Field Crops Research最新文献

{"title":"Intercropping with appropriate nitrogen reduction achieves the trade-off among soil biological health, soil multifunctionality, and crop productivity","authors":"Xiao Wang ,&nbsp;Yingbin Li ,&nbsp;Minghao Yang ,&nbsp;Wenju Liang ,&nbsp;Xiaoke Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Intercropping is a typical and sustainable agricultural practice. Specifically, cereal/legume intercropping enhances crop productivity and especially improves nitrogen acquisition and provides the possibility for N (nitrogen) application reduction. However, relatively few studies have explored the influence of intercropping with N application reduction on soil biological health and the corresponding soil function.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the impacts of maize/peanut intercropping on soil biological health and multifunctionality, crop productivity and their relationship, and to further analyze the main factors affecting crop productivity in intercropping systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We investigated the effects of maize/peanut intercropping with three N applications (without N, conventional N application and 20 % conventional N application reduction) within inner rows and in adjacent rows of both crops on soil biological health and multifunctionality as well as crop productivity through a two-year field intercropping experiment. Multiple soil nematode indices were integrated into the soil biological health framework while multiple soil properties pertinent to nutrients were incorporated into soil multifunctionality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both intercropping and N application reduction improved soil biological health. Differently, only N application significantly affected soil multifunctionality of maize rows. Intercropping considerably increased maize yields but reduced peanut yields, especially in adjacent rows of both crops, and improved overall land-use efficiency by 3.30 % - 9.33 %. Although conventional N application benefited crop growth and soil multifunctionality rather than biological health, N application reduction still effectively maintained a balance among soil biological health, soil multifunctionality, and crop productivity. Soil biological health and multifunctionality had significant positive effects on maize productivity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings emphasized that border-row effect improved maize productivity and soil biological health, which all contributed to boosting land-use advantage and crop productivity of intercropping. Intercropping with appropriate nitrogen reduction achieved a trade-off among soil biological health, soil multifunctionality and crop productivity in a short-term experiment, and the long-term effects still need to be further evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>This study highlights the significant border-row effect not only on crop growth and yield but also on soil biological health. Intercropping with N application reduction strikes an optimal balance between aboveground and belowground ecosystem components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110085"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144711427","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":"Maize breeding strategies for increased grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency","authors":"Ezequiel Saenz ,&nbsp;Slobodan Trifunovic ,&nbsp;Jim Narvel ,&nbsp;Tony Vyn ,&nbsp;Sotirios V. Archontoulis","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Breeding and higher plant densities over the last 40 years have increased maize yield and biomass production in the US Corn Belt. However, the effects of planting density versus genetic changes over time on plant and organ nitrogen (N) concentrations and uptake remain poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to (i) quantify changes (genetic gains) in N concentration and uptake across different plant organs at the R2 and R6 stages, (ii) determine whether maize breeding and increasing plant density have altered N dilution patterns, and (iii) examine changes in the yield to crop N uptake relationship to guide future breeding strategies to increase yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted seven field experiments over two years across the US Corn Belt, evaluating 18 maize hybrids released between 1983 and 2017. The hybrids were grown under varying plant densities to reflect historical and current management practices. Organ dry matter and N concentrations were measured at R2 and R6 growth stages. The N utilization efficiency (NUE) was calculated as yield divided with crop N uptake at R6 stage.