Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110324
Hongjin Li , Tao Li , Jianghui Yu , Tianyu Du , Ping Zhang , Jingjing Cui , Zheshu Xu , Ying Zhu , Fangfu Xu , Qun Hu , Guodong Liu , Guangyan Li , Haiyan Wei
<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Currently, indica rice cultivation faces significant challenges in achieving coordinated enhancement of high yield, superior quality, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Carbon-nitrogen (C-N) metabolic coordination is recognized as a pivotal trait for attaining this goal.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to systematically analyze the dynamic characteristics of C-N metabolism under nitrogen (N) regulation and clarify their mechanistic roles in synergistically improving the yield-quality-NUE relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, the indica rice cultivar Quanliangyou 851 was used with nine N regulation treatments (78.75–292.5 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) established through dynamic allocation of basal, tillering, supplementary, and panicle fertilizers. This approach shaped distinct C-N metabolic patterns across the growth cycle.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Treatments under phased insufficient N supply conditions always exhibited low yield and poor rice appearance quality, treatments with a total N application of 225 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> achieved yield increases (9.50–10.35 × 10<sup>3</sup> kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) through supplementary or panicle fertilization. Notably, appropriate dosage and application period of nitrogen (N6 treatment, panicle fertilizer applied at the 13th leaf stage) significantly increased the total spikelet number and stem-sheath non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) translocation rate, thereby achieving higher yield and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN). Furthermore, its optimization of carbon-dominated assimilate allocation during grain filling mitigated the negative impact of excessive protein accumulation on rice taste value, ultimately demonstrating optimal yield-quality-NUE synergy through balanced carbon-nitrogen metabolism. A comprehensive evaluation of yield-quality-NUE based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model revealed strong correlations between comprehensive evaluation scores and C-N metabolism indicators. Stepwise regression modeling further validated that SPAD decay rate (β=-0.4), the ratio of stem-sheath NSC accumulation (NSCA) to stem-sheath N accumulation (NA) at heading (NSCA/NA) (β= 0.62), and the ratio of LAI to SPAD value at heading stage (LAI/SPAD) (β=1.20) collectively explained 87.1 % of the synergistic variation (R<sup>2</sup>=0.871). This demonstrates that efficient C-N metabolic coordination is crucial for synergistic yield-quality-NUE improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The synergistic improvement in yield, quality, and NUE achieved by applying panicle fertilizer at the 13th leaf stage (225 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) is fundamentally underpinned by the regulated balance of C-N metabolism. This balance optimizes sink strength, assimilate allocation, and nitrogen remobilization. Furthermore, NSCA/NA, LAI/SPAD, and SPAD decay rate are validated as key diagnostic indicators for guiding this precision managem
{"title":"Synergistic optimization of yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency in indica rice: Influence of nitrogen management and C-N metabolism linkages","authors":"Hongjin Li , Tao Li , Jianghui Yu , Tianyu Du , Ping Zhang , Jingjing Cui , Zheshu Xu , Ying Zhu , Fangfu Xu , Qun Hu , Guodong Liu , Guangyan Li , Haiyan Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Currently, indica rice cultivation faces significant challenges in achieving coordinated enhancement of high yield, superior quality, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Carbon-nitrogen (C-N) metabolic coordination is recognized as a pivotal trait for attaining this goal.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to systematically analyze the dynamic characteristics of C-N metabolism under nitrogen (N) regulation and clarify their mechanistic roles in synergistically improving the yield-quality-NUE relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, the indica rice cultivar Quanliangyou 851 was used with nine N regulation treatments (78.75–292.5 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) established through dynamic allocation of basal, tillering, supplementary, and panicle fertilizers. This approach shaped distinct C-N metabolic patterns across the growth cycle.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Treatments under phased insufficient N supply conditions always exhibited low yield and poor rice appearance quality, treatments with a total N application of 225 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> achieved yield increases (9.50–10.35 × 10<sup>3</sup> kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) through supplementary or panicle fertilization. Notably, appropriate dosage and application period of nitrogen (N6 treatment, panicle fertilizer applied at the 13th leaf stage) significantly increased the total spikelet number and stem-sheath non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) translocation rate, thereby achieving higher yield and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN). Furthermore, its optimization of carbon-dominated assimilate allocation during grain filling mitigated the negative impact of excessive protein accumulation on rice taste value, ultimately demonstrating optimal yield-quality-NUE synergy through balanced carbon-nitrogen metabolism. A comprehensive evaluation of yield-quality-NUE based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model revealed strong correlations between comprehensive evaluation scores and C-N metabolism indicators. Stepwise regression modeling further validated that SPAD decay rate (β=-0.4), the ratio of stem-sheath NSC accumulation (NSCA) to stem-sheath N accumulation (NA) at heading (NSCA/NA) (β= 0.62), and the ratio of LAI to SPAD value at heading stage (LAI/SPAD) (β=1.20) collectively explained 87.1 % of the synergistic variation (R<sup>2</sup>=0.871). This demonstrates that efficient C-N metabolic coordination is crucial for synergistic yield-quality-NUE improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The synergistic improvement in yield, quality, and NUE achieved by applying panicle fertilizer at the 13th leaf stage (225 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) is fundamentally underpinned by the regulated balance of C-N metabolism. This balance optimizes sink strength, assimilate allocation, and nitrogen remobilization. Furthermore, NSCA/NA, LAI/SPAD, and SPAD decay rate are validated as key diagnostic indicators for guiding this precision managem","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110324"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145956485","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110341
Natalia da Silva Volpato , Víctor D. Giménez , Gustavo A. Maddonni , P.V. Vara Prasad , Timothy Durrett , Ignacio A. Ciampitti
Context
Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is a legume valued due to its high nutritional quality, rich in protein, essential amino acids and micronutrients. Mungbean also plays a key role in sustainable agriculture via nitrogen fixation and adaptability to diverse cropping systems. However, there is a noticeable gap in knowledge about the critical period of mungbean for seed yield determination.
Objectives
This study aimed to (i) identify the critical period for seed yield determination in mungbean and (ii) determine the main important seed yield components influencing yield variation.
Methods
Successive 14-day shading treatments were applied throughout the crop cycle at different points, from emergence to maturity, in field experiments conducted during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons in Manhattan, Kansas, United States (US), with treatment timing expressed as thermal time (sum of degree-days above a base temperature of 7.5 °C) relative to flowering.
