Baseline Maps of Autumn Wheat Yield using Geographic Information Systems for The Samtskhe-Javakheti Region

In food production, not only the level of production but also its quality indicators are of great importance. The quality of wheat grains depends on the variety, climatic conditions and cultivation technology. Agro-climatic conditions affect not only wheat yield but also grain quality.

In studying the timing of sowing of the wheat crop, we tried to determine the effect of sowing timing and climatic conditions on wheat yield and quality. The vegetation period of wheat was characterized by different natural-climatic conditions, which were manifested by the drought of autumn and the sharp variability of high temperatures in spring.         

The study used wheat varieties common in the region: Tbilisi 15, Red Doli bread of Akhaltsikhe and Sauli 9. On the content of chemicals in grains, we conducted an experimental study.

Phenological observations were made during the vegetation period: emergence, recording, pruning, plant resistance to dormancy, disease resistance.     

As a result of the analysis of the research, we found:

• Based on the data obtained from the studies, we can say that the optimal sowing date of wheat in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region is 1-15 October.
• Previously, the optimal sowing dates were considered September 15-October 15. The data we obtained convinced us that wheat sown in September had significantly lower yields than wheat sown in early October (8%, 11%, and 20%). Delayed sowing after October 15 reduces crop yields by 65-75%.
• It is important for farmers to reduce the optimal sowing time, which means that sowing should be carried out in a short time, 10-15 days.
• Taking into account the optimal dates of wheat sowing in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region will allow us to dramatically increase the yield.

In addition, the results of the experiment showed that the quality and yield of grain depend on the dates of sowing, as well as the biological characteristics of the variety, soil-climatic and agrotechnical conditions.