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Breeding and plant density have increased crop N uptake by 45 kg N ha⁻¹ over the past four decades. Breeding accounted for 54 % of this increase and plant density for the remaining 46 %. Breeding primarily increased ear N uptake while plant density improved leaf N uptake. The increase in reproductive organ N uptake was higher than that of vegetative organs, resulting in a higher nitrogen harvest index (NHI) in newer hybrids. Whole-plant and organ level N concentrations declined over time, which was driven by dry matter increases rather than changes in the rate of N dilution. Modern hybrids exhibit greater efficiency in converting N into yield, resulting in a 25 % increase in NUE over the last 40 years. This resulted from increasing crop N uptake by 17 %, NHI by 5 %, and decreasing grain N concentration by 15 % over the last decades. Present grain N concentration and NUE estimates are below crop physiological limits, suggesting that there remains genetic potential to further increase both yield and NUE through targeted breeding.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>These findings offer valuable insights for understanding historical changes in maize N uptake and N allocation to organs, which could help design future breeding targets to further increase yield and NUE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110076"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144696836","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":"Maize straw application shows regional-scale improvements to soil fertility and crop yields in Chinese croplands: A meta-analysis","authors":"Xinyi Wang ,&nbsp;Zhaoxuan Li ,&nbsp;Hao Li,&nbsp;Tingting Shen,&nbsp;Yanxin Luo,&nbsp;Feilong Zhang,&nbsp;Xiaozhuo Wang,&nbsp;Xueyan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Applying maize straw to agricultural land is recognized as a crucial practice for enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. However, the significant regional variations in the impacts of maize straw on soil properties and crop yields remain poorly understood, particularly under the diverse climatic and soil conditions found across China.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>This study aimed to quantify the effects of maize straw application on soil fertility and crop yield and to identify how climatic factors, initial soil properties, and straw application rates influence these effects across different regions of China.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A meta-analysis was conducted using data from 94 peer-reviewed studies covering 1187 data pairs for sites throughout China. This analysis assessed the impact of maize straw application on key indicators of soil fertility, including soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and soil bulk density, as well as on crop yield. Statistical models were used to evaluate the relationships between climatic conditions, initial soil fertility, straw application rates, and resulting outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Maize straw application significantly increased crop yield, SOC, and TN, whereas soil bulk density was reduced. Climatic conditions and initial soil properties notably influenced these outcomes. Regions with moist and cool climates exhibited the most pronounced gains in SOC and productivity. Furthermore, with increasing temperatures from high-latitude regions to low-latitude regions, benefits in crop yield, TN, urease, sucrase, and organic matter decreased. Maximum improvements in crop yield were obtained under higher straw application rates (&gt; 9000 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Importantly, significant enhancements in crop yield, SOC, and TN were achieved by applying maize straw in areas with initial SOC and TN levels below 6 g kg⁻¹ and 1 g kg⁻¹, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Maize straw application effectively enhances soil fertility and crop yields in cropland in China. Specific benefits are dependent on regional climate, initial soil fertility, and application rates. These findings highlight the importance of adjusting straw application practices to local environmental conditions to achieve optimal agricultural productivity and soil health.</div></div><div><h3>Implications or significance</h3><div>The results of the comprehensive regional analysis conducted in this study underscores the role of environmental and management factors in maximizing the benefits of maize straw application. The insights gained can inform the development of tailored straw application practices that enhance both agronomic and ecological benefits, contributing to sustainable crop management in China and potentially other regions with similar agricultural conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 109908"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144703902","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":"Modelling the response of maize to nitrogen rates and planting windows in the semi-arid savannas of Nigeria","authors":"Abdullahi I. Tofa ,&nbsp;Alpha Y. Kamara ,&nbsp;Kamaluddin T. Aliyu ,&nbsp;Ismail I. Garba ,&nbsp;Lucky O. Omoigui ,&nbsp;Jenneh F. Bebeley ,&nbsp;Reuben Solomon ,&nbsp;Helen Peter-Jerome ,&nbsp;Abdulrasheed H. Kofarmata","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110079","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110079","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Maize production in the semi-arid savannas of Nigeria is limited by poor soil fertility and erratic rainfall, both of which contribute to low and unstable yields. Optimizing cultivars choice, planting windows, and nitrogen application is critical for improving maize yield. However, ideal combination of these varies with climatic and soil conditions. Decision support tools can support optimizing agronomic practices to enhance productivity.