Pub Date : 2025-03-21DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109863
Rebecca Oiza Enesi, Vengai Mbanyele, Lana Shaw, Chris Holzapfel, Bryan Nybo, Linda Yuya Gorim
Intercropping field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) can offer some benefits over monocropping to conventional grain and forage producers. Most studies have been conducted in organic systems with little information for conventional producers prompting a 2-year field study conducted at three Saskatchewan, Canada sites (SERF, IHARF, WCA).
{"title":"Pea-oats intercropping: Agronomy and the benefits of including oats as a companion crop","authors":"Rebecca Oiza Enesi, Vengai Mbanyele, Lana Shaw, Chris Holzapfel, Bryan Nybo, Linda Yuya Gorim","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109863","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109863","url":null,"abstract":"Intercropping field pea (<ce:italic>Pisum sativum</ce:italic> L.) and oat (<ce:italic>Avena sativa</ce:italic> L.) can offer some benefits over monocropping to conventional grain and forage producers. Most studies have been conducted in organic systems with little information for conventional producers prompting a 2-year field study conducted at three Saskatchewan, Canada sites (SERF, IHARF, WCA).","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"92 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143666460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109862
Can Wang, Fangli Peng, Siyu Chen, Qiang Zhao, Jie Gao, Guobing Zhang, Lingbo Zhou, Mingbo Shao
Waxy sorghum intercropped with soybean is a typical example of cereal-legume intercropping systems, which is widely used in southwest China. However, nitrogen fertilizer fate and plant nitrogen uptake characteristics in waxy sorghum-soybean intercropping system remain unclear.
{"title":"Nitrogen fertilizer fate and plant nitrogen uptake characteristics in waxy sorghum-soybean intercropping system","authors":"Can Wang, Fangli Peng, Siyu Chen, Qiang Zhao, Jie Gao, Guobing Zhang, Lingbo Zhou, Mingbo Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109862","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109862","url":null,"abstract":"Waxy sorghum intercropped with soybean is a typical example of cereal-legume intercropping systems, which is widely used in southwest China. However, nitrogen fertilizer fate and plant nitrogen uptake characteristics in waxy sorghum-soybean intercropping system remain unclear.","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143666338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109857
Angie L. Gámez , Joel Segarra , Thomas Vatter , Luis G. Santesteban , Jose L. Araus , Iker Aranjuelo
Context
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the world's most important forages for livestock feeding. Timely yield estimates could provide information to guide management decisions to improve production. Since alfalfa crops typically undergo multiple harvests in a year and demonstrate rapid regrowth, satellite remote sensing techniques present a promising solution for alfalfa monitoring.
Objective
To generate alfalfa yield estimation models at three phenological stages (early vegetative, late vegetative, and budding stages) using vegetation indices (VIs) derived from satellite Sentinel-2 images and their combination with meteorological data.
Methods
We analyzed fields located in Navarre (northern Spain) over two consecutive seasons (2020 and 2021). To generate the yield estimation models, we applied a conventional multilinear regression and two machine learning algorithms (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator - LASSO and Random Forest - RF).
Results
Regardless of the statistical approach, the three phenological stages were not optimal when either VIs or meteorological data were used singularly as the predictor. However, the combination of VIs and meteorological data significantly improved the yield estimations, and in the case of LASSO model reached percentages of variance explained (R2) and normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of R2= 0.61, nRMSE= 0.16 at the budding stage, but RF reached a R2= 0.44, nRMSE= 0.22 at the late vegetative stage, and R2= 0.36, nRMSE= 0.24 at the early vegetative stage. The most suitable variables identified were the minimum temperature, accumulated precipitation, the renormalized difference vegetation index (RDVI) and the normalized difference water index (NDWI). The RF model achieved more accurate yield estimations in early and late vegetative stages, but LASSO at bud stage.
Conclusion
These models could be used for alfalfa yield estimations at the three phenological stages prior to harvest. The results provide an approach to remotely monitor alfalfa fields and can guide effective management strategies from the early development stages.
