Winter Wheat Grain Yield Research Articles

No-till, crop residue management and winter wheat-based crop rotation strategies under rainfed environment

Rainfed agriculture is primarily limited by unstable low precipitation, poor soil fertility and monocropping, which are the main factors leading to decreased crop production. This long-term research was conducted under a rainfed agroecosystem from 2019 to 2023 on the sierozem soil of the Karshi steppe, Uzbekistan. Along with winter wheat (WW) which was the main crop covering 50% of each proposed cropping pattern, chickpea (CH), safflower (SA), flax (FL), barley (BA) and canola (CA) were evaluated to find the most suitable rotation systems under no-till (NT) i.e. NT1: WW–CH–WW–FL, NT2: CH–WW–SA–WW, NT3: WW–SA–WW–BA and NT4: SA–WW–CA–WW compared against continuous WW produced with conventional tillage (CT). Results showed that the integrated effect of NT x crop diversification x residue retention positively affected crop productivity; however, their impact were significantly higher under the NT2 treatment, but not with continuous WW under CT. The highest grain yield of WW in the 2020-2021 growing season was recorded under NT2 and NT4 treatments with values of 1.47 and 1.30 Mg ha-1, while the lowest index (1.02 Mg ha-1) was found at the CT treatment. The grain yield in the NT treatments increased with the improvement of soil chemical and physical parameters, i.e. NPK and humus content. When comparing NT2 to CT treatment at the project end, the total N, P, and K values at the 0–20 cm soil profile were 27.9%, 13.9%, and 33.9% higher, respectively. This study concluded that implementation of NT along with strategic selection of legumes incorporated into the cropping system and residue management can be prioritized as rehabilitation measures in rainfed croplands.

Determination of soil organic carbon by conventional and spectral methods, including assessment of the use of biostimulants, N-fertilisers, and economic benefits

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a very important indicator of soil quality, where even small changes can have large effects on the global carbon cycle, climate change, soil fertility and plant growth conditions. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in soil SOC using two types of biostimulants, to confirm the quality of different SOC determination methods, and to estimate fertiliser requirements and winter crop income and costs. Two methods were used to determine the concentration of SOC: the first was conventional sampling of two soil layers and laboratory analysis. The second method measured SOC using a mounted proximal soil sensor with an integrated visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopic system. Experimental studies were carried out in three scenarios, of which SC1 used a biostimulant consisting of two components: one for soil (humus) and one for plants (leaf-special), SC2 used a biostimulant consisting of many bacterial species and SC3 was a control without biostimulant. The results of the 3-year experimental studies showed that the use of VIS-NIR spectroscopy in the field allows the prediction of soil SOC concentrations with sufficient accuracy. The coefficient of determination R2 ranged from 0.819 to 0.959 compared to the conventional laboratory SOC test. In the SC1 and SC2 scenarios with biostimulants, R2 was higher than in the SC3 control. The use of biostimulants significantly increased the yield of winter wheat and winter oilseed rape and reduced the need for nitrogen fertiliser per tonne of grain yield for both winter wheat (23.0–37.3 %) and winter oilseed rape (6.3–32.1 %). The economic analysis showed that the application of biostimulants increased the relative profit in all years from EUR 54 ha−1 (for winter oilseed rape) to EUR 143 ha−1 (for winter wheat) compared to the control scenario.

Effect of Delayed Irrigation at the Jointing Stage on Nitrogen, Silicon Nutrition and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat in the North China Plain.

