INFLUENCE OF SOIL TEXTURE, DEPTH OF SOIL MOISTURE STORAGE, AND RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION ON WHEAT YIELDS IN SOUTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

In dry seasons wheat yields were higher on clay than on loam and sandy loam soils for equal amounts of moisture used. In wetter seasons, yields were higher on both clay and loam than on sandy loam.Grain yields were little influenced by the amount of moisture stored in the 0- to 6-in. and 6- to 12-in. layers at seedtime, but they were increased markedly by the moisture stored below the 12-in. depth.Multiple regression equations taking into account rainfall distribution during the season gave better estimates of yield than did equations using total seasonal rainfall only. Rainfall received during June and July and available moisture stored below 12-in. depth were important factors influencing grain yield on all soils.