The growth of winter wheat on restored land in response to drainage and nitrogen availability

The effects of drainage on the growth and yield of winter wheat established on restored opencast land were studied within a rotation experiment over a period of four years. Previous cropping significantly influenced yields during the third and fourth seasons of the trial. As a result of drainage, grain yields were considerably improved, largely due to increased leaf canopy development, particularly during early spring. Higher concentrations of extractable soil nitrogen, coupled with a more extensive root system, were largely responsible for enhanced nitrogen uptake.