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study was conducted to determine the optimal combinations of planting window and nitrogen rates for two maize cultivars to optimized maize yield in Kano State in Nigeria using the Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>DSSAT-CERES-Maize model was used to calibrate the genetic coefficients of two maize cultivars: SAMMAZ-15 and SAMMAZ-27, using a dataset generated from 14 consecutive field experiments which ran from 2014 to 2019 season across three locations in Kano, Nigeria. Model validation was performed using independent datasets from 2015 and 2016 seasons for SAMMAZ-15, and the 2016 and 2017 seasons for SAMMAZ-27. The model was then used to simulate long-term maize grain yield under varying nitrogen rates and sowing windows in 66 sites across Sahel, Sudan and Guinea savanna agroecological zones (AEZs) in Kano State, Nigeria. GIS was then used to interpolate the yield across the study area.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Maize grain yield declined with late planting windows with reductions of 17–34 % in the Guinea savanna, 25–44 % in the Sudan savanna, and 32–58 % in the Sahel savanna. Nitrogen application showed a quadratic yield response in the Guinea and Sudan savannas at 90 kg N ha⁻¹ (R² &gt; 0.85; p &lt; 0.05) but had no significant effect beyond the application of 30 kg N ha⁻¹ in the Sahel savanna with a yield of ∼1000 kg ha⁻¹ for both cultivars. The optimal genotype × management (G × M) combination was sowing between June 1–15 with 90 kg N ha⁻¹ , which resulted in yields above 4000 kg ha⁻¹ for SAMMAZ-15 and 3700 kg ha⁻¹ for SAMMAZ-27 in the Guinea Savanna. In Sudan Savanna, sowing between 16 and 30 June at 90 kg N ha⁻¹ yielded 2500 kg ha⁻¹ for SAMMAZ-15 and 2100 kg ha⁻¹ for SAMMAZ-27. When simulated, the maps indicate a high spatial variability, with yields in the Sahel ranging from less than 1000–2000 kg ha⁻¹ , and those in the Sudan Savanna ranging from 1000 to 4000 kg ha⁻¹ for both cultivars. In the Guinea Savanna AEZ, yields ranged from 4000 to 6000 kg ha⁻¹ for SAMMAZ-15 and from 3000 to 5000 kg ha⁻¹ for SAMMAZ-27.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Between the two cultivars, SAMMAZ-15 performed better and responded well to higher nitrogen rates in both Guinea and Sudan Savanna Zones at N application rate of 90 kg ha⁻¹ , while in the Sahel Savanna, increasing nitrogen beyond 30 kg ha⁻¹ had little","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110079"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685605","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":"A new core-inhibitor coated urea that increases wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency by reducing nitrogen loss and regulating soil nitrogen supply","authors":"Guiyang Sun,&nbsp;Yuanjie Dong,&nbsp;Wenjing Yin,&nbsp;Yingjie Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Escalating demographic and environmental constraints demand enhanced crop productivity with reduced ecological footprints in agriculture. Consequently, coated fertilizers and inhibitors have gained widespread adoption. Nevertheless, coated fertilizers demonstrate imprecise nutrient release profiles, whereas inhibitors exhibit constrained functional persistence and pronounced environmental susceptibility. Current studies on integrated application of coated fertilizers with inhibitors remain insufficient and require systematic evaluation.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To develop a novel fertilizer (core-inhibitor coated urea, CICU) enabling synchronized slow-release of nitrogen (N) and inhibitors. To elucidate underlying mechanisms of yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) enhancement through synchronized N-inhibitor release, and to assess its economic benefits.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The CICU was prepared by proportionally blending powdered urea, the urease inhibitor hydroquinone (HQ), and the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) into granules, followed by epoxy resin coating. Preparation parameters were optimized based on an interactive test of response. The surface morphology and release characteristics of CICU were evaluated through laboratory experiments, followed by concurrent field experiments in fields in Tai’an (yield level of 6000 kg·hm⁻²) and Zibo (yield level of 7500 kg·hm⁻²), China. Seven experimental treatments were established: CK (no N fertilizer), U (normal urea), CU (epoxy resin coated urea), CHDU (epoxy-coated urea with surface sprayed HQ and DCD), IFU (agglomerated urea with novel inorganic material), HDIFU (agglomerated urea with HQ, DCD and novel inorganic material), and CHDIFU (HDIFU coated with epoxy resin).