Integrated Management of Water, Nitrogen, and Genotype Selection for Enhanced Wheat Productivity in Moroccan Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Abstract

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is essential global nutrition as it provides calories and protein. This study explored the impact of irrigation, environmental factors, nitrogen fertilization, and genotype selection on yield. The experimental stations of Afourar and Sidi El Aidi in Morocco, six bread wheat varieties and varying irrigation systems, were used with varying nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 60, and 120 kg/ha for rainfed and 0, 100, and 200 kg/ha for irrigated conditions). Results showed that the variety ‘Snina’ had the highest yields and biomass, with a 58% yield increase at 120 kg/ha nitrogen under rainfed, and a 28% increase at 100 kg/ha under irrigated conditions. Irrigation significantly enhanced yield and its components. Combined with 100 kg/ha nitrogen fertilization, significant yield improvements were observed across all varieties under irrigated conditions, notably ‘Malika’ with a 32% increase and ‘Kharouba’ with a 24% increase. These varieties also show strong resilience to water stress, making them suitable for regions with variable water availability. Nitrogen fertilization efficiency is influenced by weather and site-specific variability. This study underscores the importance of integrated management strategies, including variety selection, nitrogen application, and environmental conditions, to optimize bread wheat production and ensure agricultural sustainability in the Mediterranean.

Keywords

• fertilization
• irrigation management
• water stress
• yield improvement
• agriculture sustainability