Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110363
Zhentao Bai , Bingxue Dong , Xinwei Deng , Zhijun Li , Kechun Wang , Shawn Carlisle Kefauver , José Luis Araus , Muhammad Farooq , Junliang Fan , Feihu Yin
<div><h3>Context</h3><div>The seed cotton (<em>Gossypium hirsutum</em> L.) yield is highly dependent on irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions around the world. However, the effects of irrigation amount on soil moisture and leaf photochemical characteristics during the drought-rewatering process, as well as canopy radiation interception and seed cotton yield of drip-irrigated cotton under film mulch remain poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The study aimed to investigate how irrigation amounts affect soil moisture distribution, leaf photochemical recovery, and canopy radiation interception following drought‑rewatering in drip‑irrigated cotton under film mulch. We further sought to reveal the multiscale pathways (soil–leaf–canopy) through which irrigation regulates water use and yield formation.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A two-season (2023–2024) field experiment was performed in the northern Xinjiang of China, with four irrigation amounts (60 %ET<sub>c</sub>, 80 %ET<sub>c</sub>, 100 %ET<sub>c</sub> and 120 %ET<sub>c</sub>, where ET<sub>c</sub> is crop evapotranspiration). Soil moisture and leaf physiology were measured on the 1st day before irrigation, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days after irrigation. The photosynthetic pigments, canopy radiation and dry matter accumulation after irrigation as well as the final seed cotton yield were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the drought-rewatering process, high irrigation amount (120 %ET<sub>c</sub>) significantly prolonged the retention time of deep soil moisture (80–100 cm). The narrow rows and wide rows were always the main distribution areas of soil moisture, and bare soil moisture was significantly affected by soil evaporation. The leaf stomatal conductance, actual photochemical quantum effect (φ<sub>PSII</sub>) and electron transfer rate (ETR) showed a threshold response with increasing irrigation amount. The φ<sub>PSII</sub> and ETR increased by 20.4 % and 20.6 % under 120 %ET<sub>c</sub> compared with 60 %ET<sub>c</sub>, respectively. The leaf temperature and saturated water vapor pressure deficit were significantly reduced. High irrigation increased the upper layer intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) in narrow rows by 25.9 % in 2023 and 53.5 % in 2024, but decreased it in the lower layer by 78.7 % in 2023 and 90.0 % in 2024. Total IPAR was strongly correlated with seed cotton yield (path coefficient 0.87). The 100 %ET<sub>c</sub> treatment maintained 90.4 % of the yield potential achieved while saving water under 120 %ET<sub>c</sub> demonstrating higher water-saving efficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The drought-rewatering process drives cotton yield formation through a soil–leaf–canopy cascade: soil moisture dynamics regulate leaf physiological recovery, which in turn shapes canopy light capture and assimilate partitioning. Moderately increasing irrigation (80 %–100 %ET<sub>c</sub>) can increase seed cotton yie
{"title":"Responses of soil moisture, leaf physiological characteristics, and canopy radiation interception to irrigation amount during the drought-rewatering process of drip-irrigated cotton under film mulch","authors":"Zhentao Bai , Bingxue Dong , Xinwei Deng , Zhijun Li , Kechun Wang , Shawn Carlisle Kefauver , José Luis Araus , Muhammad Farooq , Junliang Fan , Feihu Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110363","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110363","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>The seed cotton (<em>Gossypium hirsutum</em> L.) yield is highly dependent on irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions around the world. However, the effects of irrigation amount on soil moisture and leaf photochemical characteristics during the drought-rewatering process, as well as canopy radiation interception and seed cotton yield of drip-irrigated cotton under film mulch remain poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The study aimed to investigate how irrigation amounts affect soil moisture distribution, leaf photochemical recovery, and canopy radiation interception following drought‑rewatering in drip‑irrigated cotton under film mulch. We further sought to reveal the multiscale pathways (soil–leaf–canopy) through which irrigation regulates water use and yield formation.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A two-season (2023–2024) field experiment was performed in the northern Xinjiang of China, with four irrigation amounts (60 %ET<sub>c</sub>, 80 %ET<sub>c</sub>, 100 %ET<sub>c</sub> and 120 %ET<sub>c</sub>, where ET<sub>c</sub> is crop evapotranspiration). Soil moisture and leaf physiology were measured on the 1st day before irrigation, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days after irrigation. The photosynthetic pigments, canopy radiation and dry matter accumulation after irrigation as well as the final seed cotton yield were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the drought-rewatering process, high irrigation amount (120 %ET<sub>c</sub>) significantly prolonged the retention time of deep soil moisture (80–100 cm). The narrow rows and wide rows were always the main distribution areas of soil moisture, and bare soil moisture was significantly affected by soil evaporation. The leaf stomatal conductance, actual photochemical quantum effect (φ<sub>PSII</sub>) and electron transfer rate (ETR) showed a threshold response with increasing irrigation amount. The φ<sub>PSII</sub> and ETR increased by 20.4 % and 20.6 % under 120 %ET<sub>c</sub> compared with 60 %ET<sub>c</sub>, respectively. The leaf temperature and saturated water vapor pressure deficit were significantly reduced. High irrigation increased the upper layer intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) in narrow rows by 25.9 % in 2023 and 53.5 % in 2024, but decreased it in the lower layer by 78.7 % in 2023 and 90.0 % in 2024. Total IPAR was strongly correlated with seed cotton yield (path coefficient 0.87). The 100 %ET<sub>c</sub> treatment maintained 90.4 % of the yield potential achieved while saving water under 120 %ET<sub>c</sub> demonstrating higher water-saving efficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The drought-rewatering process drives cotton yield formation through a soil–leaf–canopy cascade: soil moisture dynamics regulate leaf physiological recovery, which in turn shapes canopy light capture and assimilate partitioning. Moderately increasing irrigation (80 %–100 %ET<sub>c</sub>) can increase seed cotton yie","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110363"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023361","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110345
Zhenbo Zhang , Hongyun Kou , Jinkai Lü , Jihao Qin , Zhen An , Deheng Zhang , Shenghao Zhang , Jincheng Si , Zhen Liu , Tangyuan Ning
Context
In salinealkaline lands (∼10 % of the global arable area), crop productivity is restricted by osmotic stress and ion toxicity. Intercropping systems can mitigate these constraints by optimizing water utilization, redistributing salts, and enhancing soil fertility. However, their potential in coastal salinealkaline ecosystems remains under explored.
Objective
We hypothesized that integrating alfalfa, a salt-tolerant forage, into a wheat–maize rotation (W-M||A) would regulate water–salt dynamics more effectively than monocropping (W-M or SA), thereby enhancing productivity and economic returns in saline–alkaline lands.
Methods
Field experiments were carried out in 2018 and 2019. Three planting systems, namely the W-M, SA, and W-M||A systems, were compared to assess the dynamic changes of water and salt, the physical and chemical properties of the soil, as well as the crop yield, quality, and economic benefits.
Results
The W-M||A system significantly decreased soil bulk density and evapotranspiration, and increase soil water content while decreased salt accumulation in the 0–100 cm layer. Specifically, in the 0–40 cm layer during the maize filling stage, the system increased the soil water content by 0.59–4.80 % compared with other systems, and it reduced the surface salt content by 11.11–16.75 % compared with the W-M system in the 0–20 cm layer during the wheat heading stage in 2019. The increased water content with reduced salt content are benefit for mitigating osmotic stress and ion toxicity for the crops. In the W-M||A system, the yields of wheat, maize, and alfalfa accounted for 65.40 %–76.09 %, 68.41 %–81.55 %, and 32.43 %–39.61 %, respectively, of the corresponding sole crop. The land equivalent ratio indicated an intercropping advantage at 1.14 in 2018 and 1.04 in 2019, with minimal fluctuations in feed quality. The W-M||A system attained the highest overall profitability, reaching 14,398 RMB/ha in 2018 and 5443 RMB/ha in 2019. This exceeded the profitability of the W-M and SA systems by 32.20–163.05 %. Moreover, it had a relatively high output-to-input ratio of 2.20 in 2018 and 1.67 in 2019.
Conclusions
The W-M||A system effectively alleviates osmotic stress and ion toxicity by stabilizing soil moisture and reducing surface salt accumulation, thereby facilitating synergistic foodfeed production. The substantial economic and ecological benefits advocate for its scalable adoption in salinealkaline regions.
Significance
The adoption of the W-M||A system in salinealkaline lands can promote the sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry, showing remarkable potential for widespread dissemination.
{"title":"Wheatmaize intercropping with alfalfa increases crop yield, quality, and economic benefits by controlling water and salt dynamics in saline–alkaline lands","authors":"Zhenbo Zhang , Hongyun Kou , Jinkai Lü , Jihao Qin , Zhen An , Deheng Zhang , Shenghao Zhang , Jincheng Si , Zhen Liu , Tangyuan Ning","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>In saline<img>alkaline lands (∼10 % of the global arable area), crop productivity is restricted by osmotic stress and ion toxicity. Intercropping systems can mitigate these constraints by optimizing water utilization, redistributing salts, and enhancing soil fertility. However, their potential in coastal saline<img>alkaline ecosystems remains under explored.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We hypothesized that integrating alfalfa, a salt-tolerant forage, into a wheat–maize rotation (W-M||A) would regulate water–salt dynamics more effectively than monocropping (W-M or SA), thereby enhancing productivity and economic returns in saline–alkaline lands.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Field experiments were carried out in 2018 and 2019. Three planting systems, namely the W-M, SA, and W-M||A systems, were compared to assess the dynamic changes of water and salt, the physical and chemical properties of the soil, as well as the crop yield, quality, and economic benefits.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The W-M||A system significantly decreased soil bulk density and evapotranspiration, and increase soil water content while decreased salt accumulation in the 0–100 cm layer. Specifically, in the 0–40 cm layer during the maize filling stage, the system increased the soil water content by 0.59–4.80 % compared with other systems, and it reduced the surface salt content by 11.11–16.75 % compared with the W-M system in the 0–20 cm layer during the wheat heading stage in 2019. The increased water content with reduced salt content are benefit for mitigating osmotic stress and ion toxicity for the crops. In the W-M||A system, the yields of wheat, maize, and alfalfa accounted for 65.40 %–76.09 %, 68.41 %–81.55 %, and 32.43 %–39.61 %, respectively, of the corresponding sole crop. The land equivalent ratio indicated an intercropping advantage at 1.14 in 2018 and 1.04 in 2019, with minimal fluctuations in feed quality. The W-M||A system attained the highest overall profitability, reaching 14,398 RMB/ha in 2018 and 5443 RMB/ha in 2019. This exceeded the profitability of the W-M and SA systems by 32.20–163.05 %. Moreover, it had a relatively high output-to-input ratio of 2.20 in 2018 and 1.67 in 2019.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The W-M||A system effectively alleviates osmotic stress and ion toxicity by stabilizing soil moisture and reducing surface salt accumulation, thereby facilitating synergistic food<img>feed production. The substantial economic and ecological benefits advocate for its scalable adoption in saline<img>alkaline regions.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>The adoption of the W-M||A system in saline<img>alkaline lands can promote the sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry, showing remarkable potential for widespread dissemination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110345"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974739","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 : 2026-04-01Epub 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":"2026-04-01","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110362
Zhilong Fan , Yunyou Nan , Wen Yin , Falong Hu , Cai Zhao , Aizhong Yu , Weidong Cao , Qiang Chai
Context
In arid irrigated regions with limited growing seasons, establishing sustainable post-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems is crucial for agricultural intensification and soil conservation.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate and identify an optimal post-wheat cropping system that enhances biomass production, soil quality, crop performance, and economic returns under arid conditions.
Methods
A seven-year field experiment (2018–2024) was conducted in northwestern China, comparing seven systems after spring wheat harvest: common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)/hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) mixture (W-CV×HV), common vetch/rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) mixture (W-CV×R), hairy vetch/rapeseed mixture (W-HV×R), sole common vetch (W-SCV), sole hairy vetch (W-SHV), sole rapeseed (W-SR), and a fallow control (W-W).
Results
The W-CV×HV system demonstrated exceptional performance. It produced the highest biomass, with increases of 14.3–23.9 % over other mixtures, and enhanced crude protein yield by 13.7–44.4 %. This advantage was supported by strong interspecific facilitation (LER=1.18). This system significantly improved subsequent wheat performance, increasing grain yield by 2.7–8.8 % and yield stability by 66.9 % compared to sole legume cropping. After seven years, W-CV×HV most substantially improved soil quality, increasing soil organic matter and total nitrogen while reducing pH, EC, and bulk density. Economically, the system achieved 9.8–14.1 % higher monetary value than other cropping systems.
Conclusion
The legume-legume mixture of common vetch and hairy vetch represents a superior post-wheat cropping system, surpassing traditional fallow and single-species systems in agronomic, ecological, and economic performance.
Implications
This system provides a sustainable alternative for integrated agricultural intensification in arid environments, contributing to soil health stabilization, yield resilience, and improved farm profitability.
在生长季节有限的干旱灌区，建立可持续的小麦后种植系统对农业集约化和土壤保持至关重要。
{"title":"Mixed cropping of common vetch and hairy vetch enhances system productivity and economic returns in a wheat-based double-cropping system in an arid irrigated region","authors":"Zhilong Fan , Yunyou Nan , Wen Yin , Falong Hu , Cai Zhao , Aizhong Yu , Weidong Cao , Qiang Chai","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110362","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110362","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>In arid irrigated regions with limited growing seasons, establishing sustainable post-wheat (<em>Triticum aestivum</em> L.) cropping systems is crucial for agricultural intensification and soil conservation.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate and identify an optimal post-wheat cropping system that enhances biomass production, soil quality, crop performance, and economic returns under arid conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A seven-year field experiment (2018–2024) was conducted in northwestern China, comparing seven systems after spring wheat harvest: common vetch (<em>Vicia sativa</em> L.)/hairy vetch (<em>Vicia villosa</em> Roth.) mixture (W-CV×HV), common vetch/rapeseed (<em>Brassica napus</em> L.) mixture (W-CV×R), hairy vetch/rapeseed mixture (W-HV×R), sole common vetch (W-SCV), sole hairy vetch (W-SHV), sole rapeseed (W-SR), and a fallow control (W-W).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The W-CV×HV system demonstrated exceptional performance. It produced the highest biomass, with increases of 14.3–23.9 % over other mixtures, and enhanced crude protein yield by 13.7–44.4 %. This advantage was supported by strong interspecific facilitation (LER=1.18). This system significantly improved subsequent wheat performance, increasing grain yield by 2.7–8.8 % and yield stability by 66.9 % compared to sole legume cropping. After seven years, W-CV×HV most substantially improved soil quality, increasing soil organic matter and total nitrogen while reducing pH, EC, and bulk density. Economically, the system achieved 9.8–14.1 % higher monetary value than other cropping systems.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The legume-legume mixture of common vetch and hairy vetch represents a superior post-wheat cropping system, surpassing traditional fallow and single-species systems in agronomic, ecological, and economic performance.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This system provides a sustainable alternative for integrated agricultural intensification in arid environments, contributing to soil health stabilization, yield resilience, and improved farm profitability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110362"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146048015","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110356
Runheng Yang , Jinxia Zhang , Meng Yin , Pengliang Tian , Liangliang Du , Yingru Xie , Lin Ding , Yangang Yang , Qingzhuo Li , Jianrong Xiao , Xi Wei , Xinlong Fan
<div><div>Maize production in arid Northwestern China is increasingly constrained by water scarcity and rising carbon emissions. Inefficient water and nitrogen management practices exacerbate resource waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, hindering progress toward sustainable agriculture and carbon neutrality. Consequently, there is an urgent need to optimize integrated water-nitrogen management strategies to simultaneously enhance crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) while mitigating GHG emissions. In this study, field experiments combined with the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model were used to assess the effects of water-nitrogen coupling on maize yield and GHG emissions. A field experiment was conducted with three irrigation gradients: severe water deficit (W1: 45–60 % θ<sub>f</sub>), moderate water deficit (W2: 60–75 % θ<sub>f</sub>), and mild water deficit (W3: 75–90 % θ<sub>f</sub>, where θ<sub>f</sub> denotes field capacity); and three nitrogen application rates: low (F1: 120 kg/ha), medium (F2: 240 kg/ha), and high (F3: 360 kg/ha). The DNDC model was calibrated and validated using field data from 2023 to 2024, and was then linked with four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to project maize yield and GHG emissions from 2025 to 2100. Results indicated that N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions were significantly affected by water-nitrogen interactions (P < 0.05), whereas CH<sub>4</sub> fluxes remained a weak sink and showed no significant response to the treatments (P > 0.05). The higher cumulative N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions observed in the second year were primarily attributed to variations in water-filled pore space (WFPS), whereas soil temperature showed no significant correlation with N<sub>2</sub>O emissions. Compared with high nitrogen input, a moderate nitrogen application rate significantly reduced N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. Across irrigation regimes, global warming potential (GWP) increased progressively with increasing water and nitrogen inputs. Nitrogen application rate was the dominant controlling factor for greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) under wet conditions, whereas water deficit severity was dominant under drought. The F2W3 treatment achieved the highest maize yield and significantly enhanced WUE and key growth traits. This management strategy is projected to support yield increases and emissions reduction under the SSP1–2.6 and SSP2–4.5 scenarios. However, under high-emission scenarios, maize yield is projected to decline significantly alongside increased GHG emissions, with soils shifting from a CH<sub>4</sub> sink to a source. Based on the combined results of the Mann-Kendall trend test and VIKOR multi-criteria decision analysis, F2W3 was identified as the optimal strategy, simultaneously achieving high yield, improved WUE, and lower GHG emissions. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for sustainable maize production and carbon-neutral agricul
{"title":"Modeling water-nitrogen management for maize production and greenhouse gas emissions in arid Northwestern China using the DNDC model","authors":"Runheng Yang , Jinxia Zhang , Meng Yin , Pengliang Tian , Liangliang Du , Yingru Xie , Lin Ding , Yangang Yang , Qingzhuo Li , Jianrong Xiao , Xi Wei , Xinlong Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Maize production in arid Northwestern China is increasingly constrained by water scarcity and rising carbon emissions. Inefficient water and nitrogen management practices exacerbate resource waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, hindering progress toward sustainable agriculture and carbon neutrality. Consequently, there is an urgent need to optimize integrated water-nitrogen management strategies to simultaneously enhance crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) while mitigating GHG emissions. In this study, field experiments combined with the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model were used to assess the effects of water-nitrogen coupling on maize yield and GHG emissions. A field experiment was conducted with three irrigation gradients: severe water deficit (W1: 45–60 % θ<sub>f</sub>), moderate water deficit (W2: 60–75 % θ<sub>f</sub>), and mild water deficit (W3: 75–90 % θ<sub>f</sub>, where θ<sub>f</sub> denotes field capacity); and three nitrogen application rates: low (F1: 120 kg/ha), medium (F2: 240 kg/ha), and high (F3: 360 kg/ha). The DNDC model was calibrated and validated using field data from 2023 to 2024, and was then linked with four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to project maize yield and GHG emissions from 2025 to 2100. Results indicated that N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions were significantly affected by water-nitrogen interactions (P < 0.05), whereas CH<sub>4</sub> fluxes remained a weak sink and showed no significant response to the treatments (P > 0.05). The higher cumulative N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions observed in the second year were primarily attributed to variations in water-filled pore space (WFPS), whereas soil temperature showed no significant correlation with N<sub>2</sub>O emissions. Compared with high nitrogen input, a moderate nitrogen application rate significantly reduced N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. Across irrigation regimes, global warming potential (GWP) increased progressively with increasing water and nitrogen inputs. Nitrogen application rate was the dominant controlling factor for greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) under wet conditions, whereas water deficit severity was dominant under drought. The F2W3 treatment achieved the highest maize yield and significantly enhanced WUE and key growth traits. This management strategy is projected to support yield increases and emissions reduction under the SSP1–2.6 and SSP2–4.5 scenarios. However, under high-emission scenarios, maize yield is projected to decline significantly alongside increased GHG emissions, with soils shifting from a CH<sub>4</sub> sink to a source. Based on the combined results of the Mann-Kendall trend test and VIKOR multi-criteria decision analysis, F2W3 was identified as the optimal strategy, simultaneously achieving high yield, improved WUE, and lower GHG emissions. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for sustainable maize production and carbon-neutral agricul","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110356"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014592","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}
Intercropping legumes with fruit trees in arid regions offer potential for sustainable intensification, yet interspecific competition often compromises crop yields. Balancing resource partitioning and productivity remains a critical challenge.
Objective
This study compared the agronomic performance of apple/soybean intercropping (IAS) and apple/alfalfa intercropping (IAA) intercropping systems in China's arid zone, focusing on yield trade-offs, root niche segregation, and soil nitrogen dynamics.
Methods
Root distribution patterns, soil inorganic nitrogen content, dry matter allocation, and land equivalent ratio (LER) were quantified across monoculture and intercropped systems using root-drill sampling and spatial regression models.
Results and conclusion
Intercropping reduced soybean and alfalfa yields by 42–54 % and apple yields by 29.54 %-37.99 % compared to monocultures. However, the IAS system achieved higher land-use efficiency (LER: 1.22–1.28) than IAA (1.15–1.19), driven by soybean’s adaptive root plasticity under shade. Vertical root stratification (apple roots in the 20–40 cm soil depth vs. crops in the 0–20 cm soil depth) minimized competition, while intercropping increased soil ammonium-N by 55.47–60.09 % and reduced nitrate-N leaching by 22.3–27.5 %. Soybean allocated more biomass to stems under shading, whereas alfalfa prioritized root growth after mowing. Despite yield penalties, the IAS system demonstrated superior systemic productivity through niche complementarity and nitrogen cycling optimization.
Significance
These results highlight the importance of species selection and root management in designing sustainable agroforestry systems for arid regions.
{"title":"Niche isolation in apple/soybean intercropping more effectively alleviates interspecific competition compared to apple/alfalfa intercropping","authors":"Wenwen Wei, Tingting Liu, Zhe Li, Lei Shen, Luhua Li, Wei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Intercropping legumes with fruit trees in arid regions offer potential for sustainable intensification, yet interspecific competition often compromises crop yields. Balancing resource partitioning and productivity remains a critical challenge.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study compared the agronomic performance of apple/soybean intercropping (IAS) and apple/alfalfa intercropping (IAA) intercropping systems in China's arid zone, focusing on yield trade-offs, root niche segregation, and soil nitrogen dynamics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Root distribution patterns, soil inorganic nitrogen content, dry matter allocation, and land equivalent ratio (LER) were quantified across monoculture and intercropped systems using root-drill sampling and spatial regression models.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Intercropping reduced soybean and alfalfa yields by 42–54 % and apple yields by 29.54 %-37.99 % compared to monocultures. However, the IAS system achieved higher land-use efficiency (LER: 1.22–1.28) than IAA (1.15–1.19), driven by soybean’s adaptive root plasticity under shade. Vertical root stratification (apple roots in the 20–40 cm soil depth vs. crops in the 0–20 cm soil depth) minimized competition, while intercropping increased soil ammonium-N by 55.47–60.09 % and reduced nitrate-N leaching by 22.3–27.5 %. Soybean allocated more biomass to stems under shading, whereas alfalfa prioritized root growth after mowing. Despite yield penalties, the IAS system demonstrated superior systemic productivity through niche complementarity and nitrogen cycling optimization.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>These results highlight the importance of species selection and root management in designing sustainable agroforestry systems for arid regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110349"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014839","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110346
Zhengfeng Wu , Feng Guo , Xinying Song , Jishun Yang , Lanlan Du , Dunwei Ci , Yang Xu , Qiqi Sun
Intercropping peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with maize (Zea mays L.) offers a strategy for advancing green and low-carbon agricultural practices, yet the crop- and depth- specific responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics remain unclear. A long-term field experiment (initiated in 2016) comparing peanut monoculture (MP), maize monoculture (MM), and the peanut-maize rotational strip intercropping (RMP) was established to investigate the effects of peanut-maize intercropping on crop yields, SOC dynamics, and associated rhizosphere microbial mechanisms. Results showed that relative to monoculture, intercropping decreased peanut yield by 56.0 % but increased maize yield by 30.9 %, resulting in the overall yield advantage. For peanut strips, intercropping enhanced SOC mineralization rate (Kc) for both depths by 20.7 % and 14.2 %, primarily driven by enhanced carbon (C) and N availability, r-shifted microbial communities, and higher enzyme activities. Conversely, for maize strips, intercropping slightly reduced the topsoil Kc by 5.3 % due to negative priming effect under high-quality residues input, but increased subsoil Kc by 19.6 %, linked to rhizosphere priming effect. Regulation by Nmin-mediated substrate quality, the temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralization (Q10) decreased under intercropping, particularly in peanut strips, suggesting enhanced SOC resilience to warming. Despite these changes, the net SOC stock in the topsoil remained comparable between intercropping and monoculture systems, suggesting a near zero-sum C sequestration balance. This arose from opposing C dynamics: peanut strips tended to slightly increase (by 6.2 %) or stabilize SOC, while maize strips experienced SOC depletion in the subsoil (by 16.2 %) due to nutrient mining and enhanced priming. This study highlights that legume-cereal intercropping can enhance yield efficiency and SOC stability without significantly increasing net C stocks, emphasizing the role of species-specific rhizosphere processes in mediating C trade-offs.
{"title":"Achieving yield advantage with zero-sum soil carbon sequestration: Rhizosphere mechanisms driven by legume-cereal interactions","authors":"Zhengfeng Wu , Feng Guo , Xinying Song , Jishun Yang , Lanlan Du , Dunwei Ci , Yang Xu , Qiqi Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intercropping peanut (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em> L.) with maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) offers a strategy for advancing green and low-carbon agricultural practices, yet the crop- and depth- specific responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics remain unclear. A long-term field experiment (initiated in 2016) comparing peanut monoculture (MP), maize monoculture (MM), and the peanut-maize rotational strip intercropping (RMP) was established to investigate the effects of peanut-maize intercropping on crop yields, SOC dynamics, and associated rhizosphere microbial mechanisms. Results showed that relative to monoculture, intercropping decreased peanut yield by 56.0 % but increased maize yield by 30.9 %, resulting in the overall yield advantage. For peanut strips, intercropping enhanced SOC mineralization rate (<em>K</em><sub>c</sub>) for both depths by 20.7 % and 14.2 %, primarily driven by enhanced carbon (C) and N availability, <em>r</em>-shifted microbial communities, and higher enzyme activities. Conversely, for maize strips, intercropping slightly reduced the topsoil <em>K</em><sub>c</sub> by 5.3 % due to negative priming effect under high-quality residues input, but increased subsoil <em>K</em><sub>c</sub> by 19.6 %, linked to rhizosphere priming effect. Regulation by N<sub>min</sub>-mediated substrate quality, the temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralization (<em>Q</em><sub>10</sub>) decreased under intercropping, particularly in peanut strips, suggesting enhanced SOC resilience to warming. Despite these changes, the net SOC stock in the topsoil remained comparable between intercropping and monoculture systems, suggesting a near zero-sum C sequestration balance. This arose from opposing C dynamics: peanut strips tended to slightly increase (by 6.2 %) or stabilize SOC, while maize strips experienced SOC depletion in the subsoil (by 16.2 %) due to nutrient mining and enhanced priming. This study highlights that legume-cereal intercropping can enhance yield efficiency and SOC stability without significantly increasing net C stocks, emphasizing the role of species-specific rhizosphere processes in mediating C trade-offs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110346"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974275","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110351
Nabila Mumtahina , Aya Matsuoka , Yusaku Uga , Hiroyuki Shimono , Maya Matsunami
Purpose
Optimizing root system architecture (RSA) through genetic selection and targeted fertilization strategies can improve nutrient efficiency and crop productivity. We investigated the contrasting RSA determined by two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), DRO1 and qSOR1, which control root growth angle in rice, in the context of fertilization methods—broadcasting and local application—that differ markedly in nutrient distribution within the soil. Through this approach, we aimed to clarify how RSA related traits interact with fertilization strategies to enhance rice productivity in paddy field.
Methods
Field trials were conducted over two years (2022–2023) in Morioka and Takizawa, Japan, using lowland rice IR64 and its three introgression lines (ILs) differing in functional/unfunctional alleles of DRO1 and qSOR1. Compared to IR64, the ILs exhibit three distinct RSA: shallow (SHALLOW), deep (DEEP), and shallow + deep (DIMORPHIC). Fertilization treatments included Mix (NPK broadcasted and mixed into the soil) and Local (NPK embedded 10-cm deep). Grain yield, mineral uptake and root distribution were measured.
Results
Over the two-year trial period, the DEEP and DIMORPHIC lines consistently exhibited superior yields compared with IR64 and SHALLOW across fertilization regimes and experimental sites. The root surface area in the deeper soil layer (10–20 cm below the soil surface) was strongly correlated with grain yield. Local fertilization consistently resulted in higher yields and enhanced mineral uptake relative to Mix fertilization. Moreover, root proliferation was observed at fertilized position under the Local regime across all lines.
Conclusions
DRO1-mediated deep rooting enhanced mineral uptake and yield under flooded conditions. Local fertilization increased nutrient availability and stimulated root proliferation in nutrient-rich zones, thereby improving nutrient uptake. Together, these findings underscore the importance of integrating root architectural traits with fertilization strategies to maximize rice productivity and nutrient use efficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding resource-efficient varieties adapted to sustainable agricultural systems.
{"title":"Yield performance of rice with different root system architecture with combination of DRO1 and qSOR1 alleles under different fertilization regimes","authors":"Nabila Mumtahina , Aya Matsuoka , Yusaku Uga , Hiroyuki Shimono , Maya Matsunami","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110351","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110351","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Optimizing root system architecture (RSA) through genetic selection and targeted fertilization strategies can improve nutrient efficiency and crop productivity. We investigated the contrasting RSA determined by two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), <em>DRO1</em> and <em>qSOR1</em>, which control root growth angle in rice, in the context of fertilization methods—broadcasting and local application—that differ markedly in nutrient distribution within the soil. Through this approach, we aimed to clarify how RSA related traits interact with fertilization strategies to enhance rice productivity in paddy field.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Field trials were conducted over two years (2022–2023) in Morioka and Takizawa, Japan, using lowland rice IR64 and its three introgression lines (ILs) differing in functional/unfunctional alleles of <em>DRO1</em> and <em>qSOR1</em>. Compared to IR64, the ILs exhibit three distinct RSA: shallow (SHALLOW), deep (DEEP), and shallow + deep (DIMORPHIC). Fertilization treatments included Mix (NPK broadcasted and mixed into the soil) and Local (NPK embedded 10-cm deep). Grain yield, mineral uptake and root distribution were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Over the two-year trial period, the DEEP and DIMORPHIC lines consistently exhibited superior yields compared with IR64 and SHALLOW across fertilization regimes and experimental sites. The root surface area in the deeper soil layer (10–20 cm below the soil surface) was strongly correlated with grain yield. Local fertilization consistently resulted in higher yields and enhanced mineral uptake relative to Mix fertilization. Moreover, root proliferation was observed at fertilized position under the Local regime across all lines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>DRO1</em>-mediated deep rooting enhanced mineral uptake and yield under flooded conditions. Local fertilization increased nutrient availability and stimulated root proliferation in nutrient-rich zones, thereby improving nutrient uptake. Together, these findings underscore the importance of integrating root architectural traits with fertilization strategies to maximize rice productivity and nutrient use efficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding resource-efficient varieties adapted to sustainable agricultural systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110351"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023360","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110358
Muhammad Usman Ghani , Shanning Lou , Jiao Ning , Muhammad Kamran , Awais Shakoor , Wanhe Zhu , Fujiang Hou
Sustainable intensification of forage production in arid regions requires strategies that enhance yield while minimizing environmental impacts. Organic amendments improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter; however, their effectiveness compared to mineral fertilizers with increased cutting frequency remains unclear. A two-year field study (2022–2023) evaluated the effects of nitrogen sources, including control (CK), urea (UF), cow manure compost (CMC), and poultry manure compost (PMC), and cutting frequencies (3 and 5 cuttings/year) on forage yield, quality, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alfalfa-tall fescue mixtures in arid conditions. Increasing cutting frequency from 3 to 5 resulted in a 5.8 % to 6.2 % increase in dry matter yield (DMY), 5.9 % to 15.4 % increase in crude protein yield (CPY), 4.3 % to 6.7 % increase in relative feed value (RFV), and 5.6 % to 5.8 % increase in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) with urea fertilization, but had no significant effect with CK, CMC, and PMC. Urea fertilization with 5 cuttings (UF-5) produced the highest DMY (13,721 kg ha⁻¹ and 14,074 kg ha⁻¹) and CPY (1989 kg ha⁻¹ and 2376 kg ha⁻¹) in 2022 and 2023, respectively, outperforming organic amendments. UF-5 also reduced fiber contents (ADF and NDF), improving forage quality. Although urea fertilization increased nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes, the global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) were lowest with UF-5, due to increased methane (CH₄) uptake and reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Organic composts improved soil organic carbon (SOC) but did not maintain high productivity. These findings demonstrate that urea fertilization with increased cutting frequency optimizes forage yield while minimizing GHGI in arid grasslands. The slow nitrogen release from organic amendments limits their effectiveness, making mineral nitrogen sources more efficient in intensified cutting regimes.
干旱地区牧草生产的可持续集约化需要在提高产量的同时尽量减少对环境的影响。有机改良剂通过增加土壤有机质来改善土壤健康；然而，与增加切割频率的矿物肥料相比，它们的有效性尚不清楚。通过为期两年的田间研究（2022-2023），评估了干旱条件下不同氮源（对照氮、尿素氮、牛粪堆肥氮、禽粪堆肥氮）和刈割频率（3和5刈割/年）对苜蓿-高羊茅混合牧草产量、品质和温室气体（GHG）排放的影响。将刈割次数从3次增加到5次，可使干物质产量（DMY）提高5.8 % ~ 6.2 %，粗蛋白质产量（CPY）提高5.9 % ~ 15.4 %，相对饲料价值（RFV）提高4.3 % ~ 6.7 %，氮素利用效率（NUE）提高5.6 % ~ 5.8 %，而CK、CMC和PMC对刈割次数的影响不显著。5枝尿素（UF-5）在2022年和2023年分别产生了最高的DMY（13,721 kg ha⁻¹和14,074 kg ha⁻¹）和CPY（1989 kg ha⁻¹和2376 kg ha⁻¹），超过了有机肥料。UF-5还降低了饲料中纤维含量（ADF和NDF），提高了饲料品质。虽然尿素施肥增加了一氧化二氮（N₂O）通量，但由于增加了甲烷（CH₄）吸收量和减少了二氧化碳（CO₂）排放，UF-5的全球变暖潜势（GWP）和温室气体强度（GHGI）最低。有机堆肥提高了土壤有机碳（SOC），但不能保持较高的生产力。这些结果表明，增加刈割频率的尿素施肥在减少GHGI的同时优化了干旱草地的牧草产量。有机改进剂的缓慢氮释放限制了它们的有效性，使矿物氮源在强化切割制度下更有效。
