Closing global yield gap of rainfed wheat by optimizing nitrogen and phosphorus inputs

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Rainfed wheat is vital for global food security, yet often underperforms.
• Current fertilizer practices can be inefficient, leading to environmental issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine optimal nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates for rainfed wheat.
• To achieve 50%, 70%, and 80% of water-limited potential yield (Yw).

Main Methods:

• Integrated the Global Yield Gap Atlas with regression models and meta-analysis.
• Evaluated global N and P requirements for rainfed wheat.

Main Results:

• Achieving 50% Yw requires a 40% N reduction and 12% P reduction.
• Reaching 70% Yw needs a 10% N reduction and 15% P increase.
• Targeting 80% Yw necessitates a 13% N increase and 15% P increase.

Conclusions:

• Specific N and P adjustments can optimize rainfed wheat yields.
• Findings support sustainable agricultural practices and improved food security.
• Provides data for policymakers to address the global yield gap.