A Systematic Review on Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Soil Moisture Dynamics in Wheat-Based Agroforestry Systems

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.113.8

Abstract:
Globally, wheat productivity and sustainable agricultural development are being significantly impacted by water constraint, decreasing soil moisture availability, and rising climate unpredictability. The potential of wheat-based agroforestry systems to increase soil moisture conservation, maximize water use efficiency (WUE), control evapotranspiration, and promote ecosystem sustainability has made them a promising climate-resilient strategy. In addition to summarizing the impact of tree-crop interactions, water management techniques, and new measurement tools, this systematic review assesses the body of research on WUE and soil moisture dynamics in wheat-based agroforestry systems. The review was carried out using literature gathered from major scientific databases, such as Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 1960 to 2025, in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) framework. To find patterns in soil moisture behavior, evapotranspiration processes, agroforestry treatments, and WUE improvement techniques, publications were searched and evaluated. The results showed that through canopy modification, litter deposition, increased soil organic matter, and microclimatic regulation, agroforestry systems have a significant impact on soil moisture distribution, infiltration characteristics, runoff regulation, root-zone water availability, and crop water productivity. While excessive competition for water, nutrients, and light negatively impacted wheat growth and production, well-managed tree-crop combinations enhanced WUE and soil moisture retention. The assessment also noted contemporary developments in machine learning and remote sensing technologies, as well as traditional field-based methods and process-based models like CROPWAT.

Keywords:
irrigation management, soil moisture dynamics, water use efficiency, wheat-based agroforestry

Article Info:
Received: 19 Apr 2026; Received in revised form: 20 May 2026; Accepted: 25 May 2026; Available online: 02 Jun 2026

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