{"title":"Alfalfa yield estimation using the combination of Sentinel-2 and meteorological data","authors":"Angie L. Gámez , Joel Segarra , Thomas Vatter , Luis G. Santesteban , Jose L. Araus , Iker Aranjuelo","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109857","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109857","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L.) is one of the world's most important forages for livestock feeding. Timely yield estimates could provide information to guide management decisions to improve production. Since alfalfa crops typically undergo multiple harvests in a year and demonstrate rapid regrowth, satellite remote sensing techniques present a promising solution for alfalfa monitoring.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To generate alfalfa yield estimation models at three phenological stages (early vegetative, late vegetative, and budding stages) using vegetation indices (VIs) derived from satellite Sentinel-2 images and their combination with meteorological data.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed fields located in Navarre (northern Spain) over two consecutive seasons (2020 and 2021). To generate the yield estimation models, we applied a conventional multilinear regression and two machine learning algorithms (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator - LASSO and Random Forest - RF).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Regardless of the statistical approach, the three phenological stages were not optimal when either VIs or meteorological data were used singularly as the predictor. However, the combination of VIs and meteorological data significantly improved the yield estimations, and in the case of LASSO model reached percentages of variance explained (<em>R</em><sup><em>2</em></sup>) and normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of <em>R</em><sup><em>2</em></sup>= 0.61, nRMSE= 0.16 at the budding stage, but RF reached a <em>R</em><sup><em>2</em></sup>= 0.44, nRMSE= 0.22 at the late vegetative stage, and <em>R</em><sup><em>2</em></sup>= 0.36, nRMSE= 0.24 at the early vegetative stage. The most suitable variables identified were the minimum temperature, accumulated precipitation, the renormalized difference vegetation index (RDVI) and the normalized difference water index (NDWI). The RF model achieved more accurate yield estimations in early and late vegetative stages, but LASSO at bud stage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These models could be used for alfalfa yield estimations at the three phenological stages prior to harvest. The results provide an approach to remotely monitor alfalfa fields and can guide effective management strategies from the early development stages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109857"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109855
Xudong Zhang , Haixiang Xiong , Rui Wang , Junjie Li , Zhaoyun Dong , Zhikuan Jia , Qingfang Han
Context
High yield and mechanization are essential goals in modern crop production. However, sowing strategies that maximize yield and mechanical harvesting efficiency in film-mulched maize remain understudied.
Objective
This study aimed to optimize the sowing window to create better water and temperature conditions, improve grain filling and water loss characteristics, and ultimately achieve mechanically harvestable high yields in film-mulched maize.
Methods
A two-factor field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years (2021–2022) in Northwest China, incorporating two planting methods (film-mulch vs. no-mulch) and four sowing dates (April 10 to May 16).
Results
Film-mulch planting increased soil temperature, accelerating maize phenological development and shortening the growth period compared with no-mulch planting. Notably, it increased the growing degree days (GDD) by 32.4–173.5 °C d but reduced plant available water (PAW) by 25.2–39.9 % during grain filling period. These changes increased grain filling rate (GFR) by 27.7–45.5 % and water loss rate (GWLR) by 2.2–15.1 %, ultimately promoting grain yield by 153.9–199.6 % and advancing mechanical harvesting date by 24–33 days. Early sowing maximized yield and harvest efficiency in water-sufficient year, while delaying sowing window to April 22–May 6 for film-mulched maize (compared with April 18–28 for no-mulch) can mitigate drought stress risks from accelerated development, thereby ensuring both yield stability and mechanical grain harvesting.
Conclusions
A one-week sowing delay is recommended for film-mulched maize compared with no-mulched pattern. This adaptive sowing window strategy can balance yield improvement and mechanical harvesting compatibility in semi-arid regions with limited and variable precipitation.
{"title":"Adaptive sowing window strategy for improving grain filling and water loss characteristics of film-mulched maize in Northwest China","authors":"Xudong Zhang , Haixiang Xiong , Rui Wang , Junjie Li , Zhaoyun Dong , Zhikuan Jia , Qingfang Han","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109855","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109855","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>High yield and mechanization are essential goals in modern crop production. However, sowing strategies that maximize yield and mechanical harvesting efficiency in film-mulched maize remain understudied.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to optimize the sowing window to create better water and temperature conditions, improve grain filling and water loss characteristics, and ultimately achieve mechanically harvestable high yields in film-mulched maize.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-factor field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years (2021–2022) in Northwest China, incorporating two planting methods (film-mulch vs. no-mulch) and four sowing dates (April 10 to May 16).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Film-mulch planting increased soil temperature, accelerating maize phenological development and shortening the growth period compared with no-mulch planting. Notably, it increased the growing degree days (GDD) by 32.4–173.5 °C d but reduced plant available water (PAW) by 25.2–39.9 % during grain filling period. These changes increased grain filling rate (GFR) by 27.7–45.5 % and water loss rate (GWLR) by 2.2–15.1 %, ultimately promoting grain yield by 153.9–199.6 % and advancing mechanical harvesting date by 24–33 days. Early sowing maximized yield and harvest efficiency in water-sufficient year, while delaying sowing window to April 22–May 6 for film-mulched maize (compared with April 18–28 for no-mulch) can mitigate drought stress risks from accelerated development, thereby ensuring both yield stability and mechanical grain harvesting.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A one-week sowing delay is recommended for film-mulched maize compared with no-mulched pattern. This adaptive sowing window strategy can balance yield improvement and mechanical harvesting compatibility in semi-arid regions with limited and variable precipitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109855"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143637085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-15DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109853
Yuwei Chai , Yawei Li , Rui Li , Lei Chang , Hongbo Cheng , Jiantao Ma , Yuqing Qin , Fanxiang Han , Changgang Yang , Yuzhang Chen , Qian Chen , Yao Zhang , Caixia Huang , Shouxi Chai
Context or Problem
Plastic film mulching and straw mulching are the primary cropping practices for increasing wheat yield and water use efficiency in water-deficient regions. Nevertheless, there remains a deficit in comprehensive and clear understanding of how mulching-induced alterations in yield components contribute to increased grain yield of wheat.
