Effects of single and multiple waterloggings on the growth and yield of winter wheat on a clay soil

Abstract

The response of winter wheat to surface waterlogging in monoliths of clay soil in lysimeters was studied. The treatments, selected as corresponding to the most extreme likely in Britain, were: 5 days of waterlogging in October between germination and emergence; 42 days of waterlogging during tillering in January and February; and 21 days from mid-April during stem elongation. These treatments were used singly and in all combinations and were compared with a freely-drained control. During waterlogging, the oxygen concentration in the soil declined most rapidly when the soil was warmer (in October and April) and at the shallower depths (5, 20 cm); also, a decrease in soil solution nitrate was accompanied by an increase in nitrous oxide evolution. Pre-emergence waterlogging restricted plant population to 35 m-* compared to 338 m-2 under free drainage. Subsequently, compensatory growth resulted from diminished interplant competition for nitrogen, water and light; a greater proportion of tillers survived and the flag leaves were larger, although ears at harvest were fewer in all treatments waterlogged before emergence. After waterlogging during tillering, grain loss was accounted for entirely by a decrease in the number of ear-bearing tillers. After waterlogging during stem elongation, yield losses were associated primarily with fewer grains per spikelet. Grain yield was depressed by about 4 1 2 % after single waterloggings, by 20% after any two waterloggings, and by 32% when plants were waterlogged on all three occasions.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Yield Responses of Winter Wheat to Waterlogging at Different Growth Stages

“…This response was reflected in the reduction in grain weight, which is not consistent with the results of Belford et al (1985), who reported that waterlogging at the jointing stage reduced yield through decreased grain number per spike. In the present study, the reduction in1000-grain weight by waterlogging at the jointing stage was attributed to poor accumulation of dry matter per kernel, and reduced the remobilization of stored carbohydrates from stems/leaves to grains, which is consistent with the previous reports of Jiang et al (2008) and .…”

The role of crop rotations in determining soil structure and crop growth conditions

“…Slow drainage under high rainfall conditions can lead to waterlogging. The impact on yield depends on the duration of the waterlogging and the stage of crop development at which it occurs (Belford et al 1985).…”

Development of a Variable-Source N Fertilizer Management Strategy Using Enhanced-Efficiency N Fertilizers

“…In 2007, heavy spring rain delayed treatment application and planting until the middle of May, but cumulative rainfall during the growing season was only 302 mm (Fig. Previous studies have also reported poor germination rates for crop plants as well as tree species in waterlogged soils (Belford et al, 1985;Zaidi et al, 2004). In contrast, the 2008 growing season was characterized by heavy rainfall throughout the season which again delayed treatment application and planting until the middle of May and resulted in standing water in the low-lying area of the field for extended periods (Fig.…”

“…1A). Waterlogging or saturated conditions have been reported to cause a reduction in yield of wheat, soybean, maize, and other crops around the world (Belford et al, 1985;Zaidi et al, 2004;Zhang et al, 2006;Rhine et al, 2010). 1B).…”

“…In contrast, the 2008 growing season was characterized by heavy rainfall throughout the season which again delayed treatment application and planting until the middle of May and resulted in standing water in the low-lying area of the field for extended periods (Fig. Preemergence waterlogging in wheat can reduce plant population by almost 90% and decrease grain in yield by 4% to 32%, depending on the plant growth stage and the duration of waterlogging (Belford et al, 1985). Cumulative rainfall during the 2008 growing season was 889 mm, approximately three times greater than 2007.…”