High-Efficiency Utilization of Water-Fertilizer Resources and Green Production of Crops

Enhancing chlorophyll retention in maize leaves and prolonging the grain-filling duration constitute critical strategies for yield improvement in agricultural production systems. This study investigated the mechanistic relationship between yield enhancement pathways and the leaf senescence process induced by high-input straw pellets amendment. We analyzed the impact mechanisms of green leaf area dynamics and dry matter redistribution on yield during late reproductive stages, establishing theoretical foundations for yield optimization through intensive straw pellets incorporation. The study used the maize variety Jingnongke 728 as the experimental material. Based on previous research, four treatments were set up, including no straw returning (CK), chopped straw (15 t/ha) returning to the field (FS1), a large amount of chopped straw (75 t/ha) returning to the field (FS5), and a large amount of pelletized straw (75 t/ha) returning to the field (KL5), with four replicates. A two-year experimental design systematically assessed green leaf area index (GLAI), dry matter accumulation, distribution, translocation, yield components, and grain yield to explore the differences among various treatments under different straw returning amounts and returning forms. The study detected no significant differences between FS1 and CK. Although KL5 and FS5 delayed leaf senescence, FS5 significantly depressed green leaf area index (GLAI) at the R1 stage (silking), which results in it not having more effective photosynthetic area during late phenological phases. In dry matter dynamics, KL5 exhibited 5.52–25.71% greater pre-anthesis accumulation, 2.73–60.74% higher post-anthesis accumulation, and 9.48–25.76% elevated ear dry matter allocation relative to other treatments. KL5’s post-anthesis assimilates contributed 2.43–17.02% more to grain development, concurrently increasing ear-to-total biomass ratio. Yield analysis ranked KL5 as the superior treatment with 0.68–25.15% yield advantage, driven by significantly enhanced kernel number per ear and 100-kernel mass, whereas FS5 displayed the lowest kernel count among all treatments. Returning 75 t/ha of straw pellets to the black soil area in Northeast China can significantly delay the senescence of maize leaves and increase the accumulation of dry matter after anthesis by maintaining the effective photosynthetic area of leaves in the later stage of growth, thereby achieving the goal of increasing yield. The research can offer a practical and novel approach for straw return in the black soil region of Northeast China and provide a new technological pathway for enhancing crop productivity. Full article

Maintaining the long-term viability of a wheat–maize planting system, particularly the synchronous improvement of crop production and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, is crucial for ensuring food security in the North China Plain. A field experiment in which wheat–maize was regarded as an integral fertilization unit was carried out in Shanxi Province, China, adopting a split-plot design with different distribution ratios of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer between wheat and maize seasons in the main plot (A) (a ratio of 3:0, A1; a ratio of 2:1, A2) and different application rates of pure nitrogen (N) during the entire wheat and maize growth period (B) (450 kg·ha⁻¹, B1; 600 kg·ha⁻¹, B2). Moreover, no fertilization was used in the entire wheat and maize growth period for the control (CK). The findings showed that A2B1 treatment led to the highest response, with an average wheat yield of 7.75 t·ha⁻¹ and an average maize yield of 8.40 t·ha⁻¹ over the last 9 years. The highest SOC content (15.13 g·kg⁻¹), storage (34.20 t·ha⁻¹), and sequestration (7.11 t·ha⁻¹) were also observed under the A2B1 treatment. Both enhanced crop yield and SOC sequestration resulted from improvements in cumulative carbon (C) input, soil nutrients, and stoichiometry under the A2B1 treatment. It was confirmed that total N (TN), alkali-hydrolysable N (AN), available P (AP), available K (AK), and the ratios of C:K, N:K, and N:P had positive effects on crop yield through the labile components of SOC and on SOC sequestration through microbial necromass C. To conclude, our findings highlight the urgent need to optimize fertilizer management strategies to improve crop production and SOC sequestration in the North China Plain. Full article