Results
The critical period for yield determination was identified between 139 °C days before flowering (∼7 days before flowering) and 427 °C days after flowering (∼25 days after flowering), ranging from V8 to R5 crop growth stages (seventh trifoliate leaf to one pod on the main stem turning dark brown). Shade treatments reduced seed yield, with penalties ranging from 41 % to 68 %, and were mainly due to reductions in seed number per unit area, with limited compensation from increased seed weight. Pod number per unit area was the strongest determinant of final yield, while seeds per pod had a lesser effect.
Conclusions
Defining the critical period for seed yield determination is essential for optimizing mungbean productivity through breeding and management strategies.
{"title":"Defining the critical period for yield determination in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek]","authors":"Natalia da Silva Volpato , Víctor D. Giménez , Gustavo A. Maddonni , P.V. Vara Prasad , Timothy Durrett , Ignacio A. Ciampitti","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Mungbean (<em>Vigna radiata</em> (L.) R. Wilczek) is a legume valued due to its high nutritional quality, rich in protein, essential amino acids and micronutrients. Mungbean also plays a key role in sustainable agriculture via nitrogen fixation and adaptability to diverse cropping systems. However, there is a noticeable gap in knowledge about the critical period of mungbean for seed yield determination.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to (i) identify the critical period for seed yield determination in mungbean and (ii) determine the main important seed yield components influencing yield variation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Successive 14-day shading treatments were applied throughout the crop cycle at different points, from emergence to maturity, in field experiments conducted during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons in Manhattan, Kansas, United States (US), with treatment timing expressed as thermal time (sum of degree-days above a base temperature of 7.5 °C) relative to flowering.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The critical period for yield determination was identified between 139 °C days before flowering (∼7 days before flowering) and 427 °C days after flowering (∼25 days after flowering), ranging from V8 to R5 crop growth stages (seventh trifoliate leaf to one pod on the main stem turning dark brown). Shade treatments reduced seed yield, with penalties ranging from 41 % to 68 %, and were mainly due to reductions in seed number per unit area, with limited compensation from increased seed weight. Pod number per unit area was the strongest determinant of final yield, while seeds per pod had a lesser effect.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Defining the critical period for seed yield determination is essential for optimizing mungbean productivity through breeding and management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110341"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923518","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110338
Koloina Rahajaharilaza , Kirsten vom Brocke , Philippe Letourmy , Bertrand Muller , Ramavovololona , Perraud Rebecca , Tuong-Vi Cao , Joël Rakotomalala , Louis-Marie Raboin
Context or problem
Madagascar heavily depends on rice for caloric intake, especially through irrigated farming. In the Vakinankaratra region, rainfed upland rice farming is an important complement but faces challenges such as poor soil fertility and vulnerability to pathogens like Pyricularia oryzae.
Objective or research question
To address these challenges, we evaluated extended elite lines upland rice varietal mixtures adapted to local conditions, focusing on yield performance, stability, and food security.
Methods
Four upland rice varieties: Chhomrong Dhan, FOFIFA 172, FOFIFA 173, and FOFIFA 180, well-suited to Madagascar's high-altitude climatic conditions and resistant to Pyricularia oryzae, were evaluated in three experiments conducted in the highlands of Madagascar between 2013 and 2017. The experimental design assessed all variety combinations, considering two treatment factors: 'mixture type' (ranging from pure stands to mixtures of all four varieties) and 'varietal composition' (15 modalities representing different varietal combinations). The analysis included the identification of the best-performing varietal compositions using a mixed-effects linear regression model and land equivalent ratio calculations.
Results
The analysis revealed that grain yield did not significantly differ among various mixture types, while varietal composition within mixtures had a highly significant effect. No mixture combination yielded more than the best varieties in pure stand although some matched their performance. Three combinations showed a significantly improved land equivalent ratio. Varieties differed in competitive abilities and trait plasticity.
Conclusions
Contrary to literature suggesting that increased diversity through varietal mixtures enhances production, the study found that the number of varieties in mixtures (mixture type) did not have significant effects. However, it appears possible to identify specific mixture combinations with strong mixing abilities.
Implications
This study evaluated mixtures of elite rice varieties that are currently available to farmers, under optimal fertility management. In these conditions, varietal mixtures did not demonstrate clear advantages over pure stands. However, results may differ under low-fertility conditions more representative of farmers’ fields, or when using a broader genetic diversity. These scenarios warrant further investigation. In such contexts, varietal mixtures could complement other diversification strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Madagascar Highlands.
{"title":"Evaluation of upland rice variety mixtures in the Madagascar highlands","authors":"Koloina Rahajaharilaza , Kirsten vom Brocke , Philippe Letourmy , Bertrand Muller , Ramavovololona , Perraud Rebecca , Tuong-Vi Cao , Joël Rakotomalala , Louis-Marie Raboin","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110338","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110338","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Madagascar heavily depends on rice for caloric intake, especially through irrigated farming. In the Vakinankaratra region, rainfed upland rice farming is an important complement but faces challenges such as poor soil fertility and vulnerability to pathogens like <em>Pyricularia oryzae</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>To address these challenges, we evaluated extended elite lines upland rice varietal mixtures adapted to local conditions, focusing on yield performance, stability, and food security.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Four upland rice varieties: Chhomrong Dhan, FOFIFA 172, FOFIFA 173, and FOFIFA 180, well-suited to Madagascar's high-altitude climatic conditions and resistant to <em>Pyricularia oryzae</em>, were evaluated in three experiments conducted in the highlands of Madagascar between 2013 and 2017. The experimental design assessed all variety combinations, considering two treatment factors: 'mixture type' (ranging from pure stands to mixtures of all four varieties) and 'varietal composition' (15 modalities representing different varietal combinations). The analysis included the identification of the best-performing varietal compositions using a mixed-effects linear regression model and land equivalent ratio calculations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis revealed that grain yield did not significantly differ among various mixture types, while varietal composition within mixtures had a highly significant effect. No mixture combination yielded more than the best varieties in pure stand although some matched their performance. Three combinations showed a significantly improved land equivalent ratio. Varieties differed in competitive abilities and trait plasticity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Contrary to literature suggesting that increased diversity through varietal mixtures enhances production, the study found that the number of varieties in mixtures (mixture type) did not have significant effects. However, it appears possible to identify specific mixture combinations with strong mixing abilities.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study evaluated mixtures of elite rice varieties that are currently available to farmers, under optimal fertility management. In these conditions, varietal mixtures did not demonstrate clear advantages over pure stands. However, results may differ under low-fertility conditions more representative of farmers’ fields, or when using a broader genetic diversity. These scenarios warrant further investigation. In such contexts, varietal mixtures could complement other diversification strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Madagascar Highlands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110338"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923519","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110340
Wangmei Li , Yu Sun , Tingting He , Yuhan Xue , Ke Hu , Ruotong Si , Mingsheng Fan , Haiqing Chen
Context
Determining optimum nitrogen (N) management is essential for maintaining rice yield while reducing the environmental risk caused by N loss. The C/N ratio of agricultural inputs plays a critical role in regulating reactive N (Nr) emissions and soil N retention.