Water scarcity is a key limitation to winter wheat production in the North China Plain, and it is essential to explore the optimal timing of spring irrigation to optimize N and Si uptake as well as to safeguard yields. The aim of this study was to systematically study the effect mechanism of nitrogen and silicon absorption of winter wheat on yield under spring irrigation and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing irrigation strategy during the growth period of winter wheat. In this experiment, the winter wheat 'Heng 4399' was used. Five irrigation periods, i.e., 0 d (CK), 5 d (AJ5), 10 d (AJ10), 15 d (AJ15), and 20 d (AJ20) after the jointing stage, were set up to evaluate the nitrogen (N) and silicon (Si) absorption and grain yield (GY). The results showed that delayed irrigation for 5-10 days at the jointing stage had increased the GY. With the delay of irrigation time, the N/Si content of the entire plant at the maturity period increased first and then decreased; among that, the maximum N contents appeared in AJ15 and AJ5 in 2015 and 2020, respectively, while the Si concentrations appeared in AJ5 and AJ10 in sequence. Compared with AJ15 and AJ20, the N accumulation of vegetative organs in AJ5 increased by 3.05~23.13% at the flowering stage, 14.12~40.12% after the flowering stage, and a 1.76~6.45% increase in the N distribution rate at maturity stage. A correlation analysis revealed that the GY was significantly and positively correlated with the N/Si accumulation at the anthesis and N translocation after the anthesis stage. In conclusion, under limited irrigation conditions, delaying watering for 5 to 10 days at the jointing stage can improve the nitrogen and silicon absorption and nutrient status of wheat plants and increase wheat yield.

Effect of Crop Rotation on Biological Characteristics and Economic Indicators of Winter Wheat in Different Agroecological Conditions

The article deals with observations on plants and agrotechnical measures in accordance with the recommendations on the cultivation of plants in short rotation alternating and continuous crops consisting of cereal and inter-row cultivated plants under irrigation conditions. It is known that realizing the potential productivity of wheat in favorable soil and climate conditions is possible by applying high-level agrotechnics in various agro-ecological conditions. The highest indicators of spike elements of the Gobustan variety of wheat, which is the main source of research, were obtained in the crop rotation variant. In Absheron YTT, the spike length is 9.1 cm, the number of spikes is 17.4, the number of seeds is 43, and the mass of the seed is 1.62 g. The mass of 1000 grains are 41.8 g. 9.9 cm according to the mentioned indicators in Tarter BTS; 19.9 units; 50 units; It was determined to be 1.83 g: 40.9 g, which is 0.6-0.9 cm in regions, respectively, compared to continuous cultivation; 2.3-2.8 pieces; 4-3 units; An increase of 0.11-0.16 g and 3.1-3.4 g was obtained. The number of beans per plant in Absheron AEF is 45.6, the number of seeds is 106.3, the mass of seeds is 12.5 g, and the mass of 1000 seeds is 118.4 g. In Tarter RES, one plant has 52.5 beans, 128 grains, the mass of a grain is 13.9 g, and the mass of 1000 g of grain is 110.3 g. These indicators 4.0-4.3 units according to regions compared to continuous cultivation; 9.0-12.3 units; 1.2-1.3 g and 7.4-3.2 g indicate an increase. Thus, the crop rotation in 2 different agroecological conditions after the soybean predecessor had a significant effect on the spike and economic indicators of the winter wheat crop. The highest indicators of spike elements of the winter wheat Gobustan variety were obtained in the crop rotation variant. According to the results of the research, the highest grain yield in the regions was obtained in the mentioned option. Thus, in this variant, the grain yield of winter wheat per hectare was 40.4 cwt in Absheron AEF and 48.4 cwt in Tartar RES.