To clarify the compensatory effect of increasing density on the yield of extremely late-sown wheat and screen the best combination of the sowing date and density of extremely late-sown wheat in the wheat area of northern Xinjiang, this study set three extremely late-sown dates of October 25 (D1), November 4 (D2), and November 14 (D3) and four densities of 337.5 (M1), 450 (M2), 562.5 (M3), and 675 kg·hm⁻² (M4). Additionally, the effects of the sowing date and density combinations on the formation process of the yield element spike number, spike grain number, and 1000-grain weight were analyzed in detail using the local conventional sowing date and density (25 September, 270 kg·hm⁻²) as the control (CK). The results showed that compared to the CK, increasing the planting density of extremely late-sown wheat compensated for the reduction in the number of harvested spikes due to low emergence rates. The young spikes were stunted due to a reduction in the number of grains per spike, and the grain grouting rate caused a reduction in the defects of the 1000-grain weight in order to increase the number of harvested spikes to improve yield. Under extremely late sowing conditions, D2M2 had the highest post-spring emergence rates, the highest number of harvested spikes, better development of young spikes and grain-filling, and non-significant declines in the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight, which balanced the contribution of the number of harvested spikes, number of grains per spike, and 1000-grain weight to the yield and gave the highest yield. After comprehensive yield factor analysis, sowing 450 kg·hm⁻² (1.00 × 10⁶ seeds·hm⁻²) on 4 November (pre-winter cumulative temperature of 47.5 °C) was determined to be the best combination for planting extremely late-sown wheat in the northern Xinjiang wheat area, and the results of this study can provide important theoretical and technical references for guaranteeing the yield of winter wheat in extremely late-sown winter wheat areas. Full article

This study explores the impact of different temperature and humidity conditions on Mulberry cutting rooting and transplanting survival rates in an aeroponically rapid propagation system. It investigates the relationship between droplet adhesion and mortality based on mildew and rot distribution in cuttings. The regulating strategies were divided into three groups: humidity, temperature, and combined humidity and temperature. The humidity group included a fixed spray frequency (H3) and fixed-range humidity conditions (H1: 90% ≤ Humidity ≤ 100% and H2: 95% ≤ Humidity ≤ 100%). The temperature group comprised room temperature (T2) and fixed-range temperature circumstances (T1: 25 °C < Temperature < 27 °C). The non-regulation group (THCK) made no particular modifications, whereas the combined temperature and humidity group (TH) maintained both temperature and humidity within a set range (90% ≤ Humidity ≤ 100% and 25 °C < Temperature < 27 °C). Moreover, the humidity control group (HCK) and the temperature control group (TCK) integrated a soil cultivation system. Then, the transplantation experiment and the droplet adhesion amount experiment were carried out. The results demonstrate that faster callus formation and rooting with aeroponic propagation, temperature and humidity regulation significantly improves root growth and survival rate. The temperature and humidity regulation group outperforms, increased callus rate, rooting rate, average root length, average root number, fresh weight, and dry weight by 30%, 25%, 4.54 mm, 1.09, 0.12 g, and 0.012 g, while reducing mortality by 20%. Conversely, soil culture showed no callus formation or rooting throughout the same timeframe. Significant (p < 0.01) differences between regulation and non-regulation groups exist in growth parameters, mortality, and transplant survival rates. All groups achieved 80–100% transplant survival, with temperature regulation enhancing hardening effects. Excessive droplet adhesion heightens the risk of mortality, with an optimal adhesion threshold of approximately 0.06444 g. This study offers valuable insights into aeroponically rapid propagation and intelligent nurseries. Full article