Objectives
However, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding the optimization of N management (application rates and surplus levels) to simultaneously achieve yield maximization and yield-scaled Nr loss minimization in straw-incorporated, deep-fertilized paddy systems.
Methods
We conducted a three-year field experiment in Sanjiang Plain in northeast China with four N application rate treatments (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1). Through systematic evaluation N input (straw-N, biological N fixation, atmospheric N deposition，irrigation-derived N), output (grain N removal, NH3 volatilization, N2O emissions, runoff, leaching, and drainage loss), and yield of paddy system.
Results
We identified closely aligned thresholds for agronomic (104.5 kg N ha−1 for maximum yield) and environmental (99.5 kg N ha−1 for minimal yield-scaled Nr loss) objectives, corresponding to similar N surpluses (32.9–34.1 kg N ha−1). The system maintains high efficiency with Nr losses of just 2.3–6.5 kg N ha−1 annually, dominated by NH3 volatilization (2.7–4.4 % of applied N). When N application exceeded 100 kg N ha−1, both Nr losses and yield-scaled Nr losses increased sharply, with a critical inflection point at 110 kg N ha−1 corresponding to accelerated N surplus accumulation. Notably, a negative correlation was observed between paddy Nr losses and the C:N ratio of input materials.
Conclusions
The recommended 99.5–110 kg N ha−1 application range provides a scientifically validated pathway for sustainable intensification, requiring 30.3–33.6 % N less than conventional systems while maintaining comparable yields through optimized N cycling rather than increased inputs. The synergistic effects of optimization N rates，straw incorporation, and deep fertilization collectively regulate the C:N ratio and Nr losses of paddy systems, thereby mitigating the typical trade-off between productivity and sustainability in intensive rice systems.
确定最佳氮素管理对维持水稻产量和减少氮素损失造成的环境风险至关重要。农业投入品的碳氮比在调节活性氮（Nr）排放和土壤氮保持中起关键作用。然而，对于优化氮素管理（施氮量和剩余水平），以同时实现秸秆复合深度施肥水稻系统的产量最大化和产量比例的氮素损失最小化，仍然存在关键的知识空白。方法在三江平原进行为期3年的大田试验，施氮量分别为0、50、100和150 kg N ha−1。通过系统评价水稻系统的氮输入（秸秆氮、生物固氮、大气氮沉降、灌溉衍生氮）、输出（谷粒氮去除、NH3挥发、N2O排放、径流、淋溶和排水损失）和产量。结果我们确定了农艺（104.5 kg N ha - 1为最高产量）和环境（99.5 kg N ha - 1为最小产量比例的氮损失）目标的紧密一致的阈值，对应于相似的氮盈余（32.9-34.1 kg N ha - 1）。该系统保持了较高的效率，每年的Nr损失仅为2.3-6.5 kg N ha - 1，主要是NH3挥发（占施氮量的2.7-4.4 %）。当施氮量超过100 kg N ha−1时，氮素损失和产量比例的氮素损失均急剧增加，在110 kg N ha−1处出现临界拐点，对应于氮素剩余积累加速。值得注意的是，水稻Nr损失与输入材料的C:N比呈负相关。结论建议的99.5-110 kg N ha - 1施用范围为可持续强化提供了一条经过科学验证的途径，该范围比传统系统减少30.3 - 33.6% %的氮素需求，同时通过优化氮循环而不是增加投入来保持相当的产量。优化施氮量、秸秆还田和深度施肥的协同效应共同调节了水稻系统的C:N比和Nr损失，从而缓解了集约化水稻系统中典型的生产力与可持续性之间的权衡。
{"title":"Optimizing nitrogen application to minimize yield-scaled reactive nitrogen loss and nitrogen surplus in rice systems","authors":"Wangmei Li , Yu Sun , Tingting He , Yuhan Xue , Ke Hu , Ruotong Si , Mingsheng Fan , Haiqing Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110340","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Determining optimum nitrogen (N) management is essential for maintaining rice yield while reducing the environmental risk caused by N loss. The C/N ratio of agricultural inputs plays a critical role in regulating reactive N (Nr) emissions and soil N retention.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>However, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding the optimization of N management (application rates and surplus levels) to simultaneously achieve yield maximization and yield-scaled Nr loss minimization in straw-incorporated, deep-fertilized paddy systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a three-year field experiment in Sanjiang Plain in northeast China with four N application rate treatments (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>). Through systematic evaluation N input (straw-N, biological N fixation, atmospheric N deposition，irrigation-derived N), output (grain N removal, NH<sub>3</sub> volatilization, N<sub>2</sub>O emissions, runoff, leaching, and drainage loss), and yield of paddy system.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified closely aligned thresholds for agronomic (104.5 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> for maximum yield) and environmental (99.5 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> for minimal yield-scaled Nr loss) objectives, corresponding to similar N surpluses (32.9–34.1 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>). The system maintains high efficiency with Nr losses of just 2.3–6.5 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> annually, dominated by NH<sub>3</sub> volatilization (2.7–4.4 % of applied N). When N application exceeded 100 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>, both Nr losses and yield-scaled Nr losses increased sharply, with a critical inflection point at 110 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> corresponding to accelerated N surplus accumulation. Notably, a negative correlation was observed between paddy Nr losses and the C:N ratio of input materials.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The recommended 99.5–110 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> application range provides a scientifically validated pathway for sustainable intensification, requiring 30.3–33.6 % N less than conventional systems while maintaining comparable yields through optimized N cycling rather than increased inputs. The synergistic effects of optimization N rates，straw incorporation, and deep fertilization collectively regulate the C:N ratio and Nr losses of paddy systems, thereby mitigating the typical trade-off between productivity and sustainability in intensive rice systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110340"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923515","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110339
Arjun Singh, Anchal Dass, S. Sudhishri, V.K. Singh, Prameela Krishnan, Pravin K. Upadhyay, K. Shekhawat, R.N. Sahoo, S.S. Rathore, Ayekpam Dollina Devi, A.R. Devika
