The Impact of Soil Tillage Systems and Fertilization Strategies on Winter Wheat Yield Under the Variable Weather Conditions of the Transylvanian Plain

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Abstract
Agronomic systems that can guarantee consistent and sufficient crop yields must be developed and implemented in order to address the problems presented by climate change, especially the increase in average annual temperatures and the unequal distribution of precipitation. Over the course of five successive growing seasons (2019–2024), a Poly-Factorial field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Turda, Romania, which is situated in the hilly region of the Transylvanian Plain. The study investigated the combined effects of soil tillage system (conventional tillage—CS; no-tillage—NT) and fertilization strategies (N48P48K48 at sowing vs. N48P48K48 at sowing + N40.5CaO10.5MgO7 applied in early spring at the growth resumption) on the quantitative and qualitative performance of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Results showed a modest yield difference of 206 kg ha−1 between the two tillage systems, favoring conventional tillage. However, the application of additional early-spring fertilization resulted in a significant average yield increase of 338 kg ha−1. Yield variability across the five years ranged from 262 to 1797 kg ha−1, highlighting the strong influence of climatic conditions on crop performance and emphasizing the need for adaptive management practices under changing environmental conditions.
Funding Information
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (123/17.07/2023)

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