Summary
This multi-location field trial demonstrates that permanent raised bed and zero tillage systems, combined with early sowing timing and lodging-resilient wheat varieties (HD2967 and DBW187), substantially reduce lodging risk (80–90%) and increase grain yields (15–25%) compared to conventional tillage in subtropical Indian agroecosystems. Regression analysis revealed that early-sown crops show positive yield responses to rainfall (1.15 t/ha gain) and wind speed (0.32 t/ha gain), whereas late-sown crops exhibit yield penalties under adverse weather, highlighting the critical interaction between agronomic management, variety choice, and climate variability. The findings underscore the importance of integrated climate-resilient agronomic strategies for enhancing wheat productivity and stability under changing climatic conditions.
Regional applicability
The specific tillage and sowing strategies may have limited direct application to UK wheat production, given differences in climate, growing season, and agroecological context. However, the methodological approach to quantifying lodging risk mitigation and yield stability under climatic stress could inform UK cereal production strategies, particularly as UK winters become warmer and more variable.
Key measures
Lodging incidence (%), wheat grain yield (t/ha), wind speed correlation with yield (r coefficient), rainfall correlation with yield (r coefficient), yield response to wind speed and rainfall conditions (t/ha)
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated the interactive effects of tillage practices, sowing timing, and variety selection on wheat resilience and grain yield across eight locations in Bihar, India during the 2023–2024 rabi season. Key measurements included lodging risk reduction, grain yield increases, and correlations between climatic variables and crop performance.
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