Efficient resource management is crucial for sustaining maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in semi-arid Indo-Gangetic Plains, where water scarcity and nitrogen-use inefficiency limit yield potential. The present two-year field study (2022–2023) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, investigated: (1) the influence of precision sub-surface drip fertigation (SSDF) of N and crop residue management on maize physiological performance and productivity, and (2) relationships between physio-biochemical parameters and grain yield of maize. Treatments included 0–100 % of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) delivered in 3 or 4 splits via SSDF (main-plot treatments), with or without greengram residue (3 t ha⁻¹) incorporation (sub-plot treatments), in comparison to conventional surface fertilization. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a split-plot design. SSDF significantly (p < 0.05) improved photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll status (SPAD), intercepted PAR (IPAR), and yield attributes. The treatment with100 % N delivered in 4 splits (100 % N-4S) recorded the highest net photosynthesis (31.9 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), SPAD (50.4), IPAR (1673 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), and grain yield (6.7 t ha⁻¹), revealing 19.6–27.5 % higher yield over conventional practices. The treatment with 75 % N delivered in 4 splits (75 % N-4S) achieved a comparable yield (6.3–6.4 t ha⁻¹), enabling a 25 % nitrogen saving without loss in productivity. Residue incorporation enhanced stomatal conductance (↑9 %), transpiration efficiency (↑5 %), specific leaf nitrogen (↑5–9 %), and improved grain yield by 5.5 % (during the year 2022) and 9.8 % (during 2023) over no-residue. Additionally, PCA explained 65 % of the total trait variance, with key loadings from specific leaf area (SLA), SPAD, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency (PNUE), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). These findings confirm that integrating SSDF with optimized N scheduling and residue management enhances maize resource-use efficiency and yield, offering a resilient, sustainable strategy in semi-arid agro-ecosystems.
在半干旱的印度-恒河平原，水资源短缺和氮素利用效率低下限制了产量潜力，有效的资源管理对于维持玉米（Zea mays L.）的生产力至关重要。本研究（2022-2023）在印度新德里ICAR-IARI进行了为期2年的田间研究，研究了：(1)氮精确地下滴灌（SSDF）和作物残茬管理对玉米生理性能和生产力的影响，(2)生理生化参数与玉米产量的关系。处理包括0 - 100% %的推荐剂量的氮（RDN），通过SSDF（主地块处理）分3次或4次输送，与传统的地表施肥相比，有或没有绿图残留（3 - ha - 1）结合（子地块处理）。采用分裂图设计的方差分析（ANOVA）对数据进行分析。SSDF显著（p <； 0.05）提高了光合速率、叶绿素状态（SPAD）、截获PAR （IPAR）和产量属性。用100 % N分4次（100 % N- 4s）进行的治疗记录了最高的净光合作用（31.9µmol m - 2（毒血症））、SPAD（50.4µmol m - 5（毒血症））、IPAR（1673µmol m - 2（毒血症））和粮食产量（6.7 - 1（毒血症）），比常规方法高出19.6 - 27.5% %。75% % N分4次输送（75% % N- 4s）的处理取得了相当的产量（6.3-6.4 t - ha），在不损失生产力的情况下，可以节省25% %的氮。与无秸秆相比，秸秆的加入提高了气孔导度（↑9 %）、蒸腾效率（↑5 %）、比叶氮（↑5 - 9 %），并使籽粒产量分别提高了5.5% %（2022年）和9.8 %（2023年）。此外，PCA解释了65% %的性状总方差，主要负荷来自比叶面积（SLA）、SPAD、光合氮利用效率（PNUE）和归一化植被指数（NDVI）。这些研究结果证实，将SSDF与优化的氮素调度和残留物管理相结合可以提高玉米资源利用效率和产量，为半干旱农业生态系统提供了一种有弹性的可持续战略。
{"title":"Integrated subsurface drip fertigation and residue management enhance maize resource-use efficiency in semi-arid agro-ecosystems","authors":"Arjun Singh, Anchal Dass, S. Sudhishri, V.K. Singh, Prameela Krishnan, Pravin K. Upadhyay, K. Shekhawat, R.N. Sahoo, S.S. Rathore, Ayekpam Dollina Devi, A.R. Devika","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient resource management is crucial for sustaining maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) productivity in semi-arid Indo-Gangetic Plains, where water scarcity and nitrogen-use inefficiency limit yield potential. The present two-year field study (2022–2023) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, investigated: (1) the influence of precision sub-surface drip fertigation (SSDF) of N and crop residue management on maize physiological performance and productivity, and (2) relationships between physio-biochemical parameters and grain yield of maize. Treatments included 0–100 % of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) delivered in 3 or 4 splits <em>via</em> SSDF (main-plot treatments), with or without greengram residue (3 t ha⁻¹) incorporation (sub-plot treatments), in comparison to conventional surface fertilization. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a split-plot design. SSDF significantly (p < 0.05) improved photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll status (SPAD), intercepted PAR (IPAR), and yield attributes. The treatment with100 % N delivered in 4 splits (100 % N-4S) recorded the highest net photosynthesis (31.9 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), SPAD (50.4), IPAR (1673 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), and grain yield (6.7 t ha⁻¹), revealing 19.6–27.5 % higher yield over conventional practices. The treatment with 75 % N delivered in 4 splits (75 % N-4S) achieved a comparable yield (6.3–6.4 t ha⁻¹), enabling a 25 % nitrogen saving without loss in productivity. Residue incorporation enhanced stomatal conductance (↑9 %), transpiration efficiency (↑5 %), specific leaf nitrogen (↑5–9 %), and improved grain yield by 5.5 % (during the year 2022) and 9.8 % (during 2023) over no-residue. Additionally, PCA explained 65 % of the total trait variance, with key loadings from specific leaf area (SLA), SPAD, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency (PNUE), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). These findings confirm that integrating SSDF with optimized N scheduling and residue management enhances maize resource-use efficiency and yield, offering a resilient, sustainable strategy in semi-arid agro-ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110339"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923520","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110327
Yu Yang , Xiaoyu Liu , Qin Ma , Huiyao Wu , Victor O. Sadras , Jinshan Liu
Context or problem
Phosphorus (P) over-fertilization in rainfed maize systems of the Loess Plateau of China contributes to environmental pollution and low P use efficiency. This study assessed how the reduced P fertilization rates and different application methods influence maize yield, P use efficiency, root morphology, rhizosphere enzyme activity, and soil P fractions.
