Optimised nitrogen fertilisation strategies improve productivity and the environmental impact of durum wheat cultivation under Mediterranean drought conditions

The study compared the response of one landrace (Russello Priziusa), one ancient variety (Senatore Cappelli), and two modern genotypes under conventional management, slow-release nitrogen fertilisation, and organic management in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment characterised by Xerofluvent soil. Agronomic traits, including grain yield, protein content, grain quality (white starchy kernels, WS; shrunken kernels, SK), and nitrogen apparent recovery efficiency (NARE), were evaluated. The wheat landrace and the ancient variety were suited to multiple management strategies, particularly organic and slow-release fertilisation. These genotypes exhibited significantly lower SK values than the modern varieties, while maintaining comparable NARE, despite their lower yield under conventional management. Overall, the results highlight the importance of optimising management practices for both modern and traditional wheat systems to enhance food security and promote sustainable production in the Mediterranean region.