Water consumption characteristics of winter wheat grown using different planting patterns and deficit irrigation regime

The limited water resources in the North China Plain have compelled the farming community to implement water-saving measures. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of uniform row, furrow planting, and bed planting pattern systems on the yield, water consumption, and water use efficiency (WUE) of deficit irrigated winter wheat. The results showed that the soil moisture content increased in the up to 30-cm soil profiles when using the furrow planting pattern after jointing stages of winter wheat. On the other hand, soil moisture decreased in the up to 50-cm soil profiles when using the bed planting pattern. The application of furrow and bed planting patterns showed a significant (LSD, P < 0.05) increase in soil moisture before sowing (SMBS) consumption, as compared with the uniform row. After irrigation, both furrow and bed planting patterns yielded a significant (LSD, P < 0.05) increase in irrigation water penetration ratio. Evapotranspiration, grain yield, and WUE were significantly (LSD, P < 0.05) increased when using the furrow planting pattern. The results of this study suggest that, in the presence of a deficit irrigation regime, the furrow planting pattern facilitates better winter wheat production in the North China Plain.

► Furrow planting resulted in a increase in WUE of wheat under deficit irrigation.
► Bed planting had the potential to increase wheat yield, but WUE was not consistent.
► In North China, deficit irrigation combine with furrow planting should be extended.