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Scanning electron microscopy and hydrostatic release tests reveal a uniform distribution of urea and inhibitors in CHDIFU, with good binding of the membrane shell to the granule core, and a controlled release period of 58 days for N and 46 days for HQ and DCD with a 5 % coating. Similarity factors reveal the N-inhibitor release synchronicity in CHDIFU outperformed than CHDU (<em>f2</em> = 66.38 vs. 34.14). Compared with CU, soil incubation tests reveal CHDIFU reduces ammonia volatilization by 24.95 % and N leaching losses by 16.2 %. Field experiments demonstrated that CHDIFU's inhibition of urease, hydroxylamine reductase, and nitrate reductase persisted until flowering, resulting in 25.39 %-33.14 % higher soil NO₃⁻-N and 14.67 %-23.27 % higher NH₄⁺-N versus CHDU. Compared to CHDU, CHDIFU increased post-anthesis dry matter accumulation by 8.62–11.57 % and N accumulation contribution to grains by 7.99–18.04 %, ultimately elevating yield and N fertilizer apparent utilization efficiency by 8.82 %-12.09 % and 16.91 %-26.24 %, respectively. Cost-benefit analysis showed a 57.84 $·ha⁻¹ fertilization co","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110080"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685596","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":"Wheat genetic improvement affects the fate of 15N fertilizer, improving nitrogen uptake and utilization","authors":"Tiantian Huang ,&nbsp;Zhuanzhuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Ruiqi Sun ,&nbsp;Qianxiang Wu ,&nbsp;Xiaoru Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiaoli Zhong ,&nbsp;Kadambot H.M. Siddique ,&nbsp;Xiaoliang Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110078","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110078","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Excessive fertilization increases production costs and contributes to environmental pollution, threatening agricultural sustainability. The efficiency with which wheat accumulates fertilizer nitrogen (N) directly affects economic returns and overall nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Genetic improvement is a key strategy for enhancing NUE in wheat.</div></div><div><h3>Objective and methods</h3><div>This study examined eight widely cultivated wheat varieties released between 1948 and 2015 in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, using ¹⁵N stable isotopes to assess N uptake and utilization from fertilizer and soil indigenous N sources.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Genetic improvement has significantly enhanced wheat NUE, primarily by increasing N accumulation and transport capacity. Notably, wheat breeding has led to higher pre-anthesis N accumulation, while post-anthesis N accumulation has remained largely unchanged. Modern wheat varieties exhibit greater absorption of both fertilizer N and soil indigenous N. Additionally, the proportion of fertilizer-derived ¹⁵N retained in wheat has increased, with a strong positive correlation observed between the ¹⁵N uptake and root traits such as root length, weight, and surface area in the topsoil (0–20 cm). Genetic advancements have also improved post-anthesis N translocation, leading to higher translocation rates and a greater contribution of N to grain formation. Both fertilizer and soil indigenous N translocation increased as the variety release year progressed. At the end of the growing season, wheat absorbed 21.5–28.8 % of fertilizer N, with 35.4–49.8 % remaining in the soil and 25.6–30.6 % lost through leaching. Genetic improvement has enhanced wheat’s capacity to absorb fertilizer-derived ¹⁵N, increasing ¹⁵N nitrogen recovery efficiency and reducing the amount of residual ¹⁵N fertilizer in the soil, with no significant change in ¹⁵N fertilizer nitrogen loss.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings support the development of climate-smart, sustainable agricultural systems by integrating genetic improvement and refined N management strategies. Future wheat breeding programs should prioritize root system optimization to enhance fertilizer N uptake and minimize residual soil N.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110078"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685606","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":"Assessment of nitrogen status in maize-soybean intercropping system by establishing a novel critical nitrogen dilution curve under different irrigation amounts","authors":"Bo Jing ,&nbsp;Wenjuan Shi ,&nbsp;Ying Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>The critical nitrogen dilution curve, an established diagnostic tool for assessing crop nitrogen status, faces challenges in intercropping systems due to species-specific resource utilization patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>This study aimed to develop a novel critical nitrogen dilution curve for maize-soybean intercropping systems and propose nitrogen management strategies to optimize crops productivity under varying irrigation levels.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-year maize-soybean intercropping experiment was conducted in northwest China, employing three irrigation levels (W60: 60 %, W80: 80 %, W100: 100 % of crop evapotranspiration) and five nitrogen application levels (N0–0: 0–0, N120–60: 120–60, N180–60: 180–60, N240–60: 240–60, N300–60: 300–60 kg ha^–1 for maize-soybean).