The researchers studied how different sowing dates and seeding rates affect water use and nitrogen translocation in dryland wheat. They conducted a field experiment over two years and found that early sowing increased soil water consumption and grain yield compared to late sowing. Lower seeding rates led to higher nitrogen translocation and accumulation before and after anthesis. Early sowing with a low seeding rate resulted in the highest grain yield and water use efficiency, while late sowing with a high seeding rate was more beneficial for nitrogen uptake efficiency. Soil water consumption before anthesis was linked to nitrogen translocation, while water consumption after anthesis was related to nitrogen accumulation. Overall, early sowing with a low seeding rate and late sowing with a high seeding rate were the most effective strategies for maximizing wheat yield in dryland conditions.