Yellowing of Wheat in Heavy Soils After Irrigation
Wheat is a staple crop that provides essential nutrients to humans worldwide. However, when wheat plants start yellowing, it is an indication that something is wrong with the crop. One of the reasons why wheat plants turn yellow is due to heavy soils after irrigation.
Heavy soils contain a high content of clay or organic matter, making them dense and waterlogged, making it difficult for the roots to absorb oxygen. When the soil is overwatered, the water replaces the oxygen in the soil, depriving the wheat plants of essential nutrients.
Yellowing of wheat in heavy soils after irrigation is a common problem in areas where the land is flat and the water table is high, such as in river basins and coastal plains. Farmers who irrigate their crops with river or canal water should be particularly careful, as these sources may contain dissolved minerals or salts that can accumulate in the soil over time.
There are several tricks that farmers can use to prevent yellowing of wheat in heavy soils after irrigation. The first step is to ensure that the soil is well-drained and aerated. This can be done by adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure. It may also be necessary to incorporate gypsum into the soil, which can help to break down the clay particles and improve drainage.
Another way to prevent yellowing of wheat in heavy soils after irrigation is to avoid overwatering the crops. Irrigation schedules should be carefully planned, taking into account the type of soil and the crop’s water requirements. In some cases, it may be necessary to install a drainage system to prevent standing water from accumulating in the fields.
Finally, farmers should pay close attention to the quality of the irrigation water. If the water contains high levels of minerals or salts, it may be necessary to consider alternative sources of water, such as rainwater harvesting or groundwater.
In summary, yellowing of wheat in heavy soils after irrigation can significantly reduce crop yields and affect the quality of the harvest. However, farmers can take proactive measures to prevent this by ensuring proper soil drainage, careful irrigation scheduling, and monitoring the quality of the irrigation water. By doing so, they can ensure healthy crops and stable yields.