Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 230-236 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 232 microorganisms in the soil more active. However, no-tillage also has problems, such as easy soil compaction and more difficult weed control (Peixoto et al., 2020; Bezboruah et al., 2024). Traditional tillage is prone to causing more greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient loss. Although no-tillage reduces these problems, it may also take away more nitrates due to stronger water infiltration (Kraut-Cohen et al., 2019; Bhattacharyya et al., 2022). 3.2 Definition and application of reduced/conservation tillage Reduced tillage, also known as conservation tillage, is a practice that reduces soil disturbance. It does not turn the land as frequently as traditional tillage. Common methods include strip tillage, mulching tillage and ridge cultivation. The purpose of doing this is to retain as much straw as possible on the surface, reduce soil erosion by rain, make the soil healthier, retain moisture, and store more carbon (Porwollik et al., 2019). More and more people in the world are using conservation tillage, but the methods used in each place are different. Because it can help conserve water and soil and improve biodiversity, it is important in promoting sustainable agriculture (Bezboruah et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2024). This method can also help cope with climate change and is suitable for reference when making agricultural plans in different regions. 3.3 Straw mulching and its water-retaining mechanism Straw mulching is part of conservation tillage, which is to spread the harvested straw on the ground. This method can block the sun and wind, reduce water evaporation, and make the soil temperature more stable (Bezboruah et al., 2024). The covered straw can also improve the soil structure, increase the organic matter in the soil, help soil and water conservation, and prevent the soil from being washed away by rain. Combining straw mulch with reduced tillage is very helpful in retaining moisture and improving crop drought resistance. 4 Tillage-Induced Modulation of Root Development 4.1 Effects on root structure and morphology Different tillage methods affect the morphology and structure of wheat roots. Compared with conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT) is more conducive to root growth. For example, when the soil is not compacted, no-tillage can make the roots grow deeper and denser, and can also increase the total amount of roots (Hobson et al., 2022). Most of the time and in different soil layers, wheat roots are generally longer under no-tillage, which is very helpful for increasing yields when water is scarce (Muñoz-Romero et al., 2010). However, conventional tillage can sometimes make more roots in the upper soil, probably because tillage makes the soil looser and the roots can get in more easily. Overall, no-tillage and reduced mechanical compaction methods can help wheat roots grow better downward and make the soil structure healthier. 4.2 Root vitality and water uptake efficiency Roots usually grow more vigorously when no-tillage or deep tillage is used, which can also improve water absorption capacity. More roots, especially deep roots, can help wheat absorb water from deeper soil, which is critical in drought weather (Muñoz-Romero et al., 2010). In no-till fields, the soil structure is better, with vertical cracks or biopores, which makes it easier for water to reach the roots and allows roots to absorb water more smoothly (Hobson et al., 2022). Because the roots grow well and absorb more water, wheat in no-till fields can maintain good yields when there is little rain and is more drought-resistant. 4.3 Temporal and spatial root growth dynamics Tillage methods also affect the growth of roots at different times and in different soil layers. No-till allows roots to maintain a high growth level throughout the growth period, and the roots can be distributed more evenly in all soil layers (Muñoz-Romero et al., 2010). In contrast, traditional tillage allows roots to be mainly concentrated in the upper layer, with fewer roots in the lower layer (Muñoz-Romero et al., 2009). But no matter which method is used, the timing of rainfall is also important, especially during the tillering period. If there is rain at this time, the roots will grow better. Over time, the difference in root distribution between no-till and traditional tillage will become more and more obvious. No-till is more conducive to root growth that is deeper and wider, and has greater drought resistance.
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