EFFECT OF SOWING DATE, SEEDING RATE, AND PLANTING METHOD ON 1000-GRAIN WEIGHT AND GRAIN YIELD OF BUCKWHEAT UNDER IRRIGATED TYPICAL SIEROZEM SOIL CONDITIONS

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of sowing dates, seeding rates, and planting methods on grain quality and yield components of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivated as a second crop under irrigated typical sierozem soil conditions. The primary objective was to identify optimal agronomic practices for maximizing 1000-grain weight and grain yield.

The results demonstrated that grain plumpness and weight were fundamentally linked to the plant’s nutritional area. The highest 1000-grain weight values (24.0-24.3 g) were consistently achieved under early sowing dates (June 20 and July 1) with lower plant densities, specifically in treatments using the single-row method at 1 million seeds/ha and the double-row method at 2 million seeds/ha. Across all planting methods, superior grain weight was associated with early sowing.

Conversely, the maximum grain yield of 22.4 q/ha was obtained under a high-density planting regime: sowing on June 20 using the triple-row method at a seeding rate of 3 million seeds/ha. This indicates a trade-off between individual grain quality (weight) and total yield per unit area, mediated by sowing date and plant density.

These findings provide a scientific basis for tailoring buckwheat cultivation strategies to specific production goals under irrigated semiarid conditions.