Innovation and application of technology models for wheat green production in China

In the face of rising food demand and declining wheat acreage, improving wheat yield and resource use efficiency will be key to sustainable wheat production. To address the challenge, this study proposed a framework for wheat green production, quantified the benefits of key technologies and technology models based on the framework in wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and developed a new model for the promotion of technology. The framework included soil, root layer and canopy systems, where the adoption of single technologies based on the framework could increase wheat yield and NUE by improving soil fertility, managing soil nutrient supply and building high-yielding systems. Through combining specific single technologies, a year-round plastic film mulching model in dryland cropping, and an efficient nutrient and water management technique model for irrigated cropping were established, providing benefits in wheat yield and NUE. A multi-subject joint innovation technology model was also developed to serve as a bridge to transform agricultural technology into agricultural productivity. In the future, a sustainable increase in wheat production in China will require innovation in key technologies and technology models, the development of new technology promotion models, and the combined efforts of the whole community.