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results indicated that optimal irrigation (W80 and W100) combined with moderate-to-high nitrogen inputs (N180–60, N240–60, and N300–60) significantly enhanced system productivity, particularly maize yield and aboveground biomass. The highest nitrogen use efficiency occurred under W80 with N180–60 or N240–60 treatments. By integrating biomass proportion dynamics, a novel critical nitrogen dilution curve for maize-soybean intercropping was developed under different irrigation levels. This model effectively accounts for interspecific biomass allocation, differential nitrogen uptake efficiencies, and irrigation-mediated nitrogen availability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Based on nitrogen nutrition index dynamics, we recommend a uniform base fertilizer application of 60 kg N ha^–1 for both crops in maize-soybean intercropping systems. Then, under limited irrigation (W60), maize topdressing should be maintained at approximately 60 kg N ha^–1, while under sufficient irrigation (W80-W100), a moderate increase to approximately 120 kg N ha^–1.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>These findings offer a theoretical basis for nitrogen diagnosis and management in intercropping systems, though further validation across diverse environments is needed to enhance model generalization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110081"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144680048","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":"Water-saving management sustains yield of both ordinary paddy rice and drought-resistance rice varieties with reduced irrigation water in ratoon rice production of Central China","authors":"Chen Yang ,&nbsp;Huiping Wang ,&nbsp;Yucheng Wang ,&nbsp;Guodong Yang ,&nbsp;Meng Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiangning Wu ,&nbsp;Bin Wang ,&nbsp;Le Xu ,&nbsp;Junming Tu ,&nbsp;Jie Chen ,&nbsp;Zheng Qi ,&nbsp;Kehui Cui ,&nbsp;Jianliang Huang ,&nbsp;Shaobing Peng ,&nbsp;Shen Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110077","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110077","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Ratoon rice is resource-efficient and environmentally friendly but faces challenges under climate-induced water scarcity. While water-saving irrigation and water-saving and drought-resistant varieties offer promise, their effects on yield and water productivity in ratoon rice system remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the effects of water-saving irrigation and drought-resistant rice varieties on yield, yield components, water use, and water productivity in both main and ratoon crops.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Field experiments were conducted using a split-plot design with two water regimes (continuous flooding [CF] and water-saving [WS]) as main plots and six rice varieties (three water-saving and drought-resistance rice [WDR] and three ordinary paddy rice [OPR] varieties) as subplots in Qichun and Xishui (Hubei, China) in 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Yields were similar between CF and WS across sites, but WS reduced irrigation water use by 76.1–84.6 %, increasing water productivity by 16.3–140.0 %. Main crop yield was comparable between WDR and OPR, but WDR yielded 16.1–30.1 % less in the ratoon crop, resulting in lower water productivity. As a result, water productivity of WDR was significantly lower than that of OPR in ratoon crop but not in main crop. The lower ratoon crop yield of WDR was attributed to reduced total dry weight and a decreased number of panicles per unit area, which was associated with fewer panicles at the lower nodes.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Water-saving irrigation maintained yield while reducing water input. To improve WDR performance in ratoon systems, future efforts should target enhancing ratoon biomass and promoting tillering from lower nodes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110077"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144670444","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":"Global synthesis of nitrogen management in sugarcane systems: Decoding climate-soil-management drivers of Brazil-China contrasts","authors":"Xiaomai Yuan ,&nbsp;Shengsen Zhou ,&nbsp;Fumin Wei ,&nbsp;Li Ma ,&nbsp;Yongfeng Sun ,&nbsp;Dingjiao Peng ,&nbsp;Run Liang ,&nbsp;Yibao Luo ,&nbsp;Baoshan Chen ,&nbsp;Wei Yao ,&nbsp;Ziting Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Global sugarcane systems exhibit critical N management disparities; Brazil applies only one-third to one-seventh of the N fertilizer amount used in China, but achieves 30–50 % higher yields. Decoding these mechanisms is critical for closing yield gaps and optimizing global N-efficient production.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to determine the response of sugarcane cropping systems to N fertilizers across different countries and to provide optimized N management strategies for sugarcane production.