Context-specific agronomic solutions for achieving agronomic gains with reduced environmental footprints in irrigated drylands of Egypt

Abstract

yields of 8.4 t ha?1 and net profits of US$1097 ha?1, compared with 6.5 t ha?1 and US$675 ha?1 for medium- yield farmers. In the New Lands, the yield gap was more pronounced, with high-yield farmers achieving average yields of 7.5 t ha?1 compared to 4.63 t ha?1 for medium-yield farmers, highlighting a significant opportunity to increase productivity. Determinants for yield and profit varied across governorates, indicating need for governorate-specific strategies to sustainably close yield and profit gaps. Water productivity, NUE, and labor productivity were notably lower, while production cost showed no strong correlation with yield and was negatively correlated with greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI). Raised bed planting improved NUE by 29 %, increased water productivity by 18 %, and reduced GHGI by 15 % compared with conventional flat planting. SIGNIFICANCE: Adopting context-specific agronomic practices that combine integrated-fertilization, efficient irrigation, suitable varieties, and raised-bed planting can enhance agronomic gains while reducing environ mental footprints. When tailored to local yield-limiting factors, these solutions provide a sustainable pathway to narrow yield and profit gaps. Scaling data-driven solutions, supported by enabling policies and effective extension systems, offers viable option to strengthen wheat self-sufficiency in Egypt and similar irrigated drylands.