Optimizing Irrigation Requirement to Enhance Grain Yield of Wheat

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of optimal irrigation schedule on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under semi-arid regions of Pakistan. Different schemes of irrigation treatments were tested in the large field experiment for three years (2021–2024) aimed at determining the effect of irrigation water timing and amount applied to wheat during different growth stages on yield formation. The treatments were three full irrigation cycles as well as little and light irrigations at critical growth periods (especially tillering, booting, milking stage). Total data on emergence, productive tillers number, date and amount of irrigation, grain yield were recorded to find suitable irrigation management for optimizing wheat production considering water use.

Statistical analysis determined there was significant variability in yield responses between years, indicating that seasonal conditions had a major effect on irrigation efficiency. Of all the treatments, light irrigation at the booting stage (T3) always had the maximum grain yield and WUE, indicating that under our conditions reducing water input in certain growth stages to be reduced in especial the booting did maintain or even improve crop productivity without sacrificing water use. By comparison, in the full irrigation (T1) there was not a significant increase of yield particularly under water stressed conditions.

The present study results indicate that light irrigation in critical growth stages, for instance, booting stage can be a sustainable and water saving strategy in semi-arid areas experiencing water scarcity where agriculture is under increasing pressure directly from variable climate conditions. This study highlights the importance of optimizing irrigation for WP and sustainability of agriculture, by offering useful clues on how to effectively manage wheat water under water shortage.