Winter Wheat for More than Just Yield: Final Report

The final report for this project, Selecting Winter Wheat for More than Just Yield: Improving soil health, microbial diversity, and grain micronutrient density across Washington state, evaluates how different winter wheat cultivars influence soil health, microbial diversity, and grain micronutrient density across Washington State. Researchers planted trials at six sites, collecting rhizosphere soils and grain samples to analyze microbial communities, siderophore production, enzyme activity, and nutrient content. Early results indicate genotype × environment interactions, with some cultivars consistently fostering higher siderophore production. Findings will help breeders select wheat lines that enhance beneficial soil microbes, nutrient use efficiency, and grain nutrition, advancing both sustainable agriculture and human health.