Yield and quality of winter wheat depending on sowing dates in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Changing climatic conditions necessitate continued research to refine sowing dates for new winter wheat varieties and determine the level of their influence on productivity indicators, taking into account the specific weather conditions of the year. Therefore, the study of sowing dates, especially for innovative varieties with intensive initial growth, remains a relevant issue. This research aimed to determine and adapt to the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine the optimal and permissible sowing dates for new winter wheat varieties to achieve the highest possible level of realisation of their genetic potential in terms of yield and grain quality. Field experiments were conducted in 2021-2023 under the conditions of the Odesa Region. The main method used in the experiment was field research, which was supplemented by analytical studies, measurements, calculations, and observations. The harvest was recorded using a continuous threshing method with a SAMPO selection combine. It was established that the highest grain yield of winter wheat over the three-year study was achieved with sowing on 5 October. In 2021-2022, the average yield was 3.60 t/ha, while in 2022/2023, it increased to 3.90 t/ha. The highest yields were recorded for the following winter wheat varieties sown on 5 October (average for 2021-2022): Dovira Odeska – 4.03 t/ha, Katrusia Odeska – 5.16 t/ha, Pokrovska – 4.48 t/ha, Hospodarka Odeska – 4.28 t/ha, and Udacha Odeska – 4.08 t/ha (2022/2023). It was found that the grain quality of winter cereals largely depends on the year’s weather conditions, variety, and sowing dates. The best results for these indicators were obtained with sowing on 5 October. However, for all winter wheat varieties, there was a tendency towards an increase in protein and gluten content in the grain when sown on 15 October. Thus, the practical value of this research lies in identifying the adaptability of new-generation winter wheat varieties to unfavourable growing conditions, realising their potential genetic yield, and determining the optimal and permissible sowing dates in the soil and climatic conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Nitrogen Fertilisation and Seed Rate Regulation Improved Photosynthesis, Grain Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Ridge–Furrow Cropping

ABSTRACTRidge–furrow cropping patterns, nitrogen fertilisation and seed rate regulation are popular management strategies for improving crop yields in the semi‐arid areas of Northwest China, but their interactive effects on grain yield and water use efficiency remain poorly understood. In 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a two‐season field experiment was conducted on winter wheat. There were two cropping patterns (C), ridge–furrow cropping with film mulch (RC) and traditional cropping without mulch (TC), two nitrogen fertilisation rates (N), 0 and 200 kg N ha−1 (N0 and N1) and three seed rates (S), 240, 360 and 480 plants m−2 (S1, S2 and S3). The study was conducted in a split–split design with three replications (randomised blocks) and a total of 24 experimental plots. It was found that the interactive effects of C × N, C × S and N × S were significant on soil temperature (ST), leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic parameters, grain yield (GY) and water use efficiency (WUE) (p < 0.05), while C × N × S was significant only for LAI, aboveground biomass (AGB), GY and WUE (p < 0.05). Compared with TC and N0, RC and N1 significantly increased SPAD value (2.4% and 15.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (19.8% and 32.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) (7.0% and 15.7%) and the effective PSII quantum production (ΦPSII) (10.7% and 5.0%). The highest GY (6773 kg ha−1 over 2020–2021 and 8036 kg ha−1 over 2021–2022) and WUE (20.03 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2020–2021, and 21.77 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2021–2022) of winter wheat were observed under RC + N1 + S2. The findings showed that the RC cropping pattern with fertilisation and seed rate regulation (360 plants m−2) of winter wheat, which is appropriate for ensuring the long‐term sustainability of agricultural production in the semi‐arid regions of Northwest China, enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic traits, yield and water use efficiency. The study might give useful information for enhancing the productivity and water use efficiency of winter wheat in this and other similar climate locations.

Effects of irrigation and nitrogen topdressing on water and nitrogen use efficiency for winter wheat with micro-sprinkling hose irrigation in North China

In order to explore the efficient use of water and nitrogen for winter wheat under irrigation with micro-sprinkling hose, two-season field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of irrigation levels and nitrogen application rate on yield, water productivity (WP) and nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP). Three irrigation levels were 60 %, 65 %, and 70 % field capacity (FC) during the reviving to jointing stage, 65 %, 70 %, and 75 % FC after the jointing stage, referred to as W1, W2 and W3, respectively. The irrigating water quota is 30 mm. The five N topdressing period treatments were reviving period + booting stage (N1), jointing + booting stage (N2), reviving period (N3), jointing stage (N4), and booting stage (N5). The results showed that the water consumption, leaf area index, plant height, biomass, grain yield, and NPFP increased with an increase in irrigation amount, and the WP decreased with an increase in irrigation amount. Nitrogen applied during the reviving period was beneficial for increasing grain yield, WP, and NPFP under the irrigation level W1; nitrogen applied during the jointing period was beneficial for increasing grain yield, WP, and NPFP for winter wheat under the W2 and W3 irrigation levels. The W3N2 treatment resulted in the highest grain yield (8.98 t·ha−1), but it was not significant difference from W2N2 (average of 8.92 t·ha−1). After a comprehensive evaluation based on grain yield, WP and NPFP, the appropriate modes of irrigation and nitrogen is the treatment of W2N2 (65 % and 70 % FC irrigation treatments during the reviving to jointing stage and the stages after jointing stage, respectively; the nitrogen topdressing during jointing + booting stage) for winter wheat using micro-sprinkling hose irrigation in North China.

