Conservation tillage and water availability for wheat in the dryland of central Chile

Abstract

The dryland areas of Central Chile are associated to Mediterranean climate. Under these conditions, water availability during crop growth is a crucial factor for crop productivity. Conservation tillage systems play an important role in this area, increasing soil water availability; however, crop yield responses can be variable. Soil management should be aimed at reducing water loss and promoting water use by crops. The aim of this review is to analyze and discuss the factors affecting water availability in the Mediterranean drylands of Central Chile, as well as to study the effect of tillage systems on the water use efficiency of wheat. © 2013 Chilean Society of Soil Science.