Objective
This study aimed to dissect the causal mechanisms connecting yield increase of wheat with alterations in yield components under mulching.
Methods
From 2012–2020, a total of 56 field experiments of winter wheat with different sites and tested cultivars were conducted in the semiarid rainfed region of Northwest China, using three treatments for each experiment: (1) straw strip mulch (SM), a partial ground mulching; (2) whole-ground plastic film mulching (PM); and (3) no mulching with wheat sown in rows, as a control (CK).
Results
Meta-analysis revealed that PM enhanced grain yield and its components to a greater extent than SM. Compared with CK, on average across the 56 experiments, SM and PM increased (p < 0.05) grain yield by 13.4 and 21.2 %, spike density (spikes ha−1) by 7.0 and 12.9 %, thousand-grain weight by 1.8 (p > 0.05) and 5.5 %, total grains ha−1 by 10.3 and 16.7 %, straw yield by 15.1 and 29.9 %, biomass by 14.6 and 26.2 %, net income by 774 and 68 ¥ ha−1, respectively. However, Grains per spike and harvest indices did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). The translocation contribution, translocation amount, translocation efficiency of pre-anthesis assimilate from whole plant to grains in SM and PM were 8.5 and 19.5 %, 24.2 and 72.7 %, 3.6 and 7.1 % higher than those in CK, respectively. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between grain yield and straw yield, as well as between each of them and spike density, the translocation contribution rate, respectively. Grain yield of SM increased with an increase in mulched area, and the grain yield in SM with 59 % of mulched area was similar to that in PM (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The increased spike density was identified as the first component leading to higher grain yield in SM and PM over CK, while the enhanced vegetative growth (straw yield) provided photosynthetic product support for increasing spike density and transferring more pre-anthesis assimilate to grains. The economics of PM were not as attractive as those of the appropriate SM system despite the higher yield merits.
Implications
The findings potentially contribute to innovation, improvement and implementation of mulching practices for wheat cultivation in water-deficient regions.
{"title":"Increased spike density and enhanced vegetative growth as primary contributors to improvement of dryland wheat yield via surface mulching","authors":"Yuwei Chai , Yawei Li , Rui Li , Lei Chang , Hongbo Cheng , Jiantao Ma , Yuqing Qin , Fanxiang Han , Changgang Yang , Yuzhang Chen , Qian Chen , Yao Zhang , Caixia Huang , Shouxi Chai","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109853","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109853","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or Problem</h3><div>Plastic film mulching and straw mulching are the primary cropping practices for increasing wheat yield and water use efficiency in water-deficient regions. Nevertheless, there remains a deficit in comprehensive and clear understanding of how mulching-induced alterations in yield components contribute to increased grain yield of wheat.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to dissect the causal mechanisms connecting yield increase of wheat with alterations in yield components under mulching.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From 2012–2020, a total of 56 field experiments of winter wheat with different sites and tested cultivars were conducted in the semiarid rainfed region of Northwest China, using three treatments for each experiment: (1) straw strip mulch (SM), a partial ground mulching; (2) whole-ground plastic film mulching (PM); and (3) no mulching with wheat sown in rows, as a control (CK).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Meta-analysis revealed that PM enhanced grain yield and its components to a greater extent than SM. Compared with CK, on average across the 56 experiments, SM and PM increased (<em>p</em> < 0.05) grain yield by 13.4 and 21.2 %, spike density (spikes ha<sup>−1</sup>) by 7.0 and 12.9 %, thousand-grain weight by 1.8 (<em>p</em> > 0.05) and 5.5 %, total grains ha<sup>−1</sup> by 10.3 and 16.7 %, straw yield by 15.1 and 29.9 %, biomass by 14.6 and 26.2 %, net income by 774 and 68 <em>¥</em> ha<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. However, Grains per spike and harvest indices did not differ among treatments (<em>p</em> > 0.05). The translocation contribution, translocation amount, translocation efficiency of pre-anthesis assimilate from whole plant to grains in SM and PM were 8.5 and 19.5 %, 24.2 and 72.7 %, 3.6 and 7.1 % higher than those in CK, respectively. A significant positive correlation (<em>p</em> < 0.01) was observed between grain yield and straw yield, as well as between each of them and spike density, the translocation contribution rate, respectively. Grain yield of SM increased with an increase in mulched area, and the grain yield in SM with 59 % of mulched area was similar to that in PM (<em>p</em> > 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The increased spike density was identified as the first component leading to higher grain yield in SM and PM over CK, while the enhanced vegetative growth (straw yield) provided photosynthetic product support for increasing spike density and transferring more pre-anthesis assimilate to grains. The economics of PM were not as attractive as those of the appropriate SM system despite the higher yield merits.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>The findings potentially contribute to innovation, improvement and implementation of mulching practices for wheat cultivation in water-deficient regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109853"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143628444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109854
Pan Li , Wen Yin , Lianhao Zhao , Pingxing Wan , Zhilong Fan , Falong Hu , Yunyou Nan , Yali Sun , Hong Fan , Wei He , Qiang Chai
Context
Conservation tillage practices are widely used in dryland areas of China to intensify ecological resource use and improve crop yields. However, the response mechanisms of canopy radiation interception and use efficiency for wheat to straw retention remain unclear.
