FIELD EVALUATION ON WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER WHEAT UNDER SPRINKLER OR SURFACE IRRIGATION IN THE NORTH CHINA PLAIN

Abstract

ABSTRACTA four‐season experiment was carried out in the North China Plain (NCP) to evaluate crop yield and water productivity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under sprinkler and surface irrigation. Results show that leaf area index (LAI) of winter wheat was greater and active leaf area lasted for longer in the sprinkler than in the surface irrigated field. Above‐ground biomass at harvest was 4 ~ 22.1% greater in the sprinkler than in the surface irrigated field, similarly the yield was greater by 11.5 ~ 50.9%. The greater yield was mainly due to the greater weight of 1000 kernels in the sprinkler irrigated field. Seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ET) was lower by 4 ~ 23%, water productivity (WP) was higher by 18 ~ 57% and irrigation water productivity (IWP) was higher by 21 ~ 81% in the sprinkler field than in the surface irrigated field. Statistical analysis of four‐season data by using a generalized linear model showed that the sprinkler irrigation method significantly increased crop yield, WP and IWP, and significantly decreased crop ET. Crop WP and IWP were also significantly affected by climate conditions and agronomic practices. Therefore, the sprinkler irrigation method was recommended as an efficient and water‐saving irrigation method for winter wheat cultivars in the North China Plain. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.