Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Associate Prof. of Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Fars Agricultural and Resource Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, Iran.
2 Assistant Prof. of Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Fars Agricultural and Resource Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, Iran.
3 Assistant prof. of Seed and Plant Improvement Research Department, Fars Agricultural and Resource Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of two irrigation methods (drip tape and furrow irrigation) and three wheat planting patterns (2, 3, and 4 rows on raised beds) on wheat yield and agronomic indicators. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design within randomized complete blocks with six treatments and three replications over two growing seasons. Wheat was cultivated on wide raised beds measuring 60 cm in width, 15-20 cm in height, with 75 cm center-to-center spacing (60 cm bed width and 15 cm furrow width). Measured parameters included grain yield, germination percentage, emergence rate, tillering capacity, weed density, and water productivity. Mean comparisons revealed that drip tape irrigation increased yield by 20.6% (7,811 vs. 6,474 kg/ha) and improved water productivity by 24.3% (1.28 vs. 1.03 kg/m³) compared to furrow irrigation, while showing 47.3% lower weed density. Among planting patterns, the 3-row arrangement demonstrated optimal performance with 7,668 kg/ha yield and 1.24 kg/m³ water productivity. The superior treatment combination - drip irrigation with 3-row planting on wide raised beds - achieved maximum yield (8,311 kg/ha) and water productivity (1.36 kg/m³). These findings demonstrate that drip tape irrigation combined with 3-row planting on wide raised beds simultaneously enhances yield, water use efficiency, growth parameters, and weed control. This integrated approach is recommended as an effective strategy for wheat cultivation in water-limited environments, offering both agronomic and resource conservation benefits. The results highlight the importance of optimized irrigation and planting configurations for sustainable wheat production systems.
Keywords
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