Water use efficiency of winter wheat under sprinkler or surface irrigation

A four-year experiment was carried out to compare the effect of sprinkler to surface irrigation on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and water use efficiency in the North China Plain (NCP). Results show that leaf Area Index (LAI) of winter wheat is higher and active leaf area lasts a longer time in sprinkler irrigated than in surface irrigated fields. Biomass of winter wheat at harvest date is 4% ~ 22.1% higher in sprinkler irrigated than in surface irrigated field, similarly the yield is higher by 11.5% ~ 50.9%. The higher yield is mainly due to the higher weight of 1000 kernels in the sprinkler irrigated field. Seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) is lower by 4% ~ 23%, water use efficiency is higher by 18% ~ 57% and irrigation water use efficiency is higher by 21% ~ 81% in the sprinkler irrigated field as compared to surface irrigated field. Higher and smaller fluctuation of soil water content in the sprinkler irrigated field does a great improvement on winter wheat biomass, yield, water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency. It is concluded that sprinkler irrigation method should be recommended as an efficient irrigation method for winter wheat cultivar in NCP.