Long-term integrated agronomic optimization maximizes soil quality and synergistically improves wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency

Integrated agronomic optimization (IAO) adopts suitable crop varieties, sowing dates, planting density and advanced nutrient management to redesign the entire production system according to the local environment, which can achieve synergistic improvements in crop yields and resource utilization. However, the intensity and magnitude of the impacts of IAO on soil quality under long-term intensive production and high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) require further clarification. Based on a 13-year field experiment conducted in Dawenkou, Tai'an, China, we investigated the effects of four cultivation modes on the grain yield, NUE, soil aggregate structure, as well as the fraction of organic matter (SOM) and soil quality, reflected by integrated fertility index (IFI) during the winter wheat maturation period in 2020–2022. The four cultivation modes were traditional local farming (T1), farmer-based improvement (T2), increased yield regardless of production cost (T3), and integrated soil–crop system management (T4). As IAO modes, T2 and T4 were characterized by denser planting, reduced nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates, and delayed sowing compared to T1 and T3, respectively. In this long-term experiment, IAO was found to maintain aggregate stability, increase SOM content (by increasing organic carbon and total nitrogen of the light fraction (LF) and the particulate organic matter fraction (POM)), and improve SOM quality by increasing the proportions of LF and POM and the ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen in SOM. Compared to T1, the IFI of T2, T3, and T4 increased by 10.91, 23.38, 25.55%, and by 17.78, 6.41, 28.94% in the 0–20 and 20–40 cm soil layers, respectively. The grain yield of T4 was 22.52% higher than that of T1, reaching 95.98% of that in T3. Furthermore, NUE of T4 was 35.61% higher than that of T1 and T3. In conclusion, our results suggest that T4 synergistically increases grain yield and NUE in winter wheat, while maximizing soil quality.

Influence of sowing dates and fertilisation on yield and quality of winter wheat grain

New wheat varieties exhibit a high adaptive potential for productivity. The question of improving cultivation technologies, specifically sowing dates, optimised fertilisation systems, and micronutrient application, remains relevant to fully realise the genetic potential of these varieties under specific soil and climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sowing dates, fertilisation, and foliar application of micronutrients on the yield and quality parameters of winter wheat grown in the Western Forest-Steppe zone. A field experiment was conducted on grey forest surface-gleyed soils during 2021-2023. The study evaluated the yield formation parameters and quality indicators of the winter wheat varieties Estafeta myronivska, Dovira odeska, and Akhim under sowing dates of 20 September, 5 October, and 20 October. It was determined that the yield and grain quality of the studied wheat varieties varied under the influence of sowing dates, fertilisation, and foliar micronutrient application. Sowing winter wheat on 5 October resulted in the highest yields over the years of the study: on average, 5.29 t/ha for the Estafeta myronivska, 4.78 t/ha for Dovira odeska, and 5.05 t/ha for Akhim. The highest productivity (5.83 t/ ha) was achieved by sowing Estafeta myronivska with N120P90K90 fertilisation and foliar application of the Aidamin complex. Across all wheat varieties, protein content, gluten content, and vitreousness increased from the earliest to the latest sowing dates. The findings of this study can be applied to enhance the productivity of winter wheat agroecosystems and produce high-quality grain under production conditions

Managing Residue Return Increases Soil Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen in the Soil Aggregate, and the Grain Yield of Winter Wheat

