Carry-Over Effects of Faba Bean Tillage–Sowing Systems on Yield Formation and Subsequent Wheat Under Contrasting Weather Conditions

This study evaluated the effects of tillage and sowing systems on faba bean productivity and subsequent wheat yield under variable weather conditions in western Poland. A field experiment conducted in 2017–2019 compared four systems: conventional tillage with row sowing (CRS), conventional tillage with strip-drill sowing (SD-C), reduced tillage with strip-drill sowing (SD-R), and zero tillage with strip-drill sowing (SD-Z). Weather conditions varied markedly between years and were the main factor influencing yield formation. Faba bean seed yield declined from 6.3 t ha−1 in 2017 to 1.0 t ha−1 in 2019 due to reduced pod and seed numbers. Yield was strongly correlated with seeds per plant (r = 0.95), pods per plant (r = 0.86), and rainfall (r = 0.91). Strip-drill systems generally produced higher seed and protein yields than CRS, particularly under favorable moisture conditions, while protein content remained relatively stable. The establishment system of the preceding faba bean crop also affected subsequent wheat yield, with higher yields observed after strip-drill systems. Overall, weather conditions, especially water availability, were the primary drivers of productivity, whereas strip-drill systems improved crop performance and rotational benefits under variable climatic conditions.