Wide-precision planting improves winter wheat yield, nitrogen use efficiency and water productivity in China: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Wide-precision planting has been introduced to wheat production systems in China to improve grain yield. However, the effects of wide-precision planting on wheat yield, nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE), and water productivity (WP) have not yet been comprehensively evaluated. A meta-analysis was conducted using 699 observations from 79 studies to quantify the contributions of wide-precision planting to wheat yield, NUE, and WP. Compared with conventional-cultivation planting, wide-precision planting increased wheat yield by 9.9 %, NUE by 9.3 %, and WP by 4.8 %. Soil conditions had the greatest importance on wheat yield, NUE, and WP under wide-precision planting, particularly suitable soil organic matter and available potassium. Fertilizer factors also influenced the wheat's comprehensive productivity under wide-precision planting. The random forest regression model revealed that more attention should be paid to the application of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers in wheat production. Additionally, wide-precision planting under high mean annual precipitation (> 600 mm) and medium mean annual temperature (10–13℃) more easily coordinated improvements in yield, NUE and WP. In conclusion, wide-precision planting can significantly increase wheat comprehensive productivity. Considering the factors of climate, soil fertility and different fertilizers, the study holds novel insights for informing the widespread adoption of wide-precision planting practices in wheat production. • First evaluation of wide-precision planting (WS) effect using meta analysis. • WS increased wheat yield (9.9 %), NUE (9.3 %) and WP (4.8 %). • Soil conditions affect WS efficacy more significantly than climate and fertilizer factors. • P and K fertilization has a more significant impact on yield, NUE and WP under fertilizer factors.

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