What are the benefits and precautions of winter irrigation for wheat?
As the temperature gradually drops, wheat gradually enters the dormancy period, and this is also the winter irrigation period for wheat. Winter irrigation of wheat is one of the effective practical experiences for increasing yield. But not all wheat is suitable for winter irrigation, so which wheat needs winter irrigation? What should be noted in winter irrigation? Let's take a look together.
1. Which wheat needs winter irrigation
Winter irrigation of wheat needs to be determined according to soil moisture and seedling stage. For all wheat fields where the pre-winter water-holding capacity is below 80% and irrigation conditions are available, winter irrigation is needed. In addition, wheat fields with more than 2 tillers per plant are more suitable for winter irrigation. Weak seedling wheat fields, especially late-sown single-stem single-seedling wheat fields, are best not winter irrigated, otherwise freezing damage is likely to occur. Wheat fields with excessive growth can postpone winter irrigation or not carry out winter irrigation, so as to control vigorous growth and promote sturdiness. For wheat fields with poor soil permeability, reddening and yellowing are very likely to appear after winter irrigation, and even suffocation may occur, so winter irrigation also does not need to be considered for this kind of wheat field.
2. Benefits of winter irrigation
Winter irrigation can prevent low temperatures from causing freezing damage and dead seedlings to wheat seedlings, and can also preserve and store water for wheat's greening again the following year, achieving the effect of using winter water in spring and preventing spring drought early. At the same time, after winter irrigation, it can also reduce pathogenic bacteria and insect eggs, lower the base number of pests and diseases for the coming year, and can significantly reduce the harm of pests and diseases in spring. It is one of the important measures to ensure the safe overwintering of wheat. In addition, winter irrigation of saline-alkali land can press down alkali and improve soil, and according to surveys, compared with wheat fields without winter irrigation, timely winter irrigation increases wheat seedlings by about 123,000 spikes and raises yield by more than 27%.
3. Precautions
Winter irrigation of wheat needs to be timely and appropriate. Generally, winter irrigation starts when the daily average temperature drops to 8°C and ends at around 5°C. If winter irrigation is too early, the temperature is relatively high at this time, evaporation is large, and the desired effect cannot be obtained; if winter irrigation is too late, the soil freezes, water cannot infiltrate downward, causing surface water to accumulate and freeze, and wheat seedlings are very likely to suffocate and die. The amount of winter irrigation water for wheat should not be too large, and it is best to irrigate thoroughly and have it infiltrate completely on the same day. Generally, 30-40 tons of water are applied per mu. In order to save water, it is essential to match canals and border strips and prevent flood irrigation. After winter irrigation, loosen the soil by hoeing in time to close cracks, so as to preserve soil moisture and increase temperature.
The above is an introduction to the benefits and precautions of winter irrigation for wheat. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.