Methods
Exp. 1 compared a P-unfertilized control (CK), a farmer’s practice (FP) at 52.4 kg P ha−1, and a reduced rate of 30.6 kg P ha−1 (RF) over four years. Exp. 2 included P-unfertilized control, broadcasted application of single superphosphate (RF), banded application of single superphosphate (BP), and banded application of single superphosphate plus ammonium sulfate (AS) over two years. Maize yield, P use efficiency, root morphology, rhizosphere enzyme activity, and soil P fractions were measured and analyzed.
Results
In Exp. 1, reducing P fertilization to 30.6 kg ha−1 (RF) maintained yield, grain P content, and aboveground P uptake compared to the farmer’s practice (FP). In Exp. 2, compared to broadcasted application of single superphosphate (RF), yield was significantly increased by banded application of single superphosphate (BP) and banded application of superphosphate plus ammonium sulfate (AS), with AS showing a 13 % increase over two years. The AS treatment also lowered rhizosphere pH, enhanced labile P pool, and improved root morphology, promoting P uptake. Root traits (total root length, volume, surface area, and average root diameter) at the V3, V10, and R1 stages were positively correlated with the β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, phosphatase activity, and NH4+-N availability. Both random forest and Mantel analyses identified soil available P as the primary determinant of yield and P uptake. PLS-PM further revealed that the AS treatment enhanced yield chiefly via its effects on soil available P, enzyme activity, and root traits.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that a tailored, low-input P management strategy, involving a 42 % reduction in P fertilization combined with banded application of superphosphate and ammonium sulfate enhances yield, improves P use efficiency, and optimizes soil conditions under maize dryland farming.
背景与问题黄土高原旱作玉米系统磷肥过量造成环境污染和磷素利用效率低下。研究了施磷量减少和不同施磷方式对玉米产量、磷利用效率、根系形态、根际酶活性和土壤磷组分的影响。1比较了未施磷肥对照（CK）、农民实践（FP）在4年内的52.4 kg P ha−1和30.6 kg P ha−1 （RF）的降低率。试验2包括不施磷肥对照、单过磷酸钙播施（RF）、单过磷酸钙带状施（BP）和单过磷酸钙加硫酸铵带状施（AS），为期两年。测定并分析了玉米产量、磷利用效率、根形态、根际酶活性和土壤磷组分。结果在实验1中，与农民实践（FP）相比，将施磷量降低至30.6 kg ha - 1 （RF）可维持产量、籽粒磷含量和地上磷吸收量。在试验2中，与单过磷酸钙（RF）撒播施用相比，单过磷酸钙（BP）带状施用和过磷酸钙加硫酸铵（AS）带状施用显著提高了产量，其中AS在两年内增加了13. %。AS处理还降低了根际pH值，增加了活性磷库，改善了根系形态，促进了磷的吸收。V3、V10和R1期根系性状（总根长、体积、表面积和平均根径）与β-1,4-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶活性、磷酸酶活性和NH4+-N有效性呈正相关。随机森林分析和Mantel分析都确定土壤速效磷是产量和磷吸收的主要决定因素。PLS-PM进一步揭示，AS处理主要通过对土壤速效磷、酶活性和根系性状的影响来提高产量。研究结果表明，在玉米旱地种植条件下，减少42% %的磷肥施肥量，结合过磷酸钙和硫酸铵的带状施用，可提高产量，提高磷肥利用效率，优化土壤条件。
{"title":"Banded application of single superphosphate and ammonium sulfate enhances phosphorus-use efficiency and maize productivity on the Loess Plateau of China","authors":"Yu Yang , Xiaoyu Liu , Qin Ma , Huiyao Wu , Victor O. Sadras , Jinshan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110327","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Phosphorus (P) over-fertilization in rainfed maize systems of the Loess Plateau of China contributes to environmental pollution and low P use efficiency. This study assessed how the reduced P fertilization rates and different application methods influence maize yield, P use efficiency, root morphology, rhizosphere enzyme activity, and soil P fractions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Exp. 1 compared a P-unfertilized control (CK), a farmer’s practice (FP) at 52.4 kg P ha<sup>−1</sup>, and a reduced rate of 30.6 kg P ha<sup>−1</sup> (RF) over four years. Exp. 2 included P-unfertilized control, broadcasted application of single superphosphate (RF), banded application of single superphosphate (BP), and banded application of single superphosphate plus ammonium sulfate (AS) over two years. Maize yield, P use efficiency, root morphology, rhizosphere enzyme activity, and soil P fractions were measured and analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In Exp. 1, reducing P fertilization to 30.6 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> (RF) maintained yield, grain P content, and aboveground P uptake compared to the farmer’s practice (FP). In Exp. 2, compared to broadcasted application of single superphosphate (RF), yield was significantly increased by banded application of single superphosphate (BP) and banded application of superphosphate plus ammonium sulfate (AS), with AS showing a 13 % increase over two years. The AS treatment also lowered rhizosphere pH, enhanced labile P pool, and improved root morphology, promoting P uptake. Root traits (total root length, volume, surface area, and average root diameter) at the V3, V10, and R1 stages were positively correlated with the β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, phosphatase activity, and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N availability. Both random forest and Mantel analyses identified soil available P as the primary determinant of yield and P uptake. PLS-PM further revealed that the AS treatment enhanced yield chiefly via its effects on soil available P, enzyme activity, and root traits.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results demonstrate that a tailored, low-input P management strategy, involving a 42 % reduction in P fertilization combined with banded application of superphosphate and ammonium sulfate enhances yield, improves P use efficiency, and optimizes soil conditions under maize dryland farming.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110327"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923522","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}
The widespread and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, coupled with unsustainable farming practices, has degraded soil health, polluted water resources, reduced biodiversity, and jeopardized environmental and human health in South Asia. Addressing these challenges requires climate-smart and sustainable nutrient management strategies that can enhance both crop productivity and agroecosystem services.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the trade-offs and synergies in agroecosystem services resulting from organic nutrient management using farmyard manure (FYM) and integrated nutrient management (INM), combining FYM with chemical fertilizers, compared to conventional chemical fertilizer practices across South Asian agri-food systems.