Objective
This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms by which straw retention affects canopy radiation interception characteristics, photosynthetic properties, grain yield, and radiation use efficiency during the growth period of wheat.
Methods
We conducted a three-year field experiment in Northwest China to study how straw retention affects canopy radiation interception and photosynthetic properties of wheat. The experiment included four treatments: no tillage with straw mulching (NTSM), no tillage with straw standing (NTSS), conventional deep tillage with straw incorporation (CTS), and conventional deep tillage without straw retention (CT, the control).
Results
Straw retention (NTSM, NTSS, and CTS) optimized the dynamics of canopy radiation interception during the wheat growth season. These practices helped maintain higher canopy cover and lower penetration ratio, thereby increasing canopy radiation interception of wheat. NTSM showed the most significant advantage, with 20.8 %, 17.2 %, and 7.2 % increase in canopy radiation interception of wheat over NTSS, CTS, and CT. NTSM also helped to delay the degradation of chlorophyll a, b after the wheat anthesis stage. This delay was particularly notable for chlorophyll a, resulting in a 9.2 % increase in chlorophyll a/b compared to CT. Straw retention also optimized photosynthetic mechanisms, promoted carbon assimilation, and enhanced photosynthetic production during wheat grain filling. The net photosynthetic rate of wheat at 45 d after emergence was increased by 16.4 % and 11.5 % with NTSM and NTSS over CT, and enhanced by 12.7 % and 8.0 % over CTS. This was because NTSM increased key photosynthetic enzyme activities (Rubisco, GAPDH, and FBA) by 38.1 %, 13.5 %, and 40.2 % compared to CT, with corresponding gene expression levels rising by 11.8 %, 28.1 %, and 11.7 %. The content of D1 and D2 proteins in PSII with NTSM increased by 21.7 % and 11.1 % over CT. As a result, NTSM had higher grain yield and canopy radiation use efficiency of wheat, increasing by 20.5 % and 9.1 % compared to CT.
Conclusions
No tillage with straw mulching enhanced radiation use efficiency of wheat by optimizing canopy radiation interception and photosynthetic properties.
Implications
Our research reveals the mechanisms for improving the canopy radiation use efficiency of wheat and its response to no tillage with straw mulching, offering valuable insights for long-term wheat production in irrigated arid areas.
