Spatial Variability in Wheat Phenology Across a Landscape

Authors: McMaster, Gregory; Green, Timothy; Erskine, Robert - Rob; Edmunds, Debora

Submitted to: American Geophysical Union
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/14/2007
Publication Date: 12/10/2007
Citation: Mcmaster, G.S., Green, T.R., Erskine, R.H., Edmunds, D.A. 2007. Spatial Variability in Wheat Phenology Across a Landscape. American Geophysical Union.

Interpretive Summary: The World Meteorological Organization is publishing their 3rd edition of Guide to Agricultural Meteorological Practices. The objectives of the book are to provide guidance on collection and distribution of agrometeorological information and how this knowledge and data may be used to improve crop production. This specific chapter focuses on global wheat production practices and the role and management of agrometeorological factors. The sections include 1) classification of wheat grown, 2) adaptation of wheat to agrometeorological zones and yearly production by countries, 3) how agroclimatological variables influence wheat production (emphasis is on temperature, winter kill, frosts, precipitation, photoperiodism and solar radiation, and wind), 4) management possibilities for wheat production in various climates (emphasis is on planting date, seeding rate, and plant density, soil fertilization and plant nutrition, tillage and residue cover management, cropping systems, and weed, disease, and pest management), and 5) user requirements for agrometeorological information (emphasis is on collection of agrometeorological data with respect to wheat production and use of agrometeorological data in simulation models and decision support systems). These sections are intended to provide insight into how agrometeorological factors affect wheat development and growth leading to final production (i.e., yield) and limitations to improve production and expansion into new areas of wheat production currently limited by agrometeorological conditions.

Technical Abstract: The World Meteorological Organization is publishing their 3rd edition of Guide to Agricultural Meteorological Practices. This chapter focuses on global wheat production practices and the role and management of agrometeorological factors. The sections include 1) classification of wheat, 2) adaptation of wheat to agrometeorological zones, 3) influences of agroclimatological variables on wheat production (emphasis is on temperature, winter kill, frosts, precipitation, photoperiodism and solar radiation, and wind), 4) management aspects of wheat production in various climates (emphasis is on planting date, seeding rate, and plant density, soil fertilization and plant nutrition, tillage and residue cover management, cropping systems, and weed, disease, and pest management), and 5) user requirements for agrometeorological information (emphasis is on collection of agrometeorological data with respect to wheat production and use of agrometeorological data in simulation models and decision support systems). These sections are intended to provide insight into how agrometeorological factors affect wheat development and growth leading to final production (i.e., yield) and how management of agrometeorological factors when possible might improve production and limitations to expanding where wheat can be grown.