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Optimized ridge width and nitrogen type enhances grain yield and stability of rain-fed winter wheat by improving resource capture and use efficiency: A five-season study

Author

Listed:
  • Qiang, Shengcai
  • Zhang, Yan
  • Zhao, Hong
  • Zhang, Guangxin
  • Sun, Min
  • Fan, Junliang

Abstract

The ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching (RFM) system has proven effective for improving wheat yields in rain-fed regions. However, its effectiveness in enhancing wheat yield and stability in response to different nitrogen types (NT) has not been thoroughly explored. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying wheat plant utilization of thermal, radiation, water, and nutrient resources remain poorly understood. To address these issues, a five-season field experiment was conducted in China’s Loess Plateau Region, with four planting patterns [traditional flat planting (TP) and three ridge widths of 20 cm (RF20), 40 cm (RF40), and 60 cm (RF60), with a furrow of 40 cm] under two typical NT [normal urea (NU) and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRN)]. The effects of these planting patterns and NTs on soil hydrothermal conditions, crop phenology, grain yield(GY), and the utilization of resources in winter wheat were examined. The results showed that RFM systems, particularly those with broad ridges, superior to TP in terms of improving soil hydrothermal conditions and plant nitrogen nutrition index. In comparison to TP, these modifications greatly improved the RFM system's GY as well as its utilization of water, nutrients, thermal and radiation. As the yield-boosting effect of the RFM system is more noticeable in both dry and normal years, it ensures annual yield stability. Applying SRN enhances the yield of RF40 and RF60 compared to NU, but not in RF20 or TP. However, no significant difference was observed between NTs during extremely dry years (2023–2024). The RF40 planting pattern produces the highest GY regardless of the rainfall year type, with an average yield of 4742.0 kg ha−1. In conclusion, integrating SRN with a 40 cm ridge width in the RFM system optimized resource use efficiency and significantly enhanced rain-fed wheat production on the Loess Plateau.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiang, Shengcai & Zhang, Yan & Zhao, Hong & Zhang, Guangxin & Sun, Min & Fan, Junliang, 2026. "Optimized ridge width and nitrogen type enhances grain yield and stability of rain-fed winter wheat by improving resource capture and use efficiency: A five-season study," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 332(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:332:y:2026:i:c:s0378377426003628
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2026.110481
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