Analyzing Drought Variation in Winter Wheat Growing Season in the Huaibei Plain

Abstract

【Objective】 Winter wheat in Huaibei plain experiences temporal water stress during its growing season. This paper investigates the characteristics and trends of the droughts in attempts to help improve agricultural management in this region. 【Method】 Soil in the studied region is Shajiang black soil. Soil moisture measured from 1986 to 2018 was used to analyze the key soil layers that influence wheat yield and to calculate the drought severity index (DSI). The Mann Kendall test and sliding T-test were used to analyze the drought trends and compare the characteristics of drought before and after sudden temperature changes. 【Result】 From 1986 to 2018, the wheat experienced mild and moderate droughts during the sowing-emergence stage, and it only encountered one severe drought. From the dormancy stage to heading stage, only mild and moderate droughts were identified. During the maturity stage, three droughts and five extreme droughts were recorded. From 2007 to 2012, the frequency of drought was declining in the sowing-emergence stage and dormancy stage. There were no significant changes in drought in other growth stages. Following sudden temperature changes, the frequency and degree of droughts at different growth stages both increased. 【Conclusion】 A sudden temperature change resulted in an increase in drought frequency and intensification of extreme drought. Future work should focus on improving irrigation during the maturity stage and timely replenishing soil moisture to mitigate the impact of extreme droughts.

Keywords

• huaibei plain
• winter wheat
• drought characteristics
• shajiang black soil