In the heart of China’s wheat belt, a simple yet effective irrigation strategy is making waves, promising to boost yields and water productivity while conserving precious resources. A recent study led by Kaiming Ren from the College of Agriculture at Henan University of Science and Technology has shed light on the potential of one-off irrigation, a method that could redefine water management in wheat production.
The research, published in the journal *Agricultural Water Management* (translated as “农业水资源管理”), analyzed 122 global studies and conducted a three-year field experiment across three sites. The findings are compelling: one-off irrigation—applying water just once during the growth period—increased wheat grain yield by 22.8% and water productivity by 4.1% compared to zero irrigation. “The yield improvement was mainly due to an increase in spike numbers per unit area and grains per spike,” Ren explained. This strategy is particularly relevant in regions where agricultural water is scarce, offering a practical solution to enhance productivity without overburdening water resources.
The study also provided tailored recommendations for different regions. For instance, in Shandong, the optimal time for one-off irrigation is at anthesis with less than 60 mm of water, while in Henan, it’s best to irrigate at booting with more than 90 mm. These nuanced insights could help farmers optimize their irrigation practices, leading to higher yields and better resource management.
Beyond yield improvements, the research highlighted economic benefits. The field experiment demonstrated that one-off irrigation increased grain yield by 41.0%, water productivity by 26.4%, and economic benefits by 59.9%. Additionally, it reduced nitrate-N residue in the soil by 19.8%, indicating a positive environmental impact. “This strategy not only boosts productivity but also contributes to sustainable agriculture,” Ren noted.
The implications for the agricultural sector are significant. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, innovative irrigation strategies like one-off irrigation could become a cornerstone of sustainable farming practices. This research provides a valuable guideline for optimizing irrigation, ensuring high yields and efficient water use in dryland areas where one-off irrigation is feasible.
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field, encouraging further research into precision irrigation techniques and their impact on crop productivity and water conservation. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, such innovations offer hope for a more sustainable and productive future in agriculture.