Grain yield and water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in relation to irrigation levels and rice straw mulching in North West India.

Highlights: [•] Wheat yield and water use increased with increase in irrigations. [•] Rice straw mulching decreased surface soil temperature and weed dry matter. [•] Mulching increased the water use efficiency, yield attributes and yield in wheat. [•] Highest water use efficiency recorded with 2 irrigations applied with 6tha−1 mulch. [•] Mulching decreased soil bulk density and increased organic carbon in surface soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]