Before winter, it's essential to cover dryland wheat fields with organic materials such as wheat bran, straw, or other plant residues at a rate of 300-400 kg per acre. This practice not only protects the wheat from frost but also helps improve soil structure and fertility as the material decomposes. It serves as an effective strategy for enhancing drought and cold resistance in dryland wheat, ultimately boosting yield. Studies show that the soil temperature under covered wheat is lower during the day compared to uncovered areas, but it remains warmer at night—especially at 12 AM and 8 AM. This results in a slower cooling rate, longer warmth retention, and smaller temperature fluctuations between day and night, which significantly aids in the winter survival of young wheat plants.
Another method involves applying a layer of manure along the ridges after winter wheat enters its dormant phase. This technique, known as "warm ditch manure," provides insulation against wind and cold, raises soil temperature, and supplies essential nutrients to the seedlings. The ideal thickness of the manure layer is 3 to 4 cm. If there isn't enough manure available, it's especially important to apply it on late-sown barley fields, sandy soils, and areas where winter wheat was planted later, as these are more vulnerable to freezing damage.
Additionally, combining leguminous crops with barley before winter can help prevent frost damage to winter wheat. This method proves particularly effective in severe winters, often leading to a 5% to 10% increase in yield.
In cases where winter wheat has already suffered from freezing injury, spraying the seedlings with a solution of Chlormecuron at a concentration of 0.3% to 0.5% can help slow plant growth and reduce the severity of the damage. This treatment is especially useful in protecting the crop from further harm after exposure to extreme cold.
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