{"title":"No tillage with straw mulching enhanced radiation use efficiency of wheat via optimizing canopy radiation interception and photosynthetic properties","authors":"Pan Li , Wen Yin , Lianhao Zhao , Pingxing Wan , Zhilong Fan , Falong Hu , Yunyou Nan , Yali Sun , Hong Fan , Wei He , Qiang Chai","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Conservation tillage practices are widely used in dryland areas of China to intensify ecological resource use and improve crop yields. However, the response mechanisms of canopy radiation interception and use efficiency for wheat to straw retention remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms by which straw retention affects canopy radiation interception characteristics, photosynthetic properties, grain yield, and radiation use efficiency during the growth period of wheat.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a three-year field experiment in Northwest China to study how straw retention affects canopy radiation interception and photosynthetic properties of wheat. The experiment included four treatments: no tillage with straw mulching (NTSM), no tillage with straw standing (NTSS), conventional deep tillage with straw incorporation (CTS), and conventional deep tillage without straw retention (CT, the control).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Straw retention (NTSM, NTSS, and CTS) optimized the dynamics of canopy radiation interception during the wheat growth season. These practices helped maintain higher canopy cover and lower penetration ratio, thereby increasing canopy radiation interception of wheat. NTSM showed the most significant advantage, with 20.8 %, 17.2 %, and 7.2 % increase in canopy radiation interception of wheat over NTSS, CTS, and CT. NTSM also helped to delay the degradation of chlorophyll a, b after the wheat anthesis stage. This delay was particularly notable for chlorophyll a, resulting in a 9.2 % increase in chlorophyll a/b compared to CT. Straw retention also optimized photosynthetic mechanisms, promoted carbon assimilation, and enhanced photosynthetic production during wheat grain filling. The net photosynthetic rate of wheat at 45 d after emergence was increased by 16.4 % and 11.5 % with NTSM and NTSS over CT, and enhanced by 12.7 % and 8.0 % over CTS. This was because NTSM increased key photosynthetic enzyme activities (Rubisco, GAPDH, and FBA) by 38.1 %, 13.5 %, and 40.2 % compared to CT, with corresponding gene expression levels rising by 11.8 %, 28.1 %, and 11.7 %. The content of D1 and D2 proteins in PSII with NTSM increased by 21.7 % and 11.1 % over CT. As a result, NTSM had higher grain yield and canopy radiation use efficiency of wheat, increasing by 20.5 % and 9.1 % compared to CT.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>No tillage with straw mulching enhanced radiation use efficiency of wheat by optimizing canopy radiation interception and photosynthetic properties.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>Our research reveals the mechanisms for improving the canopy radiation use efficiency of wheat and its response to no tillage with straw mulching, offering valuable insights for long-term wheat production in irrigated arid areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109854"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143620307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109840
Ahmed Shaaban , Nasr M. Abdou , Taia A. Abd El‑Mageed , Wael M. Semida , Ahmed R. Abd El Tawwab , Gamal F. Mohamed , Mohamed S. Mohamed , Mohamed T. El‑Saadony , Khaled A. El-Tarabily , Synan F. AbuQamar , Khaulood A. Hemida
<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Sugar beet (<em>Beta vulgaris</em> L.) is an essential industrial crop valued for its sugar production, especially in regions with limited water resources. Due to its lower water demands, sugar beet is favored over sugarcane in Egypt. We hypothesized that foliar application of potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) would enhance sugar beet's physiological responses, yield, and water productivity under drought and saline conditions, offering an eco-friendly solution to optimize crop performance in semi-arid regions.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to (i) investigate the impact of foliar-applied K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> on the physiological, biochemical, and anatomical traits of sugar beet under drought stress in saline soils, (ii) evaluate the effects of K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> on agronomic traits, root and sugar yields, and water productivity under different irrigation regimes, and (iii) assess K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> to mitigate the adverse effects of drought and salinity, enhancing sugar beet resilience and productivity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Field experiments were conducted over two winter seasons at Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt, to assess the impact of three irrigation regimes (DIR<sub>0%</sub>, DIR<sub>25%</sub>, DIR<sub>50%</sub>) and three foliar K₂SiO₃ concentrations (0, 10, 20 mmol L<sup>−1</sup>) on sugar beet (cv. Baraca) in a split-plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (in triplicates). Physiological parameters, such as leaf water content, membrane stability, chlorophyll fluorescence, osmolyte accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activities, were measured. Agronomic traits, including root yield, white sugar yield, and crop water productivity (WPc), were also evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In general, drought stress negatively impacted physio-biochemical and anatomical traits, nutrient uptake, growth, sugar yield, and quality of sugar beet. This was evidenced by the significantly (<em>P</em><0.05) increased levels of osmolytes and antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), which indicated the plant’s defensive/adaptive responses to drought stress. However, K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> effectively alleviated the adverse effects of deficit irrigation. Notably, the interaction of DIR<sub>0%</sub> × KSi-20 resulted in the highest root yield (88.97 t ha<sup>−1</sup>) and sugar yield (14.43 t ha<sup>−1</sup>), while the highest WPc (24.48 kg m<sup>−3</sup>) was achieved in the DIR<sub>50%</sub> × KSi-20 treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Foliar application of K₂SiO₃ effectively alleviates drought and salinity stress in sugar beet by improving physiological and biochemical traits. The treatment enhances photosynthetic efficiency, osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant activity, and nutrient uptake, leading to improved crop yield and quality.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study highlights K₂SiO₃ as