Soil tillage and maize residues return are important practices for tackling and promoting soil quality and improving crop yield in the North China Plain (NCP), where winter wheat production is threatened by soil deterioration. Although maize residues incorporation with rotary tillage (RS) or deep plowing tillage (DS) is widespread in this region, only few studies have focused on rotation tillage. Four practices, namely RT (continuous rotary tillage without maize residues return), RS, DS, and RS/DS (rotary tillage every year and deep plowing interval of 2 years), were evaluated under field conditions lasting a period of 5 years. After a 5-year field experiment, the mean soil bulk density of the 0–30 cm soil layer decreased significantly with RS, DS, and RS/DS, i.e., by 4.19%, 6.33%, and 6.71% compared with RT, respectively. The treatments greatly improved the total soil porosity, soil aggregate size distribution, soil aggregate stability, and the root length density in the 0–30 cm soil layers. Residues return with DS and RS/DS treatments significantly increased the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) storage in the 0–30 cm soil layer, mainly owed to the increases in the SOC and TN pool associated with the macro-aggregate. A positive trend in the grain yield was noted under both DS and RS/DS conditions, whereas a decreasing tendency was presented in continuous rotary treatments. In summary, RS/DS treatment significantly increased the amount of SOC and TN, improved the particle size distribution of soil aggregates, and thus improved the soil’s physicochemical properties, which is beneficial for wheat to achieve high yields. Our results suggested that RS/DS was a highly efficient practice to improve soil quality and increase crop production in the NCP.

Winter wheat source‐sink relationships under various planting modes, complementary irrigation, and planting densities

AbstractVarious agronomic practices can affect the processes of aboveground dry matter accumulation (source) and grain filling (sink), resulting in yield differences. Improved source‐sink relationships can facilitate the production and accumulation of assimilates to increase the productivity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A two‐season field experiment was undertaken on winter wheat during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. In a split‐split‐plot design with three replicates (randomized blocks), we compared two planting modes (ridge‐furrow planting with plastic mulching [RFPM]; traditional flat planting [TF]), two complementary irrigation levels (I30+30: 30+30 mm; I0: no irrigation), and three planting densities (D1, D2, and D3: 240, 360, and 480 plants m−2). The results showed that RFPMI30+30 significantly increased maximum yield by 28.5% compared with TFI0. Although D3 increased the number of effective spikes per unit area and duration of grain filling compared to D2, it reduced the number of grains per spike, 1000‐grain weight, and average filling rate. Compared to TF and I0, RFPM and I30+30 improved the sink/source ratio by 5.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Grain yield peaked at D2 in the RFPM and at D3 in the TF. Medium planting density (D2) and complementary irrigation (I30+30) during the wintering and reviving periods under RFPM can achieve better source‐sink balance relationships and the maximum grain yield of winter wheat. Overall, we believe that in most cases, wheat yields are source‐limited and can be improved by ridge‐furrow planting with plastic mulching, complementary irrigation, and planting density regulation.

Dependency of Long-Term Soil Quality Controls on Summer Fallow Tillage and Soil Layers for Dryland Winter Wheat in Loess Plateau

The capacity for winter wheat to produce sufficient yield may be influenced by soil tillage practices and soil quality. However, determining how to quantify the impact of long-term tillage on soil quality is crucial. Here, we address this issue by comparing soil properties and wheat yield under four tillage systems during summer fallow in the Loess Plateau. Twenty-two soil properties were explored to estimate soil quality. Results showed that a rotational tillage (PT/ST) during summer fallow decreased soil bulk density (ρb) and improved soil gravimetric water content (θg), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil capillary porosity (Pc), and total porosity (Pt) in 0–50 cm soil layers. A minimum dataset (MDS) of thirteen indicators was selected to calculate soil quality index (SQI). Treatment of PT/ST had higher SQI value in soil layers of 0–10 cm and 20–50 cm, and PT/ST showed a significant increase in yield since the third year. No tillage (NT) during summer fallow decreased soil physical and chemical indicators, thus decreasing soil quality. These findings suggest that a rotation tillage of PT/ST during summer fallow could enhance soil chemical and biological properties concurrently, and PT/ST may provide a promising management strategy to sustain soil quality and grain yield for dryland winter wheat in the Loess Plateau.