This study aimed to clarify the scientific quantification of fertilizer nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization, its destination, and its residual distribution in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm after biochar application using ¹⁵N tracer technology. The purpose was to provide a theoretical basis for developing a scientific application strategy for N fertilizer and biochar in irrigated farmland areas. Two levels of N fertilizer application were set up using the ¹⁵N labeling method in microareas of large fields: the regular amount of N fertilizer (N1: 300 kg·ha⁻¹) and a reduction of N fertilizer by 15% (N2: 255 kg·ha⁻¹). Further, three levels of biochar application were set up: no biochar (B0: 0 kg·ha⁻¹), a low amount of biochar (B1: 10 × 10³ kg·ha⁻¹), and a medium amount of biochar (B2: 20 × 10³ kg·ha⁻¹). The tested biochar was derived from corn stover (maize straw). The natural abundance of ¹⁵N-labeled fertilizer N, the total N content of each aboveground organ, and the total N content of soil at a depth of 0–30 cm in a spring wheat field at maturity were determined, and the yield was measured in the corresponding plots. The proportion of ¹⁵N-labeled fertilizer N uptake by each organ of spring wheat and the soil N uptake was 20.60–35.32% and more than 64.68%, respectively. Moreover, the proportion of soil N uptake showed a decreasing trend with an increase in biochar application. The spring wheat N uptake and utilization rate, the residue rate in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm, the total utilization rate, and the rate of loss of ¹⁵N-labeled fertilizer N ranged from 15.21% to 29.61%, 23.33% to 28.93%, 38.54% to 58.54%, and 41.46% to 61.46%, respectively. The spring wheat N fertilizer utilization rate, fertilizer N residue rate in soil, and total fertilizer N utilization rate all increased gradually with an increase in biochar application, except for the N loss rate, which decreased gradually. When N fertilizer reduction was combined with medium biochar (B2N2), the yield of spring wheat significantly improved, mainly due to an increase in the number of grains in spikes. Under this treatment, the number of grains in spikes of spring wheat was 41.9, and the yield reached 7075.54 kg·ha⁻¹, which was an increase of 9.69–28.25% and 10.91–25.35%, respectively, compared with other treatments. Yield increased by up to 25.35%, and nitrogen loss decreased by 48.24% under the B2N2 treatment. Biochar application could promote the amount and proportion of fertilizer N uptake in various organs of spring wheat as well as in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm. In this study, a 15% reduction in N fertilizer (255 kg·ha⁻¹) combined with 20 × 10³ kg·ha⁻¹ biochar application initially helped achieve the goal of increasing spring wheat yield and N fertilizer uptake, as well as improving fertilizer N utilization, providing an optimal scientific application strategy for N fertilizer and biochar in the farmland of the irrigation area. These results substantiate the hypothesis that biochar application enhances spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) assimilation of fertilizer-derived nitrogen (¹⁵N) while concomitantly improving fertilizer nitrogen retention in the soil matrix, which could provide a sustainable framework for nitrogen management in irrigated farmlands. Full article

