JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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Vaezi A R, Babaei F, Safiloo H. Spatial Variability of Precipitation Use Efficiency in Wheat Rainfed Lands in a Semi-Arid Region, Zanjan Province. jwss 2026; 30 (2) :109-123
URL: http://jstnar.iut.ac.ir/article-1-4523-en.html

Precipitation use efficiency (PUE) is defined as crop yield per unit of annual precipitation in a region. Proper management of rainfed lands requires investigation of the spatial variation of PUE. In this study, two hundred ninety-eight rainfed lands were investigated in the Khodabandeh region in the south of Zanjan province. PUE was calculated as the ratio of wheat grain yield to precipitation. In addition, climatic characteristics and soil physical properties (particle size distribution and water retention) were measured, along with soil chemical properties (pH, EC, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and macro- and micronutrients) in rainfed soils. Results indicated that the mean PUE in rainfed lands is 4.43 kg mm-1. Higher values were found in the northeast, south, and west regions of the area, although these parts had lower wheat grain yields. Geostatistical analysis showed moderate spatial variation in wheat grain yield and PUE, with patterns associated with climatic variables (precipitation and temperature) and land conditions such as soil properties (particle size distribution, organic matter, and nitrogen). Rainfed lands with fine-textured soils and higher amounts of organic matter and nitrogen had higher PUE. Adjusting tillage direction and using conservation tillage are important strategies to improve organic matter content and soil productivity in rainfed lands.