Evapotranspiration, development and productivity of wheat under different tillage systems on sloping terrains

Abstract

Soil water erosion has a number of negative consequences, such as loss of soil, nutrients, lower infiltration and reduced soil moisture content. This leads to decreased biomass and ecosystem productivity. The need to develop sustainable agriculture requires the application of erosion control technologies to reduce losses of soil, substances and water and to preserve soil fertility on sloping terrains. Calcic Chernozems occupy significant area in the Danube plain in North Bulgaria and the combination of hilly terrain, climatic conditions and the significant structural deficit of these soils, determines the frequent manifestations of water erosion. A three-year study of the impact of conventional and erosion control technologies on evapotranspiration, biometrics and yields of wheat grown on sloping terrain, on Calcic Chernozem soil type was conducted.