Yellowing of wheat in heavy soils after irrigation is a common problem that many farmers face. The gradual loss of leaf color in wheat plants can have a negative impact on crop yield and quality. While there are several factors that can contribute to yellowing, such as nutrient deficiency and diseases, the primary reason for the discoloration of wheat plants after irrigation is oxygen depletion in heavy soils.
Soil compaction, high rainfall, and overirrigation can cause soil to become saturated with water, reducing the amount of oxygen that is available for the roots of wheat plants. When plants do not receive enough oxygen, they may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced photosynthesis. The problem is more prevalent in heavy soils, which hold more water and become waterlogged more easily than sandy loams or other light textures.
Various techniques exist for combating the yellowing of wheat caused by oxygen depletion in heavy soils after irrigation. One common strategy is to use raised beds or ridges to elevate the rootzone of plants above the waterlogged soil layer. This technique improves drainage in the field, allowing the roots to access oxygen whilst preventing the occurrence of further waterlogging to the plants.
Another approach is to use different cropping systems that promote soil structure and aspects such as soil permeability, such as cover cropping and crop rotation. A cover crop, consisting of plants such as clover and ryegrass, absorbs water and nutrients while improving soil permeability. In the same vein, crop rotations may improve the health of wheat plants by adding organic matter into the soil, improving soil structure, and reducing waterlogging.
In conclusion, yellowing of wheat in heavy soils after irrigation can be caused by several factors, with oxygen depletion being the primary reason. Soil compaction, high rainfall, and overirrigation contribute to reduced oxygen levels, which may result in the yellowing of wheat plants. Farmers can alleviate the problem by adopting various strategies such as rotating crops or using cover crops to provide organic matter and improve soil permeability. The systematic use of such strategies can significantly improve the resilience of crops against waterlogging and promote crop yield and quality.