Methods
A meta-analysis was conducted using 869 pair-wise observations extracted from 260 field-based studies conducted exclusively in South Asia. Studies were selected through systematic screening using the PRISMA protocol and classified by climate zone, soil type, and duration. The impact of FYM and INM treatments was assessed relative to chemical (NPK) fertilizer controls across five ecosystem services: crop yield, carbon sequestration, soil fertility, greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, and water use. The natural log response ratio was used as the effect size metric.
Results
The application of FYM alone resulted in a 4.71 % average reduction in crop yield compared to chemical fertilizers, but improved carbon sequestration (24.53 %), nutrient availability nitrogen (6.93 %), phosphorus (4.36 %), and potassium (2.49 %), and reduced water use (7.10 %). INM led to a 21.17 % increase in crop yield and significantly improved carbon sequestration and nutrient availability compared to chemical fertilizers. About 75 % of INM-related observations showed a synergistic improvement in yield and non-marketed ecosystem services, reflecting win–win outcomes.
Conclusions
While FYM alone may not always match the yield performance of chemical fertilizers, it contributes to long-term soil health and water use efficiency. INM offers a balanced approach that enhances both productivity and environmental sustainability in diverse agro-climatic zones of South Asia.
Implications
These findings highlight the potential of organic and integrated nutrient strategies as climate-smart solutions for enhancing agroecosystem services in South Asian agri-food systems. The study supports informed decision-making by farmers and policymakers to promote integrated nutrient use and reduce over-reliance on chemical inputs, contributing to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
{"title":"Trade-offs and synergies in agroecosystem services with organic and integrated nutrient management in South Asian agri-food systems: Evidence from a meta-analysis","authors":"Dinesh Chand Meena , Pratap Singh Birthal , Kiran Kumara TM , Anjani Kumar , Vijay Singh Meena","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>The widespread and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, coupled with unsustainable farming practices, has degraded soil health, polluted water resources, reduced biodiversity, and jeopardized environmental and human health in South Asia. Addressing these challenges requires climate-smart and sustainable nutrient management strategies that can enhance both crop productivity and agroecosystem services.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the trade-offs and synergies in agroecosystem services resulting from organic nutrient management using farmyard manure (FYM) and integrated nutrient management (INM), combining FYM with chemical fertilizers, compared to conventional chemical fertilizer practices across South Asian agri-food systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A meta-analysis was conducted using 869 pair-wise observations extracted from 260 field-based studies conducted exclusively in South Asia. Studies were selected through systematic screening using the PRISMA protocol and classified by climate zone, soil type, and duration. The impact of FYM and INM treatments was assessed relative to chemical (NPK) fertilizer controls across five ecosystem services: crop yield, carbon sequestration, soil fertility, greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, and water use. The natural log response ratio was used as the effect size metric.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The application of FYM alone resulted in a 4.71 % average reduction in crop yield compared to chemical fertilizers, but improved carbon sequestration (24.53 %), nutrient availability nitrogen (6.93 %), phosphorus (4.36 %), and potassium (2.49 %), and reduced water use (7.10 %). INM led to a 21.17 % increase in crop yield and significantly improved carbon sequestration and nutrient availability compared to chemical fertilizers. About 75 % of INM-related observations showed a synergistic improvement in yield and non-marketed ecosystem services, reflecting <em>win–win</em> outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>While FYM alone may not always match the yield performance of chemical fertilizers, it contributes to long-term soil health and water use efficiency. INM offers a balanced approach that enhances both productivity and environmental sustainability in diverse agro-climatic zones of South Asia.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>These findings highlight the potential of organic and integrated nutrient strategies as climate-smart solutions for enhancing agroecosystem services in South Asian agri-food systems. The study supports informed decision-making by farmers and policymakers to promote integrated nutrient use and reduce over-reliance on chemical inputs, contributing to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110325"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923514","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 : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110319
Francisco Ayala , Facundo Curin , Martín Diaz-Zorita , José Murguía , Enrique Montero Bulacio , Margarita Portapila , María Elena Otegui , Raquel Lía Chan , Fernanda Gabriela González
Context or problem
Breeding for improved tolerance to water deficit is critical to mitigate the climate change impact on wheat yield. In 2020, Argentina approved the first wheat transformed with the sunflower HaHB4 gene (INDØØ412–7), which increased yield by 16 % compared to the non-transformed Cadenza under drought conditions. This benefit may have been overestimated, as Cadenza is a long cycle for the Pampas region. Additionally, the underlying physiological mechanisms of yield benefit, particularly those related to water use and water use efficiency, remain to be fully elucidated.
Objective or research question
The aims of the study are (i) to quantify the yield advantage of HaHB4 in a modern, well-adapted cultivar and (ii) to elucidate the physiological processes involved in yield benefit, which is crucial for identifying optimal environments for this technology.
Methods
An HaHB4-introgressed line of Algarrobo was compared with the conventional cultivar in a broad network of experiments comprising one greenhouse, with two irrigation levels, and 29 field environments within the Pampas region combining different locations (10), years (5) and treatments (sowing dates, irrigation).
Results
Under water deficit during the reproductive phase, the yield advantage of HaHB4 was 15 % in the greenhouse and 13 % in the field. HaHB4 improved the relative yield by 0.06–0.08 % per mm of water deficit, also responding positively to moderate heat stress (∑Tmax > 30 °C ∼40–60 °Cd). The enhanced water use and water use efficiency conferred by HaHB4, allowed for maintaining biomass and yield under water deficit.
