As one of the most widely grown crops, wheat plays a crucial role in maintaining food security across the world. It requires irrigation to maintain its growth, and the timing of the final irrigation is essential for optimizing crop yields.
After how many days, the last irrigation should be applied in wheat?
The timing of the last irrigation of wheat can significantly impact the crop yield. The ideal time to apply the last irrigation in wheat is when the grains in the spike have reached the milk stage. At this stage, the grains are filled with a white watery fluid that contains high concentrations of starch. The white fluid gradually turns to yellow, indicating the transition to the dough stage of maturity.
Generally, the last irrigation of wheat should be applied 15 to 20 days before the expected date of harvest. This timing allows the plant to complete the filling stage and increases the grain weight. The last irrigation at the proper time helps to reduce the undesirable effects of excess water on the crops, such as fungal infections, lodging, and delayed maturity.
It is critical to avoid waterlogging the wheat crop by over-irrigating, especially in northern regions where wheat is commonly grown. Over-irrigation causes oxygen deficiency in the soil, which leads to the development of waterlogging symptoms in the plants. In such situations, the growth of the plant is severely hampered, and the yield is reduced.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the timing of the last irrigation of wheat is crucial for producing a healthy crop with optimal yields. Applying the last irrigation when the grains have reached the milk stage, 15 to 20 days before the expected date of harvest, helps to increase the grain weight and reduce the undesirable effects of excess water on the crop. Hence, it is imperative to follow the appropriate irrigation principles to produce healthy wheat crops.