The tillage method and straw returning are the two most important agronomic measures for crop production, but their combined effects on nutrient accumulation and utilization and grain yield in dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., namely wheat)–summer maize (Zea mays L., namely maize) double-cropping system are still poorly understood. The present study delves into the impact of the tillage method and straw returning on yield and nutrient accumulation and utilization in wheat–maize double-cropping system based on a field split-plot positioning experiment (started in October 2009). Three tillage methods—plowing (PT, 30–35 cm in depth), rotary tillage (RT, 12–15 cm in depth), no-tillage (NT)—and two straw management—zero straw returning (S0) and straw returning (SR)—were assigned to the main plots and subplots, respectively, thus encompassing six distinct treatments of PTS0, PTSR, RTS0, RTSR, NTS0, and NTSR. The grain yield and its components; the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation at maturity; and the internal efficiency of N, P, and K in wheat and maize from 2018 to 2022 were investigated. The results indicated that in the experimental years, tillage methods and straw management significantly affected wheat, maize, and annual yield. Compared with NT, RT significantly increased wheat yield by 9.5% and maize K accumulation by 5.8%, and PT significantly increased wheat K accumulation by 11.1% and the yield and N, P, and K accumulation of maize by 6.3%, 7.8%, 8.9%, and 5.3%. Compared with RT, PT significantly increased yield and K accumulation in wheat and yield and N and P accumulation in maize. Compared with NTSR, PTSR significantly increased the yield and N, P, and K accumulation in wheat, but it did not affect yield and nutrient accumulation in maize; RTSR significantly increased wheat yield while it significantly decreased yield and N, P, and K accumulation in maize. Compared with RTSR, PTSR significantly increased the yield and N, P, and K accumulation by 4.0%, 19.5%, 19.6%, and 7.0% in wheat, respectively, and 7.5%, 6.1%, 13.3% and 13.6% in maize. Under the same tillage method, compared with S0, SR significantly increased crop yield and N, P, and K accumulation by 2.4–25.4%, 8.5–43.3%, 12.9–37.8%, and 11.0–51.0%, but it significantly reduced wheat K internal efficiency and maize N, P, K internal efficiency. The effectiveness of straw management on crop yield and N, P, and K accumulation was greater than that of tillage methods. Therefore, the combination of plowing tillage with straw returning (PTSR) is an effective tactic to promote crop yield in dryland wheat–maize double-cropping system. This study offered insights for achieving high yield by regulating the accumulation and internal efficiency of plant N, P, and K nutrients in wheat–maize double-cropping system in drought-prone areas and environments similar to the study areas. Full article

Timely sowing is a crucial cultivation practice for enhancing crop productivity. In Shandong Province, inadequate supporting cultivation techniques are the primary factors limiting the yield and quality improvement of high-quality strong-gluten wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A promising strategy for achieving synergistic improvements in both yield and quality involves matching the sowing date and density to the specific ecological conditions of each region. To explore this approach, we conducted continuous field experiments at three testing stations—Jining, Dezhou, and Yantai—across the major wheat-growing regions of Shandong Province from 2019 to 2021. Four sowing dates (T1: October 5; T2: October 15; T3: October 25; and T4: November 5) and seven planting densities (ranging from 135 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹ to 405 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹, denoted as D1–D7) were tested at each location. The results revealed that the wheat yield in each ecological zone initially increased, then decreased as the sowing dates were delayed. In Jining and Dezhou, high grain yields were typically observed at all densities under T3, while Yantai showed optimal yields under T2. Specifically, Jining achieved the highest grain yield of 9326.6 kg ha⁻¹ with 315 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹ on October 25 (T3D5), while Dezhou and Yantai reached their maximum yields under 225 × 10⁴ plants ha⁻¹ on October 15 (T2D3), with yields of 8784.0 kg ha⁻¹ and 9366.3 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Except in Dezhou, the wheat quality compliance rate at all sites followed an increasing trend initially, which then declined with later sowing dates. In Jining and Yantai, high-quality compliance rates were most frequently achieved under T2, while Dezhou showed optimal quality rates under T1. In conclusion, selecting appropriate sowing dates and densities can lead to synergistic improvements in both grain yield and quality of strong-gluten wheat across Shandong’s wheat-growing regions. Full article

Cassava is a crucial food and economic crop in tropical regions globally. In response to challenges in fertilizer use efficiency for cassava cultivation, which is traditionally compromised by extensive leaching and broad root zone distribution, a novel large-particle slow-release fertilizer (LPF) was developed in this study. This fertilizer was synthesized through solution polymerization using non-metallic minerals and seaweed extract. Compared to conventional SFs that release 99% of nutrients within 1 min, the LPF prolonged the release duration to 51 min under optimal synthesis conditions: drying temperature of 80 °C, total extrusion force of 40 t, drying air pressure of −0.40 bar, auxiliary mineral proportion of 50%, and water content of 15%. Microbeam characterization (e.g., FTIR) and kinetic modeling revealed that the superior performance of LPF resulted from mineral crystal enrichment in the outer layer of fertilizer granules, facilitating intra-particle diffusion processes and imposing boundary layer limitations on nutrient release (e.g., N, P, and K). Field experiments validated the slow-release performance of the fertilizer. Notably, soil treated with LPF exhibited superior nutrient retention in the topsoil layer (0–20 cm) both horizontally and vertically. Even with two-thirds of the nutrient content relative to conventional fertilizers, LPF also displayed significant improvements in crop yield, partial factor productivity, and agronomic efficiency by 33.56%, 200.01%, and 513.84%, respectively. These results indicate that LPF presents a promising solution for sustainable cassava cultivation. Full article