{"title":"Foliar fertilization with potassium silicate enhances water productivity and drought resilience in sugar beet","authors":"Ahmed Shaaban , Nasr M. Abdou , Taia A. Abd El‑Mageed , Wael M. Semida , Ahmed R. Abd El Tawwab , Gamal F. Mohamed , Mohamed S. Mohamed , Mohamed T. El‑Saadony , Khaled A. El-Tarabily , Synan F. AbuQamar , Khaulood A. Hemida","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Sugar beet (<em>Beta vulgaris</em> L.) is an essential industrial crop valued for its sugar production, especially in regions with limited water resources. Due to its lower water demands, sugar beet is favored over sugarcane in Egypt. We hypothesized that foliar application of potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) would enhance sugar beet's physiological responses, yield, and water productivity under drought and saline conditions, offering an eco-friendly solution to optimize crop performance in semi-arid regions.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to (i) investigate the impact of foliar-applied K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> on the physiological, biochemical, and anatomical traits of sugar beet under drought stress in saline soils, (ii) evaluate the effects of K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> on agronomic traits, root and sugar yields, and water productivity under different irrigation regimes, and (iii) assess K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> to mitigate the adverse effects of drought and salinity, enhancing sugar beet resilience and productivity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Field experiments were conducted over two winter seasons at Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt, to assess the impact of three irrigation regimes (DIR<sub>0%</sub>, DIR<sub>25%</sub>, DIR<sub>50%</sub>) and three foliar K₂SiO₃ concentrations (0, 10, 20 mmol L<sup>−1</sup>) on sugar beet (cv. Baraca) in a split-plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (in triplicates). Physiological parameters, such as leaf water content, membrane stability, chlorophyll fluorescence, osmolyte accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activities, were measured. Agronomic traits, including root yield, white sugar yield, and crop water productivity (WPc), were also evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In general, drought stress negatively impacted physio-biochemical and anatomical traits, nutrient uptake, growth, sugar yield, and quality of sugar beet. This was evidenced by the significantly (<em>P</em><0.05) increased levels of osmolytes and antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), which indicated the plant’s defensive/adaptive responses to drought stress. However, K<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> effectively alleviated the adverse effects of deficit irrigation. Notably, the interaction of DIR<sub>0%</sub> × KSi-20 resulted in the highest root yield (88.97 t ha<sup>−1</sup>) and sugar yield (14.43 t ha<sup>−1</sup>), while the highest WPc (24.48 kg m<sup>−3</sup>) was achieved in the DIR<sub>50%</sub> × KSi-20 treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Foliar application of K₂SiO₃ effectively alleviates drought and salinity stress in sugar beet by improving physiological and biochemical traits. The treatment enhances photosynthetic efficiency, osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant activity, and nutrient uptake, leading to improved crop yield and quality.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study highlights K₂SiO₃ as ","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109840"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143620306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109843
Bidhan Chandro Sarker , Enamul Kabir , Richard W. Bell , Yasin Ali
Context
Achieving high nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency remains a challenge for crop production, especially when the soil is dry during critical growth periods and under zero-tillage. Appropriate placement depth of N fertilizers may increase the N use efficiency and yield of crops by enhancing availability, uptake and utilization of N, but it is unclear whether these gains can be made in saline clay soils.
Objective
To test the hypothesis, sunflower was grown in consecutive dry seasons on a saline clay soil of the Ganges Delta to evaluate the effects of placement depth of N and mulch on growth, yield, net return and N use efficiency of the crop.
Methods
In both the years, the treatments consisted of eight placement combinations [P0= prilled urea at surface (0 cm), P1= prilled urea at 5 cm depth, P2= prilled urea at 10 cm depth, P3= prilled urea at 15 cm depth, P4= urea super granules (USG) at 5 cm depth, P5= USG at 10 cm depth, P6= USG at 15 cm depth and P7= USG at 20 cm depth] with and without rice straw mulch.
Results
Main effects of N placement method and mulch significantly (p < 0.01) influenced the yield, N use efficiency and net return but their interaction for those parameters was non-significant. Prilled urea at 10–15 cm depth was associated with highest yield components, seed yield (3.8–4.0 t ha−1), oil yield and net return while the agronomic N efficiency (26 kg kg−1) was higher in USG at 15 cm depth than other treatments in both the cultivation years. The rice straw mulch improved the seed yield, oil yield, net return and N use efficiency by 7, 4, 11 and 8 %, respectively, relative to un-mulched fields.
Conclusion
We conclude that placement of prilled urea at 10 cm depth and mulch on the soil surface increase apparent N recovery and N use efficiency for zero-tilled sunflower in the saline clay soils of the Ganges Delta.
Implications
Deep placement (10–15 cm) of N from prilled urea enhanced the yield and N use efficiency due to enhanced soil water content around the placed urea, and increased uptake and utilization of N. Mulch also conserved the soil water, leading to higher solute potential and lower topsoil salinity that were positively related to growth, yield and N use efficiency of sunflower, but the effects were independent of N placement depth or form.
