Soil water repellence increased early wheat growth and nutrient uptake

Abstract Purpose Soil water repellence causes uneven soil wetting which can constrain dryland crop and pasture establishment yield. The same processes are likely to affect nutrient availability from fertiliser, but the effects of on growth nutrition per se have seldom been reported. Here, we investigated early wheat ( Triticum aestivum cv. Mace) uptake responses repellence. Methods Wheat was furrow-sown in severely repellent sandy loam (with a wettable furrow base allow for germination) or completely soil, under uniform plant density variable topsoil thickness (20 100 mm) fertiliser band placement (below away seed). Tiller number, shoot dry matter, N concentration, total uptake, root length (RLD) were determined. Results Contrary expectations, significantly increased tiller number (by up 2 tillers plant), matter 82%), concentration 0.3% N), 87%) at 51 days after sowing, regardless placement. In furrow, RLD treatments also nearly double that when banded below seed. suggest preferential favoured regular low supply. Conclusion We conclude water-repellent soils with limited supply, harvesting techniques such as sowing banding agents could boost growth.