Abstract
Optimizing irrigation systems is critical for enhancing winter wheat production in the face of increasing water scarcity and climate variability. This article examines advanced irrigation strategies, including precision irrigation, drip and subsurface drip systems, and smart scheduling based on real-time data from soil sensors and weather models. Recent scientific advancements, such as the integration of machine learning for irrigation forecasting and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for crop monitoring, have significantly improved water use efficiency (WUE) and yield outcomes. The study synthesizes field trial data and recent research to evaluate the efficacy of these methods in reducing water waste, improving soil health, and increasing winter wheat yields by up to 20%. By addressing environmental challenges like groundwater depletion and salinization, these innovations support sustainable agriculture. The article also discusses barriers to adoption, such as cost and technical expertise, and proposes solutions for scaling these technologies globally.