{"title":"Improving seed yield and N use efficiency of sunflower by deep placement of N fertilizers and straw mulch on saline clay soils of the Ganges Delta","authors":"Bidhan Chandro Sarker , Enamul Kabir , Richard W. Bell , Yasin Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Achieving high nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency remains a challenge for crop production, especially when the soil is dry during critical growth periods and under zero-tillage. Appropriate placement depth of N fertilizers may increase the N use efficiency and yield of crops by enhancing availability, uptake and utilization of N, but it is unclear whether these gains can be made in saline clay soils.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To test the hypothesis, sunflower was grown in consecutive dry seasons on a saline clay soil of the Ganges Delta to evaluate the effects of placement depth of N and mulch on growth, yield, net return and N use efficiency of the crop.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In both the years, the treatments consisted of eight placement combinations [P<sub>0</sub>= prilled urea at surface (0 cm), P<sub>1</sub>= prilled urea at 5 cm depth, P<sub>2</sub>= prilled urea at 10 cm depth, P<sub>3</sub>= prilled urea at 15 cm depth, P<sub>4</sub>= urea super granules (USG) at 5 cm depth, P<sub>5</sub>= USG at 10 cm depth, P<sub>6</sub>= USG at 15 cm depth and P<sub>7</sub>= USG at 20 cm depth] with and without rice straw mulch.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Main effects of N placement method and mulch significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.01) influenced the yield, N use efficiency and net return but their interaction for those parameters was non-significant. Prilled urea at 10–15 cm depth was associated with highest yield components, seed yield (3.8–4.0 t ha<sup>−1</sup>), oil yield and net return while the agronomic N efficiency (26 kg kg<sup>−1</sup>) was higher in USG at 15 cm depth than other treatments in both the cultivation years. The rice straw mulch improved the seed yield, oil yield, net return and N use efficiency by 7, 4, 11 and 8 %, respectively, relative to un-mulched fields.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We conclude that placement of prilled urea at 10 cm depth and mulch on the soil surface increase apparent N recovery and N use efficiency for zero-tilled sunflower in the saline clay soils of the Ganges Delta.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>Deep placement (10–15 cm) of N from prilled urea enhanced the yield and N use efficiency due to enhanced soil water content around the placed urea, and increased uptake and utilization of N. Mulch also conserved the soil water, leading to higher solute potential and lower topsoil salinity that were positively related to growth, yield and N use efficiency of sunflower, but the effects were independent of N placement depth or form.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109843"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143609632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109838
Li Zhang , Feng Zhang , Kaiping Zhang , Yue Wang , Evgenios Agathokleous , Chao Fang , Zhike Zhang , Haiyan Wei , Zhongyang Huo
Context
Mineral nitrogen (N) management and organic matter management in the paddy fields directly affect yield and soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice-wheat rotation system of China. However, comprehensive research on the combined impacts of these two practices remains insufficient, and there is a lack of quantitative analyses on a large regional scale as well as identification of the main drivers.
Objective
This study aimed to elucidate the impact of mineral N management and organic matter management on rice yield and global warming potential (GWP) and their spatial distribution patterns, and to investigate influential factors.
Methods
We combined machine learning algorithms based on meta-analysis to assess the effect of mineral N management (synthetic N fertilizer, slow-/controlled- release fertilizer) and organic matter management (organic fertilizer, biochar amendment, and straw return) on rice yield and GHG in the rice-wheat system by compiling 163 peer-reviewed journal articles and high-resolution multi-source databases in China.
Results
Mineral N management significantly increased rice yield (412 %) and N2O (162.3 %), and reduced GHG emissions intensity (GHGI; 20.1 %). Organic matter management increased CH4, GWP, and GHGI by 74.4 %, 60.8 %, and 55.1 %, respectively. Machine learning (random forest (RF), support vector machine, multiple layer perceptron, and gradient boosting machine) suggested that RF was the optimal method for predicting rice yield and GHG (R2 = 0.43–0.90). The spatial distribution indicated that mineral N management boosted rice yield and N2O while reducing GHGI, especially in the Middle-lower Yangtze River (MLY) region, by 37.6 %, 277 %, and 25.2 %, respectively. Structural equation modeling and RF analysis revealed that field management practices and edaphic factors had major contributions to rice yield, while climatic factors were positively with CH4 and N2O emissions.
Implications
Our findings provide insights into the importance of inorganic and organic managements to ensure food security and environmental sustainability, thereby contributing to the promotion of sustainable rice production.
