Field Crops Research最新文献

{"title":"The higher kernel number in bread wheat compared with durum wheat is independent of nitrogen nutritional status","authors":"Rosella Motzo,&nbsp;Simona Bassu,&nbsp;Francesca Mureddu,&nbsp;Francesco Giunta","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110344","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context and objective</h3><div>Considering the constitutively higher number of spikes and grains per square meter in bread wheat compared with durum wheat, this study investigates whether nitrogen fertilization affects grain yield and yield components differently in bread wheat and durum wheat.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A three-year field experiment was conducted using two bread wheat and two durum wheat cultivars under three nitrogen application rates (0, 80, and 160 kg N ha⁻¹) in a Mediterranean environment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Across the three years, bread wheat produced a higher kernel number per square meter (15,903 on average) but a lower kernel weight (41.5 mg), whereas durum wheat exhibited the opposite pattern (11,463 kernels m⁻² and 51.7 mg per kernel on average). Both species showed similar nitrogen accumulation capacities; however, bread wheat allocated more nitrogen to the stems, while durum wheat allocated more to the grains, resulting in a higher Nitrogen Harvest Index for durum wheat (0.75 vs. 0.68 in bread wheat). Species differences in Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI) emerged only under high N supply: bread wheat approached optimal N status (&gt;0.95) at N160 in favorable seasons, whereas durum wheat plateaued at lower values (≈0.86), suggesting structural limitations in achieving full N sufficiency. Significant relationships were found between NNI, yield and yield components, with the exception of kernel weight. At any given NNI level, bread wheat consistently produced more kernels per spike, as well as more spikes and kernels per square meter, than durum wheat; however, these differences were independent of NNI.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions and significance</h3><div>Because nitrogen fertilization rate did not directly correspond to nitrogen nutritional status, accurate assessment of species or cultivar sensitivity to nitrogen should rely on NNI rather than fertilization rate, and different nitrogen application strategies should be adopted for bread and durum wheat cultivars when high nitrogen inputs are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110344"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974740","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}

{"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 ,&nbsp;Hongyun Kou ,&nbsp;Jinkai Lü ,&nbsp;Jihao Qin ,&nbsp;Zhen An ,&nbsp;Deheng Zhang ,&nbsp;Shenghao Zhang ,&nbsp;Jincheng Si ,&nbsp;Zhen Liu ,&nbsp;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":"2026-01-14","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}

{"title":"Crop yield–soil quality trade-offs under no-tillage and deep tillage in the black soil region of Northeast China","authors":"Ying Song ,&nbsp;Xiaoling He ,&nbsp;Jinxia Fu ,&nbsp;Fenli Zheng ,&nbsp;Zhi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110337","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Context&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Conservation Agriculture (CA) is globally recognized as a critical strategy for sustaining agricultural productivity while preserving soil ecosystem services. In the black soil region of Northeast China, long-term conventional tillage has contributed to black soil degradation, resulting in yield stagnation and loss of critical soil functions. Regenerative tillage practices, including no-tillage (NT) and deep tillage (DT), are now being adopted as key components of CA to restore soil functions and sustain productivity.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Research question&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;However, because most studies have focused on the impacts of either NT or DT on individual soil properties, the trade-offs between crop yield and soil quality under these two CA tillage practices remain poorly understood.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study synthesized 745 paired observations from 151 publications in Northeast China, integrating meta-analysis with the Soil Quality Index (&lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt;) and interpretable machine learning methods to quantify how NT and DT influence crop yield and &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Overall, NT and DT increase crop yield by an average of 3 % and improve &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; by 7 %. NT shows a greater benefit for &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; (+8 % vs. +6 %), while DT provides larger yield gains (8 %, CI: 5 % to 11 %). Tillage effectiveness varies with climate and soil conditions: DT outperforms NT in enhancing both yield and &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; under cold (MAT &lt; 3°C) or dry (MAP &lt; 500 mm) climates and under unfavorable soil conditions (bulk density &gt; 1.35 g/cm³, pH &lt; 6, or soil organic matter &lt; 20 g/kg). Straw retention is critical for maximizing tillage benefits. Fertilization strategies further influence outcomes: single fertilization favors &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; improvement (+9 %) under NT, whereas split applications are more effective under DT, leading to a substantial yield increase (+14 %) and simultaneous improvement in &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt; (+8 %). The positive effects of NT accumulate over time, whereas DT benefits decline after six years. Under NT, nitrogen application rate and duration as the dominant drivers of yield and &lt;em&gt;SQI&lt;/em&gt;, whereas MAP and straw management are the primary determinants under DT.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Both NT and DT effectively enhance yield and soil quality in Northeast China’s black soils, but their suitability depends heavily on local conditions. Tailoring tillage practices to specific climatic, soil, and management contexts is essential for maximizing agricultural sustainability.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Implications&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study provides an evidence-based framework for optimizing tillage practices in mollisols. By elucidating the context-dependent efficacy of NT and DT, it supports the development of region-specific conservation strategies that balance productivity and soil health. These insights are valuable for policymakers and farmers aiming to implement su","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110337"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145956487","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}

