Developments and prospects of multiple cropping in China

China is the country with the most extensive development of multiple cropping worldwide with a long history. Multiple cropping plays an irreplaceable role in alleviating the contradiction between more people and less land, ensuring national food security, and increasing agricultural efficiency and farmer's income. However, China's traditional multiple cropping needs to adapt to the requirement of mechanization, high efficiency and standardization due to the rapid development of rural economy. This study systematically summarized the development of multiple cropping, clarified the impacts of climate change, scientific and technological progress on the boundary of multiple cropping, and reviewed the principle and ecological mechanism of efficient utilization of light, temperature, water, nitrogen and phosphorus and other nutrient resources in the multiple cropping. To further advance multiple cropping and better facilitate agricultural green transformation in China, there is a need for widespread adoption of advanced agricultural techniques, seamless integration of machinery, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. These measures are essential to efficiently unlock the maximum potential of available resources and enhance crop yields. Additionally, enhancing biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ecological services should be prioritized by expanding multiple cropping.