Radiation Use Efficiency and Yield Response of Winter Wheat to Planting Patterns and Irrigation in Northern China

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of planting patterns and irrigation on radiation use efficiency and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) in northern China from 2008 to 2009 and 2009 to 2010. A factorial experiment consisting of three planting patterns: 25 cm uniform row planting pattern (U), “20 + 40” wide‐narrow row planting pattern (wide row spacing [RS] of 40 cm and narrow RS of 20 cm, WN), and “20 + 40” furrow planting pattern (double lines in the furrow with 20 cm spacing, and 40 cm between furrows, ridge high 15 cm, F). Three irrigation treatments were 90, 135, and 180 mm. The leaf area index (LAI) of F planting was higher than that of U and WN under the same irrigation amount. The planting pattern of WN and F, especially the latter, significantly improved the photosynthetic active radiation capture ratio at 0 to 40 cm above the ground surface. Under the same irrigation amount, grain yields of F were significantly higher (P< 0.05) than those of U and WN planting patterns. With the increasing irrigation amount, grain yield of winter wheat was not significantly increased between 135 and 180 mm irrigation from 2009 to 2010 (P< 0.05). In conclusion, considering the water shortage, the F and 135 mm irrigation should be a good agronomic measure to increase grain yield.