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<p>Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) is a key cereal crop in South Africa’s Western Cape. Rainfed production systems in the Swartland and southern Cape face challenges from variable rainfall and disease pressure in a Mediterranean-type climate. This study evaluated the interactive effects of seeding rate, nitrogen (N) fertilization, and fungicide application on wheat grain yield and quality. The primary research question was how these agronomic inputs interact under site-specific climatic conditions to influence wheat performance.&#xa0;Field trials were conducted during the 2020 and 2021 seasons at Langgewens and Tygerhoek research farms. A split-split plot design was used to test three factors: seeding rate (80–240 plants m⁻²), N rate (4–94&#xa0;kg N ha⁻¹), and fungicide application (treated vs. untreated). Grain yield, biomass, and specific grain weight were measured and analysed in relation to input treatments and seasonal weather patterns.&#xa0;Biomass production increased with N rate across sites, with limited benefit beyond 64&#xa0;kg N ha⁻¹. At Langgewens, fungicide-treated plots showed improved specific grain weight with higher N rates, while untreated plots exhibited reduced grain quality due to powdery mildew. At Tygerhoek, lower disease pressure revealed the significant influence of rainfall timing on grain filling. Late-season drought in 2021 reduced grain density, and excessive rainfall in 2020 impaired grain filling. Integrated nitrogen and disease management strategies are crucial for optimizing yield and grain quality under rainfed conditions.&#xa0;Adaptive, site-specific approaches are required to account for seasonal climatic variability and enhance sustainability in wheat production systems.</p>

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Wheat Yield: Seeding Density and Nitrogen Strategies in the Western Cape, South Africa

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月8日

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  • Stephanus J. Haarhoff,
  • Karlo Van Blerk,
  • Johan Labuschagne,
  • Pieter A. Swanepoel

摘要

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a key cereal crop in South Africa’s Western Cape. Rainfed production systems in the Swartland and southern Cape face challenges from variable rainfall and disease pressure in a Mediterranean-type climate. This study evaluated the interactive effects of seeding rate, nitrogen (N) fertilization, and fungicide application on wheat grain yield and quality. The primary research question was how these agronomic inputs interact under site-specific climatic conditions to influence wheat performance. Field trials were conducted during the 2020 and 2021 seasons at Langgewens and Tygerhoek research farms. A split-split plot design was used to test three factors: seeding rate (80–240 plants m⁻²), N rate (4–94 kg N ha⁻¹), and fungicide application (treated vs. untreated). Grain yield, biomass, and specific grain weight were measured and analysed in relation to input treatments and seasonal weather patterns. Biomass production increased with N rate across sites, with limited benefit beyond 64 kg N ha⁻¹. At Langgewens, fungicide-treated plots showed improved specific grain weight with higher N rates, while untreated plots exhibited reduced grain quality due to powdery mildew. At Tygerhoek, lower disease pressure revealed the significant influence of rainfall timing on grain filling. Late-season drought in 2021 reduced grain density, and excessive rainfall in 2020 impaired grain filling. Integrated nitrogen and disease management strategies are crucial for optimizing yield and grain quality under rainfed conditions. Adaptive, site-specific approaches are required to account for seasonal climatic variability and enhance sustainability in wheat production systems.