Conclusions
The hypothesis of an initial overestimation of HaHB4 benefits can be rejected because in the modern Algarrobo cultivar it showed a similar benefit as in Cadenza. In areas prone to drought combined with heat stress, the introgression of HaHB4 in modern cultivars would enhance yield stability by improving water-limited yield. This may have a great impact on productivity in rainfed cropping systems, like most of the wheat-producing areas around the world.
{"title":"Yield benefit and ecophysiological processes behind the introgression of HaHB4 in a modern wheat in the Argentine Pampas","authors":"Francisco Ayala , Facundo Curin , Martín Diaz-Zorita , José Murguía , Enrique Montero Bulacio , Margarita Portapila , María Elena Otegui , Raquel Lía Chan , Fernanda Gabriela González","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Breeding for improved tolerance to water deficit is critical to mitigate the climate change impact on wheat yield. In 2020, Argentina approved the first wheat transformed with the sunflower <em>HaHB4</em> gene (INDØØ412–7), which increased yield by 16 % compared to the non-transformed Cadenza under drought conditions. This benefit may have been overestimated, as Cadenza is a long cycle for the Pampas region. Additionally, the underlying physiological mechanisms of yield benefit, particularly those related to water use and water use efficiency, remain to be fully elucidated.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>The aims of the study are (i) to quantify the yield advantage of <em>HaHB4</em> in a modern, well-adapted cultivar and (ii) to elucidate the physiological processes involved in yield benefit, which is crucial for identifying optimal environments for this technology.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An <em>HaHB4</em>-introgressed line of Algarrobo was compared with the conventional cultivar in a broad network of experiments comprising one greenhouse, with two irrigation levels, and 29 field environments within the Pampas region combining different locations (10), years (5) and treatments (sowing dates, irrigation).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Under water deficit during the reproductive phase, the yield advantage of <em>HaHB4</em> was 15 % in the greenhouse and 13 % in the field. <em>HaHB4</em> improved the relative yield by 0.06–0.08 % per mm of water deficit, also responding positively to moderate heat stress (∑Tmax > 30 °C ∼40–60 °Cd). The enhanced water use and water use efficiency conferred by <em>HaHB4</em>, allowed for maintaining biomass and yield under water deficit.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The hypothesis of an initial overestimation of <em>HaHB4</em> benefits can be rejected because in the modern Algarrobo cultivar it showed a similar benefit as in Cadenza. In areas prone to drought combined with heat stress, the introgression of <em>HaHB4</em> in modern cultivars would enhance yield stability by improving water-limited yield. This may have a great impact on productivity in rainfed cropping systems, like most of the wheat-producing areas around the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110319"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923521","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 : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110326
Feiyu Ying , Zhibing Lv , Yuewen Huo , Cong Chen , Zhengxiong Zhao , Xiaokang Hu , Prakash Lakshmanan , Hans Lambers , Fusuo Zhang , Wen-Feng Cong
Context
Achieving high maize yield while minimizing environmental impacts remains a major challenge for global food security and ecological sustainability, particularly in water-protection areas where nutrient losses pose risks to water quality.
Objectives
This study aimed to systematically assess the effects of nutrient management and planting density on maize yield, nutrient accumulation, allocation and remobilization, as well as nutrient runoff and environmental footprints, to identify sustainable agronomic approaches for enhancing maize productivity while reducing environmental impacts in water-protection areas.
Methods
A two-year field experiment was conducted in the Erhai Lake Basin, a water-protection area in Southwest China. Four treatments were established: (1) no fertilizer (CK); (2) farmer’s practice (FP, high NPK inputs with low planting density); and (3) two optimized treatments: T1 with a recommended NPK rate combined with higher planting density, and T2 with the same planting density as T1 but 30 kg N ha−1 less N, while keeping P and K constant.
Results
Compared with FP, maize yield increased by 16.7–17.2 % under T1 and 6.2–16.0 % under T2, primarily due to increases in harvested ear number and thousand-kernel weight. T1 also enhanced pre- and post-silking N and P accumulation, with total aboveground N and P accumulation increasing by 4.9–21.4 % and 15.6–20.7 %, respectively. Improved remobilization of N and P from senescing leaves to the grain further contributed to yield gains. Nutrient losses were significantly reduced under optimized treatments: total N runoff decreased by 25.4–53.4 % (T1) and 31.0–59.3 % (T2), mainly through reductions in NO3-–N, NH4+–N, and dissolved N (DON); total P runoff decreased by 24.3–38.9 % (T1) and 25.5–26.6 % (T2), largely due to lower total dissolved P (TDP). In addition, T1 reduced the N surplus by 52.1–84.8 % and achieved a negative P surplus under high soil P conditions. The N and P footprints declined by 57.3–87.4 % and 57.4–98.3 %, respectively.
Conclusions
Optimizing nutrient management in conjunction with increased planting density synergistically improved maize yield, enhanced aboveground N and P accumulation and remobilization, and substantially reduced nutrient runoff, surpluses, and environmental footprints. These results demonstrate a practical “win–win” pathway for simultaneously achieving high productivity and environmental protection.
Significance
This study provides new insights into reconciling crop yield goals with environmental sustainability in water-sensitive agroecosystems. The findings offer a scalable framework for sustainable intensification of maize production that supports both food security and water resource protection.
