The effects of cropping sequence, fertilization and straw management on the yield stability of winter wheat (1986–2017) in the Broadbalk Wheat Experiment, Rothamsted, UK

Abstract

The development of resilient cropping systems with high yield stability is becoming increasingly important due to future climatic and agronomic challenges. Consequently, it is essential to compare the effects of different agronomic management practices, such as cropping sequences and nutrient supply, on the stability of crop yields. Long-term experiments are a valuable resource for investigating these effects, as they provide enough time to accurately estimate stability parameters. The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of different cropping sequencing (#1: continuous v. rotational), fertilization (#2: mineral v. organic) and straw management techniques (in the case of continuous wheat; #3: removal v. incorporation) on the yield stability of winter wheat; yield risk (the probability of yield falling below a threshold yield level) and inter-annual yield variability were used as stability indicators of the effects. Long-term yield data from the Broadbalk Wheat Experiment (Rothamsted, UK) were analysed using a mixed model. Overall, the results showed that rotational cropping combined with sufficient mineral N fertilizer, with or without organic manure, ensured stable wheat yields while reducing yield risk. In contrast, higher yield risks and inter-annual yield variabilities were found in continuous wheat sections with less mineral N fertilizer or with organic manure only.

The Effects of Weather and Fertilization on Grain Yield and Stability of Winter Wheat Growing on Orthic Luvisol—Analysis of Long-Term Field Experiment

“…Application of manure alone (without mineral fertilizers—FYM treatment) to the preceding crop resulted in the second lowest yield stability (in both long- and short-strawed varieties). Similar results were published by Macholdt [ 31 ]. We assume that the vast majority of the nutrients from FYM, released by the mineralization, were utilized by the preceding potato crop.…”

Pearl millet yields and yield stability under long‐term soil fertility management in the Sahel

“…The lowest SE and CV values with greater grain yield in fertilizer microdose combined with CR retention indicate that this fertilization option is more stable vs. fertilizer microdose with CR removal. This finding is consistent with long-term experiments, which showed combined application of mineral fertilizer and organic amendment ensures more stable yield than sole application of mineral fertilizer or organic amendment (Chen et al, 2018;Macholdt et al, 2020).…”

How will future climate depending agronomic management impact the yield risk of wheat cropping systems? A regional case study of Eastern Denmark

“…Straw management may be another important management factor influencing yield risk. Straw incorporation rather than straw removal increases the soil organic carbon (C) content, total nitrogen (N) content and microbial biomass, which is relevant for long-term soil functionality and sustainable agriculture (Gaind and Nain, 2007; Powlson et al ., 2011; Macholdt and Honermeier, 2018; Macholdt et al ., 2020a, 2020b). Besides this, the future yield risk of wheat is expected to differ significantly on the regional scale depending on specific soil and management conditions (Olesen et al ., 2000).…”