{"title":"Nitrogen and organic matter managements improve rice yield and affect greenhouse gas emissions in China’s rice-wheat system","authors":"Li Zhang , Feng Zhang , Kaiping Zhang , Yue Wang , Evgenios Agathokleous , Chao Fang , Zhike Zhang , Haiyan Wei , Zhongyang Huo","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Mineral nitrogen (N) management and organic matter management in the paddy fields directly affect yield and soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice-wheat rotation system of China. However, comprehensive research on the combined impacts of these two practices remains insufficient, and there is a lack of quantitative analyses on a large regional scale as well as identification of the main drivers.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to elucidate the impact of mineral N management and organic matter management on rice yield and global warming potential (GWP) and their spatial distribution patterns, and to investigate influential factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We combined machine learning algorithms based on meta-analysis to assess the effect of mineral N management (synthetic N fertilizer, slow-/controlled- release fertilizer) and organic matter management (organic fertilizer, biochar amendment, and straw return) on rice yield and GHG in the rice-wheat system by compiling 163 peer-reviewed journal articles and high-resolution multi-source databases in China.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mineral N management significantly increased rice yield (412 %) and N<sub>2</sub>O (162.3 %), and reduced GHG emissions intensity (GHGI; 20.1 %). Organic matter management increased CH<sub>4</sub>, GWP, and GHGI by 74.4 %, 60.8 %, and 55.1 %, respectively. Machine learning (random forest (RF), support vector machine, multiple layer perceptron, and gradient boosting machine) suggested that RF was the optimal method for predicting rice yield and GHG (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.43–0.90). The spatial distribution indicated that mineral N management boosted rice yield and N<sub>2</sub>O while reducing GHGI, especially in the Middle-lower Yangtze River (MLY) region, by 37.6 %, 277 %, and 25.2 %, respectively. Structural equation modeling and RF analysis revealed that field management practices and edaphic factors had major contributions to rice yield, while climatic factors were positively with CH<sub>4</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O emissions.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>Our findings provide insights into the importance of inorganic and organic managements to ensure food security and environmental sustainability, thereby contributing to the promotion of sustainable rice production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109838"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-10DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109827
Chao Wang , Chengkai Zhang , Zhihong Xie , Dandan Wang , Yue Meng , Yajie Sun , Yinglong Chen , Zhaoyu Li , Yaowei Kang , Yizhu Guo
Context
Silicon (Si), as a functional element, is known to benefit the development and growth of cereals, especially under stress conditions. Si biofortification in crops using silicate-solubilizing bacteria (SSB) offers an eco-friendly biotechnique for enhancing crop resilience.
Objective
This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a synthetic community of SSBs (SSB SynCom), isolated from across the country for high silica degradation capacity, in supporting competitive maize yields with reduced fertilizer application.
Methods
A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare the effect of SSB SynCom on maize growth, yield and rhizosphere microecology with reduced fertilizer application.
Results
The application of SSB SynCom significantly increased biomass and yield in maize under nutritional stress, particularly nitrogen (N) deficiency. Leaf photosynthetic capacity, Si concentration, and the expression levels of Si transporter genes were notably enhanced with SSB SynCom, along with significant changes in rhizosphere microecology. Notably, N and Si concentration in the shoots were strongly correlated. Additionally, several key microbial genera showed significant positive associations with the nutritional status of the host plant.
Conclusion
The investigated SSB SynCom proved to be a highly effective microbial agent for improving yield via N-Si interactions in field-grown maize with reduced fertilizer input, offering new avenues for sustainable agricultural development.
{"title":"Engineered silicate-solubilizing bacterial community alleviates nutrient stress in field-grown maize by enhancing silicon uptake and optimizing rhizosphere microecology","authors":"Chao Wang , Chengkai Zhang , Zhihong Xie , Dandan Wang , Yue Meng , Yajie Sun , Yinglong Chen , Zhaoyu Li , Yaowei Kang , Yizhu Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Silicon (Si), as a functional element, is known to benefit the development and growth of cereals, especially under stress conditions. Si biofortification in crops using silicate-solubilizing bacteria (SSB) offers an eco-friendly biotechnique for enhancing crop resilience.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a synthetic community of SSBs (SSB SynCom), isolated from across the country for high silica degradation capacity, in supporting competitive maize yields with reduced fertilizer application.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare the effect of SSB SynCom on maize growth, yield and rhizosphere microecology with reduced fertilizer application.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The application of SSB SynCom significantly increased biomass and yield in maize under nutritional stress, particularly nitrogen (N) deficiency. Leaf photosynthetic capacity, Si concentration, and the expression levels of Si transporter genes were notably enhanced with SSB SynCom, along with significant changes in rhizosphere microecology. Notably, N and Si concentration in the shoots were strongly correlated. Additionally, several key microbial genera showed significant positive associations with the nutritional status of the host plant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The investigated SSB SynCom proved to be a highly effective microbial agent for improving yield via N-Si interactions in field-grown maize with reduced fertilizer input, offering new avenues for sustainable agricultural development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 109827"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143591941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：