Optimized ridge-furrow ratio regulated soil nutrients, promoted grain filling and increased wheat yield

Introduction The ridge-furrow planting system improves wheat grain filling and soil quality; however, the effects of appropriate ridge-furrow ratio on soil nutrient dynamics and nutrient-plant interaction and its potential response mechanism under ridge-furrow planting mode are still unclear. This study was designed to determine the optimal ratio and clarify the coupling relationships among soil nutrient availability, grain filling, and grain yield. Methods Through a two-year consecutive field experiment, the effects of traditional planting pattern (M1) and three ridge-furrow planting patterns (ridge-furrow ratio of 50 cm∶50 cm, 75 cm∶50 cm, and 100 cm∶50 cm; M2−M4) on grain filling, soil nutrient content, and grain yield of wheat were analyzed. Results Ridge-furrow patterns with varying ratios significantly affected wheat soil nutrient uptake and grain yield. Compared with other treatments, M3 treatment increased the activities of soluble amylase and bound starch synthase in the middle and late filling. At 21–28 days post-anthesis across two growing seasons, M3 increased amylose, amylopectin, and total starch accumulation by 7.21–23.37%, 7.86–22.71%, 7.72–22.88% and 7.15–23.06%, 7.80–21.93%, 7.66–22.07%, respectively. M3 treatment increased the maximum and average grain filling rate during filling, promoted grain filling of wheat, and obtained the highest grain weight. Moreover, M3 treatment is beneficial to improve soil fertility and promote the accumulation of microorganisms, thus creating a favorable environment for plant growth. Finally, the grain yield of M3 was 3.12−8.68% and 4.79−10.91% higher than other treatments, respectively, achieving the highest grain yield. Discussion In conclusion, our findings confirm that adopting the M3 ridge-furrow ratio is the optimal practice for winter wheat ridge-furrow cultivation in the North China Plain.