Increasing wheat yields sustainability through agronomic means

Abstract

This paper examines common factors that constrain wheat yields: insufficient nutrients (using nitrogen as an example); problems of late planting and poor crop establishment; suboptimal water management; lodging; and weeds. The authors suggest agronomic practices, including tillage practices, rotations, and input management options that can ameliorate important constraints and sustainably improve yields. Examples are drawn largely from rice-wheat systems in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and from wheat systems in northwestern Mexico. These examples indicate that there is still considerable potential for raising wheat yields in a sustainable manner and meeting rapidly expanding demand for wheat in developing countries.