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This study investigated the effects of two irrigation methods (drip tape and furrow irrigation) and three wheat planting patterns (2, 3, and 4 rows on raised beds) on wheat yield and agronomic indicators. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design within randomized complete blocks with six treatments and three replications over two growing seasons. Wheat was cultivated on wide raised beds measuring 60 cm in width, 15-20 cm in height, with 75 cm center-to-center spacing (60 cm bed width and 15 cm furrow width). Measured parameters included grain yield, germination percentage, emergence rate, tillering capacity, weed density, and water productivity. Data were analyzed using SAS software with mean comparisons performed using Duncan's test. ANOVA results indicated that the year effect was non-significant for most traits including yield, germination percentage, tillering, and water productivity, suggesting relative environmental stability between the two study years. However, year significantly affected emergence rate (P≤0.01) and weed density (P≤0.05), likely due to minor climatic variations. Irrigation methods significantly influenced all traits except germination percentage, with yield and water productivity showing significance at P≤0.05, while emergence rate, tillering, and weed density were significant at P≤0.01. Planting patterns significantly affected all measured traits: germination percentage and emergence rate at P≤0.01, and yield, tillering, and water productivity at P≤0.05. The irrigation × planting pattern interaction was significant (P≤0.01) for emergence rate, tillering, and weed density, but not for yield, germination percentage, or water productivity. The three-way year × irrigation × planting pattern interaction was only significant (P≤0.01) for emergence rate and weed density. Mean comparisons revealed that drip tape irrigation increased yield by 20.6% (7,811 vs. 6,474 kg/ha) and improved water productivity by 24.3% (1.28 vs. 1.03 kg/m³) compared to furrow irrigation, while showing 47.3% lower weed density. Among planting patterns, the 3-row arrangement demonstrated optimal performance with 7,668 kg/ha yield and 1.24 kg/m³ water productivity. The superior treatment combination - drip irrigation with 3-row planting on wide raised beds - achieved maximum yield (8,311 kg/ha) and water productivity (1.36 kg/m³). These findings demonstrate that drip tape irrigation combined with 3-row planting on wide raised beds simultaneously enhances yield, water use efficiency, growth parameters, and weed control. This integrated approach is recommended as an effective strategy for wheat cultivation in water-limited environments, offering both agronomic and resource conservation benefits. The results highlight the importance of optimized irrigation and planting configurations for sustainable wheat production systems.
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