Summary
This field trial investigates the agronomic and physiological responses of wheat grown on regeneratively managed soils (following ley break) compared to conventional arable soils prepared by disc or ploughing. Using 14C radioisotope tracing, the authors quantify how management history influences photosynthate partitioning to belowground carbon pools and root development, with implications for drought resilience and soil carbon sequestration. The work contributes empirical evidence on whether ley-based rotations enhance wheat performance and soil biological function relative to continuous arable cultivation.
UK applicability
Findings are directly applicable to UK temperate arable farming, where ley breaks and rotational grazing are increasingly promoted in regenerative agriculture guidance. Results may inform decisions about conversion from continuous cereals to rotation systems, though performance will vary with regional soil type, rainfall patterns, and management intensity.
Key measures
Wheat biomass yield, shoot and root dry matter, 14C-photosynthate allocation to roots and rhizosphere, soil water retention, drought stress indicators
Outcomes reported
The study compared wheat biomass production, drought resilience, and belowground carbon allocation in wheat grown on soil managed under regenerative practices (ley conversion) versus conventional tillage (disc or ploughed) systems. Measurements included above- and below-ground biomass, photosynthate partitioning using 14C tracing, and drought stress responses.
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