What are the precautions for winter irrigation of wheat? Read this article to understand
Winter irrigation of wheat means watering the fields in winter. This can increase the soil's water storage capacity, prevent drought in the following spring, and also raise soil temperature so the wheat can overwinter safely. This method is commonly used in northern China for growing winter wheat, and it has an obvious yield-increasing effect. However, winter irrigation must also be done reasonably, and both the correct timing and the amount of water must be considered to avoid counterproductive results. Let's take a look at the precautions for winter irrigation of wheat.
1. Soil moisture
Winter irrigation requires attention to 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 should be delayed. Loosening the soil and preserving moisture can also be strengthened to improve soil temperature, encourage the wheat roots to grow downward, cultivate strong seedlings, and help them overwinter safely.
2. Temperature
Temperature should also be noted 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, suitable temperature and sufficient moisture can easily cause vigorous growth or excessive leggy growth of seedlings. But if winter irrigation is too late and the soil has already frozen, the water from winter irrigation cannot infiltrate, accumulates on the ground surface and forms an ice sheet, causing seedlings to freeze or suffocate to death. Therefore, the best time for winter irrigation is before the cold wave arrives and before the temperature drops below 0 degrees. This can significantly raise soil temperature and ensure the wheat seedlings overwinter safely.
3. The amount of irrigation water should not be too large
Although it can achieve the effect of increasing yield and income, attention should be paid during winter irrigation that the amount of irrigation water should not be too much, which would cause water to accumulate on the ground surface. At this time, the phenomenon of winter irrigation being too late will appear, and the water will freeze on the ground surface 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, be sure to pay attention and take complete water infiltration as suitable, with no standing water on the ground surface, and soil moisture between 70%-80% as suitable.
4. Intertillage to increase temperature
After irrigation, intertillage and loosening of the soil should be carried out in time. This can break up soil compaction, eliminate cracks, increase soil air permeability, raise soil temperature by 1-2 degrees, and allow the root system to grow and develop better. New high-fat film can also be applied 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. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.