{"title":"Increased cutting frequency coupled with mineral nitrogen fertilization enhances forage productivity and reduces greenhouse gas intensity in an arid legume-grass cultivated grassland","authors":"Muhammad Usman Ghani , Shanning Lou , Jiao Ning , Muhammad Kamran , Awais Shakoor , Wanhe Zhu , Fujiang Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110358","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110358","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable intensification of forage production in arid regions requires strategies that enhance yield while minimizing environmental impacts. Organic amendments improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter; however, their effectiveness compared to mineral fertilizers with increased cutting frequency remains unclear. A two-year field study (2022–2023) evaluated the effects of nitrogen sources, including control (CK), urea (UF), cow manure compost (CMC), and poultry manure compost (PMC), and cutting frequencies (3 and 5 cuttings/year) on forage yield, quality, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alfalfa-tall fescue mixtures in arid conditions. Increasing cutting frequency from 3 to 5 resulted in a 5.8 % to 6.2 % increase in dry matter yield (DMY), 5.9 % to 15.4 % increase in crude protein yield (CPY), 4.3 % to 6.7 % increase in relative feed value (RFV), and 5.6 % to 5.8 % increase in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) with urea fertilization, but had no significant effect with CK, CMC, and PMC. Urea fertilization with 5 cuttings (UF-5) produced the highest DMY (13,721 kg ha⁻¹ and 14,074 kg ha⁻¹) and CPY (1989 kg ha⁻¹ and 2376 kg ha⁻¹) in 2022 and 2023, respectively, outperforming organic amendments. UF-5 also reduced fiber contents (ADF and NDF), improving forage quality. Although urea fertilization increased nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes, the global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) were lowest with UF-5, due to increased methane (CH₄) uptake and reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Organic composts improved soil organic carbon (SOC) but did not maintain high productivity. These findings demonstrate that urea fertilization with increased cutting frequency optimizes forage yield while minimizing GHGI in arid grasslands. The slow nitrogen release from organic amendments limits their effectiveness, making mineral nitrogen sources more efficient in intensified cutting regimes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110358"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023435","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110366
Zheming Liang , Haoyang Han , Miao Wang , Zhenbo Lan , Fanchen Qiao , Zhe Zhang , Jiancan Liu , Shanchao Yue , Qiang Zhang , Ju Bai , Zhiping Yang , Yongliang Wang
<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Achieving synergistic improvements in productivity and sustainability represents a major challenge for maize production on the semi-arid Loess Plateau.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Mulching practices and optimized nitrogen management are critical for regulating maize growth and mitigating gaseous nitrogen losses. However, the mechanisms by which combining different mulching practices and nitrogen fertilizer regimes improves crop productivity while mitigating gaseous nitrogen losses remains unclear, warranting further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Based on a 10-year long-term experiment, a 2-year study (2023–2024) was conducted in the eastern Loess Plateau to assess spring maize growth and gaseous nitrogen losses under different management practices. The experiment included seven field management treatments: six combinations of three mulching practices (no mulching (NM), plastic film mulching (FM), and straw mulching (SM)) and two nitrogen regimes (split urea application (UR) and one-time application of a controlled-release and common urea mixture (CR)), plus a control treatment with no mulching and no nitrogen application (CK).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among all treatments, SM+CR (CS) exhibited the strongest synergy: compared with NM+UR (UN), CS maintained higher leaf area index (LAI) and SPAD values from the silking stage (R1) to the milk stage (R3), thereby enhancing photosynthesis and resource capture, and increasing dry matter accumulation by 33.94 %-40.23 %. Consequently, relative to UN, the CS treatment promoted more grains per ear and a higher 100-grain weight, ultimately increasing grain yield by 27.51 %-40.03 % and nitrogen uptake by 50.23 %-57.87 %, while reducing gaseous nitrogen losses by 37.27 %-44.60 %. In comparison, FM promoted early-stage maize growth, increased biomass and LAI, and raised intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) 4.16 %-10.54 % relative to NM. However, FM also stimulated the activities of key soil N cycle enzymes (urease, ammonia monooxygenase (AMO), and nitrite reductase (NIR)), leading to a 34.71 %-95.50 % increase in cumulative nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) emissions and a 34.35 %-101.10 % increase in global warming potential (GWP). In contrast to FM, SM moderated soil enzyme activities, improved the soil hydrothermal environment, enhanced nitrogen uptake by 5.26 %-14.89 %, and effectively reduced both yield-scaled NH<sub>3</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O emissions. Compared with UR, CR optimized nitrogen release timing, avoiding a mid-to-late season peak in soil enzyme activity and reducing gaseous nitrogen losses by 13.60 %-27.79 %. Consequently, CR increased grains per panicle and improved crop yield by 8.36 %-21.06 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>One-time application of a controlled-release and common urea mixture combined with straw mulching (CS) enhances spring maize productivity while mitigating environmental impac
实现生产力和可持续性的协同改进是半干旱黄土高原玉米生产面临的主要挑战。
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