Wheat belt-planting in China: an innovative strategy to improve production

Belt-planting is a novel method for productivity of all wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, first practiced in China, in which seeds are set on a wide belt (7-12 cm in width) rather than on a conventional line swath ∼3 cm). Belt-planting allows the seeds to be uniformly distributed in the soil and increases the probability of success in establishing desirable stands, spike number per unit area and grain yield. During recent years, belt-planting has been successfully combined with other planting systems. A combination of belt-planting with precision sowing shows the integrated advantages of both technologies. Belt-planting in a strip tillage and direct drilling system has the potential to become an economically viable method for wheat productivity, facilitating the development of environmentally friendly and resource-efficient agriculture. We review the existing literature regarding the potential advantages and underlying mechanisms of belt-planting as a potential method to ensure wheat growth and productivity. We then propose future research directions related to practicing these planting methods to further improve and promote belt-planting-based technologies.