Examination of the Effect of Topdressing Before Overwintering on Wheat in Farm Fields in Tsunami Disaster Areas

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of topdressing before overwintering using the wheat cultivars ‘Ginganochikara’ and ‘Siranekomugi’ in farm fields in Higashimatsushima City and Natori City after tsunami inundation. Number of stems, number of spikes, culm length, and above-ground dry weight increased with topdressing treatment. However, the extent of these effects varied depending on the year or the field, with factors including soil properties exerting a great influence. In addition, it was found to be unlikely that topdressing before overwintering would reduce flower quality. Therefore, topdressing before overwintering is important as a means to promote growth after wintering, and to increase grain yields in farm fields in cold regions.