Optimized Irrigation Boosts Wheat Yields and Nutrition for Millions
The amount of irrigation in wheat fields affects how efficiently the plants use nitrogen and water, as well as their grain yield and quality. In a study with two wheat cultivars, it was found that excessive irrigation can decrease nitrogen and water use efficiency, leading to lower grain yield. However, not irrigating at all also has drawbacks, such as lower nitrogen uptake efficiency. The best results were seen with a moderate amount of irrigation, which led to higher nitrogen accumulation in the grain and better overall grain yield. The study showed that finding the right balance in irrigation is crucial for maximizing wheat production and quality.