Wheat yield plateau linked to farming practices rather than climate — scientists

Scientists have found that the wheat yield plateau in northwestern Europe is driven primarily by agronomic management rather than climatic conditions. The findings come from a study by Wageningen University and Research, published in the scientific journal Nature Food.

The researchers report that wheat yields in the region have remained remarkably stable for many years, despite the crop still having untapped potential for higher productivity. Farm-level decisions — including fertilizer application, crop protection, and soil management strategies — play a decisive role in realizing this yield potential.

According to the study, the so-called yield plateau is not caused by climate change or limitations in the genetic potential of modern wheat varieties. Both factors continue to offer significant room for yield growth, while farm management practices remain the main constraint.

Northwestern Europe is a major wheat-producing region, with more than 10 million hectares planted annually. Until the mid-1990s, wheat yields rose steadily, after which growth slowed, and in many countries yields stabilized at around 7 tonnes per hectare. The reasons for this stagnation had long remained unclear.

The study also shows that climate change has actually contributed positively to yields, increasing them by 26–60 kilograms per hectare per year. This benefit is largely attributed to higher CO₂ concentrations and increased light availability during the grain-filling period. The authors conclude that breaking the yield plateau will require more effective management of agronomic and soil factors, particularly disease control and soil conservation through less intensive crop rotations.

Tags: yield, wheat