Irrigation and Soil Management to Increase Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat

Khalil, N.H.; Bedaiwy, M.N.; Sayed, M.A.; Ragab, R.

doi:10.21608/esm.2025.442224

Irrigation and Soil Management to Increase Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Dept. of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agric., Alexandria University, El-Chatby, Alexandria, Egypt.

² Nubaria Agric. Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.

³ Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Wallingford, UK

10.21608/esm.2025.442224

Abstract

Effects of irrigation rate and soil management on wheat (Triticum Aestivum) crop were studied in a field study in the two growing successive seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Irrigation rates involved three levels, Ir1, Ir2 and Ir3 (60%, 80% and 100% of irrigation requirements (IR), respectively, determined based on crop evapotranspiration, ETc). Soil treatments included the application of an organic amendment, Am (sugar beet residues) and surface mulch, M (wheat straw). Grain yield of wheat increased significantly as irrigation water applied increased from Ir1 to Ir3. Yields at Ir2 and Ir3 were quite comparable (not statistically different at a = 0.05) and were significantly greater than yields achieved under Ir1. Results also showed favorable effects of the application of Am and M. Best results were attained for the combined application of Am and M (the Am+M treatment). Favorable effects of Am, M and Am+M on other plant parameters were also marked (e.g. plant height). Grain yield was greater in season 2 as compared with season 1. This was attributed to the effect of the decomposition of organic amendment with time. The higher yield in season 2 was reflected in greater crop water productivity, CWP. The most economic CWP (1.12 kg m^-3) was determined in season 2 and was associated with Ir2 and Am+M. Highest CWP in season 1 was 0.85 and was also associated with Ir2 and Am+M. Based on CWP and the attained grain yield, it appears that a good irrigation and soil management strategy should comprise Ir2 (80%) and Am+M as a good combination. Using 80% of IR means saving 20% of irrigation water, which could be used to irrigate more cultivated land.

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