As one of the world’s most important cereal crops, wheat plays a vital role in global food security. To enhance the productivity of wheat and ensure bountiful harvests, it is necessary to provide the crop with adequate irrigation.
The total number of irrigations required for wheat depends on several factors, including the variety of wheat grown, soil type, climate, and irrigation method employed. Typically, wheat requires about 4-6 irrigations during its growing season, with each irrigation supplying approximately 50-70mm of water.
In the beginning stages of wheat growth, the first irrigation is crucial to ensure optimum germination and establishment of seedlings. Depending on the soil moisture content, the first irrigation could take place a few days after planting or several weeks later. The second irrigation is usually done during the vegetative phase when the crop requires more water to support growth.
The third irrigation could happen at the onset of reproductive growth when the crops need a reasonable amount of water to support seed formation and development. The fourth irrigation is done at the beginning of the grain-filling stage, while the fifth and final irrigation occurs mid- to late-grain filling stages.
It is important to note that excessive irrigation during the grain-filling stage could lead to lodging or falling over of the wheat plants. Therefore, farmers need to time their irrigation practices and only provide water when necessary, taking into account the overall moisture content in the soil.
In conclusion, wheat crop requires around 4-6 well-timed irrigations during its growth stages. Proper irrigation management is crucial to ensure optimal yield and quality of wheat. It is recommended that farmers seek expert agronomic advice when determining their irrigation needs, to ensure they get the best results from their wheat crop.