THE INFLUENCE OF TILLAGE ON THE GRAIN QUALITY OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF SPRING WHEAT

Abstract

This article examines the effect of tillage on the grain quality of different spring wheat cultivars. The paper presents the results of the 2025 experiment. The research was conducted in a field experiment established in the Ukmergė district. The plot size was 752 m² (8 × 94 m). Grain quality parameters—protein, gluten and sedimentation content, as well as test weight—were determined using a FOSS INFRATEC™ analyzer. Medium-early C2 generation spring wheat cultivars ‘Kapitol’ and ‘Winx’ were investigated. The following tillage systems were studied: deep loosening (with a tine cultivator) at a depth of 20 cm, shallow loosening (with a disc cultivator) at a depth of 5 cm, and direct drilling (into stubble without tillage). In summary, the results indicate that the grain quality parameters of spring wheat varied depending on the cultivar and the tillage system. Protein and sedimentation content were highest under direct drilling for both cultivars. Statistically significantly the lowest gluten content was found in the shallow tillage plots. Meanwhile, the lowest test weight was obtained in the direct drilling treatment, whereas the highest test weight, depending on the cultivar, was observed in the shallow and deep tillage treatments.