Zhongying Liu , Wei Wang

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 2   
Received: 02 Mar., 2025    Accepted: 12 Apr., 2025    Published: 28 Apr., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Sowing density and nitrogen fertilizer management are key agronomic measures that determine wheat yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. To determine the optimal combination of the two, this study comprehensively analyzed the effects of different sowing densities and nitrogen application levels on the population structure, root development, photosynthetic characteristics and yield components of bread wheat. Taking the North China Plain, the Indo-Ganges Plain and the semi-arid region of the Middle East as representative areas, a comprehensive exploration was further conducted on the yield formation process and resource utilization mechanism. The research results show that a medium to high seeding density (300-400 grains /m²) combined with an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer (150-200 kg/ha) and fractional nitrogen application management can significantly increase the number of effective ears, dry matter accumulation and nitrogen utilization efficiency, thereby maximizing yield, while reducing nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. Compared with traditional high-nitrogen management, this optimized model can enhance economic benefits, improve grain quality, and promote the green transformation of agriculture. This study not only reveals the mechanism by which sowing density and nitrogen fertilizer management interact with each other in terms of yield formation and resource utilization, but also proposes an integrated management model for high-yield and sustainable wheat production adapted to different ecological regions, with the expectation of promoting wheat production practice, narrowing the yield gap, and achieving food security and ecological protection.

Bread wheat; Sowing density; Nitrogen fertilizer management; Yield improvement; Nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency