat grain yield with both improved and farmers' cultural practices. Both local and improved varieties gave a better response to management levels on the field pea precursor field. Local and improved varieties gave higher yields with intensive management and chemical fertilizer application. Field pea as precursor crop gave a combined grain yield advantage of 32% relative to barley. Management practices produced a combined grain yield advantage of 16 to 73% when field pea was the precursor crop, compared to barley. The use of field pea as precursor crop with improved management practices is essential to maximize wheat yields. Better grain yields and higher net returns were achieved with field pea as precursor crop compared to barley. Using field pea as precursor crop is the most successful management option for sustainable wheat production.