Grain yield and water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in relation to irrigation levels and rice straw mulching in North West India

Continuous cultivation with a rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat cropping system in north-western India has led to an irrigation water crisis due to excessive withdrawal of underground water. Large scale on-farm burning of surplus rice residue by the farmers has also caused intense air pollution. Retaining rice residue as surface mulch as an alternative to burning could be useful for soil moisture conservation, reducing air pollution and improving...