أبطال القمح حزمة الممارسات المتوائمة مناخياً لرفع إنتاجية القمح

Abstract

In Egypt, an ideal practices bundle for wheat (and similar winter cereals) combines improved genetics with resource-efficient field operations to raise yields while saving water and inputs. It starts with adopting high-yielding, locally recommended varieties that tolerate heat and episodic drought and resist major diseases (especially rusts), alongside minimum tillage and reduced soil disturbance to conserve soil moisture and structure. Periodic soil testing should guide balanced fertilization, avoiding excessive nitrogen and ensuring adequate phosphorus and potassium where needed. Crop establishment is strengthened through Afir (dry sowing) using seed drills on well-leveled land or raised beds, with mechanical or semi-mechanical planting preferred to improve uniformity and reduce seed losses. Water and nutrients should then be managed together: irrigation scheduling aligned with critical growth stages (and avoiding over-irrigation), and split nitrogen applications matched to crop demand. A bio-fertilizer application around 45–60 days after planting can allow a 15–20% reduction in mineral N where agronomically appropriate. The bundle should be supported by integrated weed, pest, and disease management, including early weed control and timely rust monitoring. Finally, harvest should be well-timed to prevent shattering and lodging losses, using mechanical harvesting where feasible to reduce costs and post-harvest losses.