{"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 ,&nbsp;Tao Li ,&nbsp;Jianghui Yu ,&nbsp;Tianyu Du ,&nbsp;Ping Zhang ,&nbsp;Jingjing Cui ,&nbsp;Zheshu Xu ,&nbsp;Ying Zhu ,&nbsp;Fangfu Xu ,&nbsp;Qun Hu ,&nbsp;Guodong Liu ,&nbsp;Guangyan Li ,&nbsp;Haiyan Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110324","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Context&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;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.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;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.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In this study, the indica rice cultivar Quanliangyou 851 was used with nine N regulation treatments (78.75–292.5 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) established through dynamic allocation of basal, tillering, supplementary, and panicle fertilizers. This approach shaped distinct C-N metabolic patterns across the growth cycle.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;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&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; achieved yield increases (9.50–10.35 × 10&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) 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&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=0.871). This demonstrates that efficient C-N metabolic coordination is crucial for synergistic yield-quality-NUE improvement.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The synergistic improvement in yield, quality, and NUE achieved by applying panicle fertilizer at the 13th leaf stage (225 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) 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}

{"title":"Defining the critical period for yield determination in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek]","authors":"Natalia da Silva Volpato ,&nbsp;Víctor D. Giménez ,&nbsp;Gustavo A. Maddonni ,&nbsp;P.V. Vara Prasad ,&nbsp;Timothy Durrett ,&nbsp;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}

{"title":"Evaluation of upland rice variety mixtures in the Madagascar highlands","authors":"Koloina Rahajaharilaza ,&nbsp;Kirsten vom Brocke ,&nbsp;Philippe Letourmy ,&nbsp;Bertrand Muller ,&nbsp;Ramavovololona ,&nbsp;Perraud Rebecca ,&nbsp;Tuong-Vi Cao ,&nbsp;Joël Rakotomalala ,&nbsp;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}

{"title":"Optimizing nitrogen application to minimize yield-scaled reactive nitrogen loss and nitrogen surplus in rice systems","authors":"Wangmei Li ,&nbsp;Yu Sun ,&nbsp;Tingting He ,&nbsp;Yuhan Xue ,&nbsp;Ke Hu ,&nbsp;Ruotong Si ,&nbsp;Mingsheng Fan ,&nbsp;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⁻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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>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.</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}

{"title":"Integrated subsurface drip fertigation and residue management enhance maize resource-use efficiency in semi-arid agro-ecosystems","authors":"Arjun Singh,&nbsp;Anchal Dass,&nbsp;S. Sudhishri,&nbsp;V.K. Singh,&nbsp;Prameela Krishnan,&nbsp;Pravin K. Upadhyay,&nbsp;K. Shekhawat,&nbsp;R.N. Sahoo,&nbsp;S.S. Rathore,&nbsp;Ayekpam Dollina Devi,&nbsp;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 &lt; 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}

{"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 ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Liu ,&nbsp;Qin Ma ,&nbsp;Huiyao Wu ,&nbsp;Victor O. Sadras ,&nbsp;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⁻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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</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}

{"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 ,&nbsp;Pratap Singh Birthal ,&nbsp;Kiran Kumara TM ,&nbsp;Anjani Kumar ,&nbsp;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}