Enhancing Wheat Yield through Optimal Sowing Techniques in Arid Region of Pakistan
Enhancing Wheat Yield through Optimal Sowing Techniques in Arid Region of Pakistan
Shoaib Zawar1, Muhammad Waqas Yonas1,2*, Muhammad Mujahid Akbar1 and Abeer Ahmad1
ABSTRACT
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple food crop of Pakistan, plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and economic stability. To optimize wheat yield and productivity, sowing methods may greatly influence crop performance. This study aimed to assess the effects of different sowing methods on spring wheat yield. The experiment was carried out in 2020-21 and repeated in 2021-22 under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications focusing on five sowing methods (i.e. the conventional broadcasting, bed sowing (75 cm distance), augmented furrow (60 cm distance), modified drill (15.5 cm distance) and drill sowing (22.5 cm distance). Results revealed that sowing methods significantly influenced wheat production. Among treatments, augmented furrow expressed consistently the higher grain yield (42.46%) compared to conventional broadcast method, which was due to its ability for plants to maintain optimum density per unit area, reduced intraspecific competition, and enhanced grain formation, leading to higher grain yield (5562.38 kg ha-1 in 2020-21 and 5220.22 kg ha-1 in 2021-22). Adapting an appropriate sowing method is crucial to maximize wheat production which has been proved in the augmented furrow method over a broadcast and/or the usual drill sowing methods. The relatively better performance of augmented makes it the preferred choice for enhancing per unit area productivity. Findings of this study can hold a significant implication on curtailing wheat area expansion and ensuring future food security.
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