What are the precautions for winter irrigation of wheat? All the latest key points are here
Winter irrigation of wheat means watering the fields in winter, which can increase the soil's water storage capacity, prevent drought in the following spring, and also raise the soil temperature so the wheat can overwinter safely. This method is commonly used for growing winter wheat in the north, and it has an obvious yield-increasing effect. But winter irrigation must also be done reasonably, and both the correct time and the amount of water must be considered, so as to avoid a counterproductive effect. Let us take a look at the precautions for winter irrigation of wheat.
1. Soil moisture
For winter irrigation, pay attention to the soil moisture. If the field's moisture is below 70%, winter irrigation can be carried out at this time, but if it is above 70%, winter irrigation is not suitable and the time of winter irrigation should be postponed. You can also strengthen loosening the soil and preserving moisture to maturity, raise the soil temperature, encourage the wheat roots to grow downward, cultivate strong seedlings, and help them overwinter safely.
2. Temperature
Temperature must also be considered during winter irrigation. The suitable temperature for winter irrigation is a daily average temperature of about 30 degrees. If winter irrigation is too early, the temperature is relatively high at this time, transpiration is greater, and the effect of winter irrigation is lost; moreover, with suitable temperature and sufficient moisture, it is very easy to cause vigorous growth or spindly growth of the seedlings. But if winter irrigation is too late, the soil has already frozen, and at this time the winter irrigation water cannot seep down and accumulates on the ground to form an ice sheet, causing the seedlings to freeze or suffocate to death. So the best time for winter irrigation is before the cold wave arrives and before the temperature falls below 0 degrees, as this can noticeably raise the soil temperature and ensure the wheat seedlings overwinter safely.
3. The irrigation amount should not be too large
Although it can achieve the effect of increasing yield and income, during winter irrigation you must note that the irrigation amount should not be too much, which would cause standing water on the ground; at this time the phenomenon of winter irrigation being too late will appear, and the water will freeze on the ground to form an ice shell, causing the aboveground plants to freeze, the roots to suffocate from lack of oxygen, and ultimately the tillers to die. Therefore, during winter irrigation you must be careful, and it is best for the water to fully infiltrate, with no standing water on the ground and soil moisture between 70% and 80%.
4. Intertillage to increase temperature
After irrigation, intertillage and loosen the soil in time, as this can break up soil compaction, eliminate cracks, and also increase the soil's air permeability and raise the soil temperature by 1-2 degrees, so that the roots grow and develop better. You can also apply Xin Gao Zhi Mo to preserve moisture and increase temperature, prevent water evaporation and soil compaction, isolate sources of pests and diseases, and ensure the seedlings overwinter safely.
The above is an introduction to the precautions for winter irrigation of wheat. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.