Effect of strip-till and cultivar on photosynthetic parameters and grain yield of winter wheat

Effect of strip-till and cultivar on photosynthetic parameters and grain yield of winter wheat

WSTĘPNE OKREŚLENIE MOŻLIWOŚCI REDUKCJI NAWOŻENIA AZOTOWEGO POD WPŁYWEM PREPARATÓW BAKTERYJNYCH W UPRAWIE TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.

The use of microorganisms in agriculture is attracting increasing interest. Thus, the state of knowledge on this issue and biotechnological advances are significantly increasing. A field research was conducted during the 2022–2023 growing season to evaluate the influence of the combined application of bacterial formulation and mineral nitrogen fertilization on grain and straw yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the structure of the obtained yield. The factors of the conducted field experiment were bacterial formulations: control (no application of bacterial formulations), I – Azotobacter and Arthrobacter, II – Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus azotofixans, III – Bacillus azotofixans; B – mineral nitrogen fertilization: control (no mineral nitrogen fertilization), 43 kg N·ha−1, 86 kg N·ha−1, 130 kg N·ha−1. Research was conducted demonstrating the most favorable effects after applying a bacterial formulation containing Azotobacter and Arthrobacter bacteria. It was statistically significant increase in grain yield by an average of 17%, number of ears per m2 by 15%, ear length by 5% and thousand grain weight by 3% The application of other formulations also caused an increase in the analyzed traits, but they were lower than those given for Azotobacter and Arthrobacter bacteria. A gradual increase in the level of mineral nitrogen fertilization also had a positive effect on the analyzed traits. The research conducted in the field found a possible reduction in mineral nitrogen fertilization under the conditions of the conducted experiment by about 33% without yield losses when using a bacterial formulation containing Azotobacter and Arthrobacter. Thus, it is appropriate to recommend the use of these bacteria in winter wheat cultivation, but due to the possible variable effectiveness of application under different soil and climatic conditions, the presented research should be continued in different areas both in wheat and other crops.

Delayed Sowing Can Improve Potassium Utilization Efficiency and Grain Potassium Concentration in Winter Wheat

Economic consumption and environmental impacts due to potassium (K) inputs in agriculture are gaining increasing attention. It is urgent to improve K use efficiency (KUE) for agricultural development. Delayed sowing has been shown to maintain grain yield in winter wheat. Still, there needs to be more information regarding the effect of sowing date on crop K status evaluated by the K nutrition index (KNI), KUE, K uptake efficiency (UPE), K utilization efficiency (UTE), and grain K concentration (GKC). Here, we assessed Shannong23 and Tainong18 winter wheat cultivars with three sowing date treatments composed of 26 September (early sowing), 8 October (normal sowing), and 22 October (late sowing) in the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 growing seasons. The influences of sowing date on the KNI, tillering, grain yield formation, KUE, UPE, UTE, K transport, and GKC were examined. Our study indicated that late sowing in winter wheat was an almost optimal K nutritional situation, whereas early and normal sowing were under situations of excess K. As sowing was delayed, aboveground K uptake (AGK), UPE, and spike number per unit area decreased; UTE and grain number per spike increased; and grain yield and KUE were unchanged. A positive correlation between KNI and UPE and spike number per unit area and a negative correlation between KNI and UTE and grain number per spike were found, whereas no significant correlation between KNI and KUE was observed. Late sowing promoted K transport from pre-anthesis accumulation in vegetative organs to grain, resulting in a higher GKC, which could lead to high grain quality and K recovery. Therefore, late sowing winter wheat can use K more efficiently and increase GKC, implying that delayed sowing can reduce K input, favoring sustainable agriculture development.

