The feasibility of reducing yield gap by improving crop management

H Fateh,Z Djazouli,A Q Gholipuri,A Toube

doi:10.15421/2019_704

Abstract

An appropriate solution to increase crop production is to improve production per unit area. Reconsiderations are, therefore, necessary in various agricultural systems and their production potential. To evaluate agronomic factors affecting crop yield and feasibility of reducing wheat yield gap, a questionnaire was developed in terms of yield-affecting management factors. For this purpose, data of most important factors affecting wheat yield were recorded from farmers sampled from different parts of Piranshahr, a southern city in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. The results showed that the management applied throughout the season had a significant effect on wheat yield. The lands with more than three hectares, flat, and northward with loam-clay soil texture yielded relatively higher crop. The yields were also higher in the lands plowed in March and August with a three-plough moldboard connected to a four-cylinder Ferguson tractor, flattened using a trowel, and rotated with fallow and pea. The use of phosphate (100-150 kg ha−1), potash, and micro fertilizers, as well as 100-150 kg of urea (50 kg in spring and 50 kg in autumn) led to increased yield. The use of Granstar (60 g) and 1.0 L of 2, 4-D separately, and 0.5 L of a pesticide resulted in a better seed yield. Harvesting of wheat in July 15-25 using Hyundai and 130k combines resulted in higher yields. The percentages of studied managements, including land characteristics, planting, growing, and harvesting in wheat fields were 13, 35, 27, and 25 percent, respectively.

Highlights

Agricultural operations are based on man’s traditional knowledge and experience
According to reports in some parts of Iran, moldboard plow significantly increased rainfed wheat yield with no significant increase in water stored in the soil, which was attributed to good soil aeration, better mineralization of organic matter, and better seed bed preparation (Shahoei et al, 1989)
To evaluate agronomic factors affecting crop yield and feasibility of reducing wheat yield gap, a questionnaire was developed in terms of crop management factors affecting yield

Summary

Introduction

Agricultural operations are based on man’s traditional knowledge and experience. The task of agricultural research is to promote technical knowledge and provide scientific background in order to boost the knowledge of researchers and experts in the agricultural sector and increase farmers' experience aiming at improving crop production (Ziaeian, 2003). Asghari Meidani (2004) estimated rainfed wheat loss of 9 kg ha−1 for each harvesting date later than July 25 He reported that the use of a Class combine having fingers in the (carousel) led to lower losses compared to a John Deere combine with metallic belts in the carousel. He concluded that harvest losses could be attributed to failure in observing the combine regulations, which was estimated to be 18%, which reduced to 6% with observing relevant regulations resulting in a difference of about 12%. Similar research suggests wide differences between farmers in terms of various managements in a small scale (Torabi et al, 2011)

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Conclusion