The effect of drought and nitrogen fertilization on the production, morphometry, and spectral characteristics of winter wheat

Methods of study based on the spectral reflectance of vegetation are now commonly used in researching both natural ecosystems and field crops.The aims of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of drought and nitrogen (N) fertilization on N use efficiency in winter wheat and use the obtained spectral characteristics to assess stand heterogeneity as a potential consequence of different crop nutrition. Twelve experimental plots of winter wheat were manipulated to drought from 8 May 2013 to 12 June 2013. The effect of drought was observed in two treatments: control without fertilization (N0; 0 kg N ha−1) and N fertilization (N140; 140 kg N ha–1). Plant samples were then taken for determination of above-ground biomass and N content in dry matter. Spectral characteristics of wheat were measured in the earing phase at canopy level. The effect of drought on the morphometric parameters of winter wheat was statistically significant only on N-fertilized plots (N140). Total above-ground biomass decreased by a significant 18% in the N140 treatment as a result of the simulated drought. This decrease was reflected in statistically significant reductions of all individual plant parts (stems, leaves, spikes) in N140. Responses to drought stress were observed in many vegetation indices, particularly in NDVI, GNDVI, and WI/NDVI. The results show there are significant relationships between N content in the grain and vegetation indices. A quite marked separation was observed in the relationships between dry and ambient treatments for vegetation indices NRERI, TCARI/OSAVI, VOG2 and GM. Generally, the impact of drought increased at higher levels of N content in the grain, which corresponded with the results of morphometric analysis. Use of reflectance in the study of vegetation and field crops regarding risk assessment of mineral N leaching from soils has considerable potential especially in mapping large areas and monitoring temporal changes relating to N release