Increasing Topdressing Ratio of Nitrogen Fertilizer Improves Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat Under Winter and Spring Night-Warming

Increasing Topdressing Ratio of Nitrogen Fertilizer Improves Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat Under Winter and Spring Night-Warming

Yield and quality of winter wheat grain under different cultivation technologies

Purpose. Study of the influence of preceding crops and sowing terms on the yield and quality of winter wheat grain. Methods. The study analyzed 11 varieties of soft winter wheat, ‘Podolianka’, ‘MIP Yuvileina’, ‘MIP Fortuna’, ‘MIP Roksolana’, ‘MIP Feieriia’, ‘MIP Vidznaka’, ‘MIP Nika’, ‘MIP Darunok’, ‘MIP Aelita’, ‘MIP Aurika’ and ‘MIP Dovira’. The study investigated the impact of preceding crops (soybean, sunflower, corn/MWR, green manure (white mustard), and mustard/seed) and sowing dates (25 September, 5 and 15 October) on grain yield and baking quality. Results. The research was conducted in 2021–2023 on the experimental fields of the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat. The weather conditions were characterized by high tempe­ratures and uneven precipitation. The highest winter wheat yields were obtained after green manure as a preceding crop (7.29 t/ha), and the lowest yields after sunflower (5.35 t/ha). Shifting the sowing date from 25 September to 15 October reduced the average yield of the varieties. The only exception to the results were those obtained after crops such as sunflower and mustard when sown on 5th October, which yielded 5.54 and 6.51 t/ha respectively. The highest yields (6.39–6.95 t/ha) were observed for the varieties ‘MIP Darunok’, ‘MIP Aurika’, ‘MIP Aelita’ and ‘MIP Vidznaka’. Higher protein, gluten and sedimentation values were observed after green manure and soya as a preceding crop; in addition, after soya there was a tendency to increase flour strength and bread volume. The aforementioned shift in sowing date also resulted in a decrease in bread volume and an increase in vitreousness; the remaining parameters were within the range of significant differences. The varieties ‘MIP Dovira’, ‘MIP Nika’ and ‘MIP Roksolana’ were characterized by the highest protein content in the grain. According to the complex of quality indicators, ‘MIP Yuvileina’, ‘MIP Roksolana’ and ‘MIP Aurika’ prevailed over others. Conclusions. It was found that green manure and soybean as a preceding crop, as well as optimal sowing dates – the third decade of September and the first of October – provided the maximum yield of the varieties studied. The varieties with the hig­hest yields were ‘MIP Darunok’, ‘MIP Vidznaka’, ‘MIP Aurika’ and ‘MIP Aelita’. According to the complex of grain quality indicators, the varieties ‘MIP Yuvileina’, ‘MIP Roksolana’ and ‘MIP Aurika’ were distinguished.

ВЛИЯНИЕ БИОФУНГИЦИДОВ В СМЕСИ С РЕГУЛЯТОРАМИ РОСТА НА ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ НОВЫХ СОРТОВ ОЗИМОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ

Research was carried out to study the possibility of reducing the harmfulness of pyrenophorosis, increasing the yield and quality of winter wheat grain using growth regulators and fungicides. The work was carried out in 2020-2022 in conditions of insufficient and unstable moisture in the steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Two experiments were carried out using growth regulators (without treatment; Albit, TPS; Bigus, VR; Tsircon, R; Epin-Extra, R; Ribav-Extra, R), as well as chemical (Spirit, SK) and biological fungicides (Fitolavin, VRK Baksis, Zh Kasumin 2L, VR Vitaplan, SP) in combination with the growth regulator (Gumi, R). As a result of the studies, the following indicators were studied: biological productivity, weight of 1000 grains, gluten content, susceptibility to yellow spot - Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died.) Drechsler, biological effectiveness of drugs. When using Epin-Extra, P, the weight of 1000 grains in the Yuzhanka variety was 40.7 g, when applying Bigus, BP on Pamyati Shatilov’s wheat - 42.4 g, Albit, TPS on the Taulan variety - 42.1 g with an average value of the indicator in the variant without drugs for all studied varieties was 37.8 g, with drugs – 40.4 g. On the Pamyati Shatilov variety, the growth regulator Albit, TPS, stood out, with the use of which the productivity was 6.0 t/ha, the increase over the control was 0.6 t/ha. The biological effectiveness of the chemical fungicide Spirit, SK on the Yuzhanka variety was 84.8%, and on the Pamyati Shatilova variety 89.1%. For the biofungicides Kasumin 2 L, VR and Fitolavin, VRK against pyrenophorosis, it was equal to 9.6% and 18.4%, respectively, which is much lower than for the chemical fungicide.