{"title":"Sustainable intensification of maize through improved nutrient and plant density management in a water-sensitive lake basin agroecosystem","authors":"Feiyu Ying , Zhibing Lv , Yuewen Huo , Cong Chen , Zhengxiong Zhao , Xiaokang Hu , Prakash Lakshmanan , Hans Lambers , Fusuo Zhang , Wen-Feng Cong","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Achieving high maize yield while minimizing environmental impacts remains a major challenge for global food security and ecological sustainability, particularly in water-protection areas where nutrient losses pose risks to water quality.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to systematically assess the effects of nutrient management and planting density on maize yield, nutrient accumulation, allocation and remobilization, as well as nutrient runoff and environmental footprints, to identify sustainable agronomic approaches for enhancing maize productivity while reducing environmental impacts in water-protection areas.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-year field experiment was conducted in the Erhai Lake Basin, a water-protection area in Southwest China. Four treatments were established: (1) no fertilizer (CK); (2) farmer’s practice (FP, high NPK inputs with low planting density); and (3) two optimized treatments: T1 with a recommended NPK rate combined with higher planting density, and T2 with the same planting density as T1 but 30 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> less N, while keeping P and K constant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with FP, maize yield increased by 16.7–17.2 % under T1 and 6.2–16.0 % under T2, primarily due to increases in harvested ear number and thousand-kernel weight. T1 also enhanced pre- and post-silking N and P accumulation, with total aboveground N and P accumulation increasing by 4.9–21.4 % and 15.6–20.7 %, respectively. Improved remobilization of N and P from senescing leaves to the grain further contributed to yield gains. Nutrient losses were significantly reduced under optimized treatments: total N runoff decreased by 25.4–53.4 % (T1) and 31.0–59.3 % (T2), mainly through reductions in NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>–N, NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>–N, and dissolved N (DON); total P runoff decreased by 24.3–38.9 % (T1) and 25.5–26.6 % (T2), largely due to lower total dissolved P (TDP). In addition, T1 reduced the N surplus by 52.1–84.8 % and achieved a negative P surplus under high soil P conditions. The N and P footprints declined by 57.3–87.4 % and 57.4–98.3 %, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Optimizing nutrient management in conjunction with increased planting density synergistically improved maize yield, enhanced aboveground N and P accumulation and remobilization, and substantially reduced nutrient runoff, surpluses, and environmental footprints. These results demonstrate a practical “win–win” pathway for simultaneously achieving high productivity and environmental protection.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study provides new insights into reconciling crop yield goals with environmental sustainability in water-sensitive agroecosystems. The findings offer a scalable framework for sustainable intensification of maize production that supports both food security and water resource protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110326"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923517","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110320
Xiaoliang Li , Kening Wu , Weimin Cai , Bailin Zhang , Yanan Liu , Xiao Li
<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Imbalances in cropping structure and disordered spatial distribution pose potential threats to environmental carrying capacity, food security, economic returns, and land-use efficiency. However, systematic approaches to optimizing both cropping structures and their spatial allocation remain limited. Previous studies have primarily focused on quantitative optimization while neglecting critical constraints, thereby introducing biases and limiting spatial applicability.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to diagnose the problems in current cropping structures and develop an integrated optimization framework that simultaneously accounts for both quantitative and spatial dimensions, thereby promoting food supply–demand balance and environmental sustainability.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We employed a life cycle assessment model to evaluate the water and carbon footprints of rice, wheat, and maize, and applied a food supply–demand balance model to identify cropping structures that meet healthy dietary requirements. A multi-objective optimization model combined with an integer linear programming approach was then used to optimize both the quantity and spatial allocation of cropping structures under dietary demand and planetary boundary constraints.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between 2018 and 2023, the sown areas of rice, wheat, and maize remained relatively stable, whereas double-cropping areas declined and single-cropping areas expanded. Compared with the diet-oriented cropping structure in 2023, the current structure resulted in 12.18 % higher carbon footprint and 8.78 % higher water footprint, though still 19.28 % and 28.08 % lower than the planetary boundaries of carbon and blue water use, respectively. Under three optimization scenarios, net economic benefits increased by up to 37.23 %, while water and carbon footprints were reduced by 8.87 % and 16.43 %, respectively. The optimized spatial configuration was dominated by single-cropping maize and wheat–maize rotations, with cropland suitability improved by at least 9.52 %. Nevertheless, notable discrepancies remain between the current and optimized patterns, highlighting the urgent need for policy support and adjustment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although the current structure has not exceeded planetary boundaries, it exhibits a significant mismatch between supply and demand. Optimized cropping structures can simultaneously enhance economic benefits and ensure environmental sustainability while maintaining dietary balance. Compared with current conditions, the optimized spatial allocation further improves overall cropland suitability.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study proposes an integrated pathway for the quantitative and spatial optimization of cropping structures in the context of healthy dietary demand and environmental sustainability, providing a methodological framework and practical reference
{"title":"A modeling framework for spatial optimization of cropping structure to promote food supply–demand balance and environmental sustainability","authors":"Xiaoliang Li , Kening Wu , Weimin Cai , Bailin Zhang , Yanan Liu , Xiao Li","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110320","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110320","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Imbalances in cropping structure and disordered spatial distribution pose potential threats to environmental carrying capacity, food security, economic returns, and land-use efficiency. However, systematic approaches to optimizing both cropping structures and their spatial allocation remain limited. Previous studies have primarily focused on quantitative optimization while neglecting critical constraints, thereby introducing biases and limiting spatial applicability.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to diagnose the problems in current cropping structures and develop an integrated optimization framework that simultaneously accounts for both quantitative and spatial dimensions, thereby promoting food supply–demand balance and environmental sustainability.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We employed a life cycle assessment model to evaluate the water and carbon footprints of rice, wheat, and maize, and applied a food supply–demand balance model to identify cropping structures that meet healthy dietary requirements. A multi-objective optimization model combined with an integer linear programming approach was then used to optimize both the quantity and spatial allocation of cropping structures under dietary demand and planetary boundary constraints.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between 2018 and 2023, the sown areas of rice, wheat, and maize remained relatively stable, whereas double-cropping areas declined and single-cropping areas expanded. Compared with the diet-oriented cropping structure in 2023, the current structure resulted in 12.18 % higher carbon footprint and 8.78 % higher water footprint, though still 19.28 % and 28.08 % lower than the planetary boundaries of carbon and blue water use, respectively. Under three optimization scenarios, net economic benefits increased by up to 37.23 %, while water and carbon footprints were reduced by 8.87 % and 16.43 %, respectively. The optimized spatial configuration was dominated by single-cropping maize and wheat–maize rotations, with cropland suitability improved by at least 9.52 %. Nevertheless, notable discrepancies remain between the current and optimized patterns, highlighting the urgent need for policy support and adjustment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although the current structure has not exceeded planetary boundaries, it exhibits a significant mismatch between supply and demand. Optimized cropping structures can simultaneously enhance economic benefits and ensure environmental sustainability while maintaining dietary balance. Compared with current conditions, the optimized spatial allocation further improves overall cropland suitability.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study proposes an integrated pathway for the quantitative and spatial optimization of cropping structures in the context of healthy dietary demand and environmental sustainability, providing a methodological framework and practical reference ","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110320"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902399","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}
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