Disadvantages of sowing methods on soil water content root distribution and yield of wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) in the Loess Plateau of South Shanxi, China

Abstract Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop worldwide and yield improvement since the green revolution was attributed to chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer application. The field experiment performed from 2016 2020 in eastern part of Loess Plateau, China, study effect two sowing practices carried out before summer fallow, i.e., wide-space (WS) drill (DS). results indicated soil water content, root length surface density (RLSD), at anthesis by drought 44% under WS 29% with DS, while reduction above-ground dry weight 67% 56% DS. More depleted deep layer (80–100 cm depth) than that shallow (20–60 depth). average contribution rates content grain DS were 23–25%. Thus, fallow should be adopted for high storage stability.