Optimized fertilization strategies enhanced integrated benefits in nutrient management for open-field cabbage production

Excessive nutrient input in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) production not only results in wasted fertilizer application and potential decline in quality, but may also fail to further increase yield. Additionally, it can damage the health of the agroecosystem. However, it is unknown whether optimized fertilization can balance all these benefits. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted using a dataset of 72 paired observations in China to synthesize the response of cabbage yield, quality, farmers' income, net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB), and global warming potential (GWP) to optimized fertilization and its regulators. We found that optimized fertilization significantly increased cabbage yield by average 10 % and farmers' income by average 12 % with 11–23 % less fertilizer applied. Optimized fertilization significantly improved the quality of cabbage, such as soluble sugar and vitamin C. Furthermore, optimized fertilization significantly enhanced NEEB and mitigated GWP to the environment. No significant differences in optimized fertilization effect were found between optimizing the chemical fertilization rate (OCF) and optimizing chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer application (OCFM). The ratio of N application rate between optimized fertilization and farmers’ fertilizer practice was the dominant driver affecting the yield and quality of cabbage in the OCF treatment. While, there was no uniform factor affecting the yield and quality of cabbage in the OCFM treatment. These results highlight the multiple mechanisms of optimized fertilization methods in controlling yield and quality of cabbage. In future studies, conducting extensive field fertilization trials is essential for gaining insight into how various agronomic practices affect cabbage production. This knowledge will be crucial for optimizing these practices to maximize the comprehensive benefits of vegetable cultivation.