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We synthesized 967 observations from 81 articles published between 2000 and 2023. By differentiating data between Brazil and China, this study employed subgroup, random forest, and regression analyses to quantify how climatic conditions, soil properties, and agronomic practices influence the N fertilization responsiveness of sugarcane.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Synthetic N fertilization increased cane yield (+20.0 %) and N uptake (+59.6 %) in Brazil compared to + 35.2 % and + 82.5 % in China, respectively, with Chinese soils exhibiting greater NO₃^- and NH₄⁺ contents. Brazilian systems showed broader variability in mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), soil organic matter (SOM), and soil total N (STN) than Chinese systems. MAT and STN levels emerged as the primary drivers of cane yield and N uptake responses in Brazil, respectively, in contrast to STN levels and N application rate dominance in China. Optimal thresholds were MAT &gt; 20 ℃ and MAP &gt; 1300 mm (Brazil) versus SOM &lt; 30 g·kg⁻¹ and STN &lt; 0.5 g·kg⁻¹ (China). N use efficiency (NUE) correlated positively with STN in Brazil (N rate-independent) but inversely in China. The threshold for partial factor productivity of N (PFPN) in Brazil and China occurred at N fertilizer application rates of 71.6 and 159.1 kg N·ha⁻¹, respectively, while the response threshold for cane yield appeared at 140 and 276 kg N·ha⁻¹.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Chinese sugarcane showed a stronger N response than Brazilian sugarcane. Brazilian soils with high SOM maintain inherent N mineralization compared to China's SOM-deficient systems with constrained native N availability. Brazilian N management requires climate-adapted approaches, whereas China requires soil health restoration through organic C and N enrichment to boost N efficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This meta-analysis systematically compared the N supply patterns in Brazilian and Chinese sugarcane cropping systems, revealing that soil N provisioning is a critical determinant for sustaining high and stable yields, while providing actionable insights for optimizing global sugarcane N management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110075"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656784","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":"Optimal planting density enhances cotton yield by coordinating boll–leaf system photosynthesis under heat-limited conditions","authors":"Minzhi Chen ,&nbsp;Yinhua Yan ,&nbsp;Peng Yan ,&nbsp;Yali Zhang ,&nbsp;Jingshan Tian ,&nbsp;Mingfeng Yang ,&nbsp;Chuangdao Jiang ,&nbsp;Wangfeng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2025.110073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>In Xinjiang, China, a region characterized by abundant solar radiation but limited heat resources, high-density cotton planting has driven remarkable yield gains, yet the underlying physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that optimal planting density enhances radiation use efficiency (RUE) and heat use efficiency (HUE) by regulating the photosynthetic performance of the boll–leaf system (a functional unit comprising a fruiting boll, its subtending main-stem leaf, and associated sympodial leaves) through optimization of canopy structure and microenvironment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a six-year field experiment to compare four planting densities (2.9, 12.6, 24.5, and 34.6 plants m⁻²) in Xingjiang. The boll–leaf system photosynthesis, canopy microenvironment including vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and photosynthetically active radiation, as well as dry matter accumulation, lint yield, RUE, and HUE were examined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results demonstrated that 24.5 plants m⁻² maximized lint yield (mean 2786 kg ha⁻¹) and RUE (2.72 g per megajoule). This optimal density increased boll–leaf systems per unit area to 186–202 m⁻² (4.3-fold higher than the lowest density) while limiting the decline in boll–leaf system photosynthetic rate to 27 % (versus 52 % at 34.6 plants m⁻²). Critically, it improved canopy microclimates by reducing VPD by 14–27 % and lowering maximum temperatures by 0.5–1.7°C in middle and lower canopy layers, thereby extending daily photosynthetic duration. These microenvironmental modifications drove a 27.1 % improvement in RUE relative to suboptimal densities and maximized HUE (1.53 g per degree Celsius per day per square meter).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We conclude that optimal planting density achieves high yields in heat-limited regions by coordinating two key properties of the boll–leaf system: increasing the number of photosynthetic units while minimizing declines in their individual efficiency. This coordination is mediated through canopy structural adjustments that alleviate high-temperature and VPD stress, providing a physiological framework for optimizing cotton cultivation in thermal deficit environments globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"333 ","pages":"Article 110073"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656785","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}