Effects of clipping on the nitrogen economy of four Triticum species grown in a Mediterranean environment

•N uptake in old and ancient wheats was not affected by dual-purpose use when the N removed by clipping was considered.•Both HI and NHI increased following clipping.•Einkorn was the species whose N economy suffered the least from dual-purpose utilization.•A high tillering capacity represented a desirable trait for both pre- and post clipping N uptake in dual-purpose cereals.•Cultivars with high biomass and N at anthesis and a low sink were at risk of N losses between anthesis and maturity.