An Agronomic Efficiency Analysis of Winter Wheat at Different Sowing Strategies and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates: A Case Study in Northeastern Poland

This study was undertaken to examine the influence of the sowing date, sowing density, and split spring application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on plant density, tillering, yield components, and grain yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in northeastern Poland between 2018 and 2021. The experiment had a split-plot design with three sowing dates (early (3–6 September), delayed by 14 days, and delayed by 28 days), three sowing densities (200, 300, and 400 live grains m−2), and three split spring N rates (40 + 100, 70 + 70, and 100 + 40 kg ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively). The number of spikes m−2 increased by 11% on average when winter wheat was sown with a delay of 14 days (17–20 September) and 28 days (1–4 October). The number of spikes m−2 was highest when winter wheat was sown at 300 and 400 live grains m−2. The application of 100 + 40 kg N ha−1 (BBCH 22–25 and 30–31, respectively) increased the number of spikes m−2. An increase in sowing density from 200 to 300 to 400 live grains m−2 decreased the number of grains spike−1 by 5% and 7%, respectively. Thousand grain weight (TGW) increased by 1% and 2% when sowing was delayed by 14 (17–20 September) and 28 days (1–4 October), respectively. In northeastern Poland, grain yields peaked when winter wheat was sown between 17 September and 4 October (10.52–10.58 Mg ha−1). In late-sown winter wheat, grain yields increased due to a higher number of spikes m−2 and higher grain weight. The highest sowing density (400 live grains m−2) induced a greater increase in grain yields than the lowest sowing density (200 live grains m−2) (10.25 vs.10.02 Mg ha−1). In winter wheat sown at a density of 400 live grains m−2, the increase in grain yields resulted in a higher number of spikes m−2. Grain yields peaked in response to 100 kg N ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 22–25 and 40 kg N ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 30–31 (this split N rate increased the number of spikes m−2). In turn, the highest straw yield (6.23 Mg ha−1) was obtained when the second split of N fertilizer was applied in BBCH stages 30–31 (40 + 100 kg N ha−1). Straw yields decreased significantly (by 6%) when winter wheat was sown late (early October). Delayed sowing (mid-September and early October) increased the harvest index (HI) of winter wheat by 5–7%. Split spring N application influenced grain and straw yields, but it had no effect on the HI of winter wheat.

Effect of Cultivation Methods on Structural Elements and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat

The main part of human food is wheat, and the main task facing agriculture is to obtain high-quality grain from a single field in the current conditions. Yield varies depending on the variety, soil and climatic conditions and the cultivation used. Taking these into account, our research studied the structural elements and yield of winter wheat against the background of predecessors, soil cultivation and nutritional conditions in dry rainfed conditions, and the 3-year average result is also given in the article. For the first time in the region, optimal nutritional conditions and soil cultivation were studied by minimizing soil cultivation based on its predecessor and replacing some mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers in order to obtain both high and quality grain products through efficient use of land. The studies were conducted in a 3-factor (2×3×3) field experiment in a short-rotation cropping turnover (peas, wheat, wheat) located in the Jalilabad Regional Experimental Station in the dry rainfed conditions of South Mugan. The object of research is the fertile 95 durum wheat varieties. Structural analysis of the yields was carried out on samples of sheaves taken from 1 m2(4×0.83×2×0.15 m) in two rows of 83 cm in 4 different replicate locations. After the shave samples were taken, the yield of the grain was determined according to the cultivation options by harvesting directly in each field with a combine. From the 3-year average results of the study for 2019-2021, it was found that the structural indicators of the variety and grain yield were dynamic depending on the cultivation option. However, the highest results were obtained after the pea predecessor against the background of N60P60+10 tons of manure applied with a heavy disc harrow at a depth of 10-12 cm in the twice disc option.