Drip fertigation (DF) can improve yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE, grain production per unit of the sum of soil inherent mineral N and fertilizer N), as well as reduce the risk of environmental pollution compared with flood irrigation and N fertilizer broadcast (FB). Previously, we showed that DF enhanced the response of the yield to the N topdressing rate (NTR), but the underlying mechanisms associated with the soil N supply, root architecture, and N uptake remain unclear. We conducted a field experiment by testing six N treatments (no N applied, and NTRs of 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha⁻¹, denoted as N0, T0, T40, T80, T120, and T160, respectively) under DF and FB from 2021 to 2023. Compared with FB, the NUE and WUE were 4.8–4.9% and 10.0–10.5% higher under DF. The higher NUE was due to an improvement in N uptake efficiency (6.1–7.7%) resulting from the enhanced aboveground N uptake (AGN). The greater AGN under DF was attributed to the higher soil N availability at the soil depth of 0–40 cm. DF decreased the residual soil NO₃⁻-N at a depth of 40–200 cm but increased the NO₃⁻-N at a depth of 0–40 cm. In addition, DF combined with T80 achieved high root length density, surface density, and dry weight density and improved NUE and WUE. DF combined with T80 achieved high yield and efficient utilization of water and N, and the NTR threshold was 61.75–119.50 kg ha⁻¹, in which the production conditions were similar to those of the experimental site. Our results provide a reference for high-efficiency water and N fertilizer usage for irrigated winter wheat production in North China. Full article

The widespread use of pesticides has long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, but their overuse has led to several challenges, including increased production costs, food safety risks, and environmental damage. Green pest control technologies (GPCTs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional chemical methods, although their widespread adoption is still in progress, and their environmental and economic impacts require further examination. This study aims to evaluate the adoption of GPCT in apple orchards by employing a rigorous framework to measure pesticide intensity per unit, assess the impact of GPCT on pesticide reduction, and analyze the associated environmental effects in large-scale apple farming systems in China. Based on survey data collected from apple farmers across key production regions in China, we apply an Endogenous Treatment Effect Regression (ETR) model to evaluate the effects of these technologies on pesticide usage and concentration. This model allows for more accurate estimates of the treatment effects by addressing selection bias and accounting for both observable and unobservable factors. Our results show that the adoption of GPCT leads to a significant reduction in pesticide use intensity. Notably, the reductions are more pronounced among specific groups of farmers, particularly those who are less risk-averse and those with larger or more fragmented landholdings. These findings underscore the dual ecological and economic benefits of GPCT, providing strong support for policy initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices and encourage land consolidation. Full article

Mulching practices have demonstrated the potential to increase crop yields and resource utilization efficiency. However, the response of different crops with various growth stages to different mulching practices remains unclear, particularly in the rainfed agroecosystem. Therefore, a two-year field experiment (2013–2015) of different crops (wheat, maize, and potato) was conducted to evaluate the effects of three different mulching treatments: straw strip mulching (SM), plastic film mulching (PM), and conventional planting without mulching as the control (CK), on soil moisture and temperature, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), crop yield and economic benefits on the Loess Plateau. The results indicated that both mulching practices significantly increased the soil water content (SM: 4.3% and PM: 3.6%) compared to CK. However, the effects on soil temperature varied between mulching practices, PM increased soil temperature by 4.9% compared to CK, while SM decreased it by 6.3%. The improved soil hydrothermal conditions, characterized by favorable temperatures and higher soil water status would lead to a higher crop daily growth rate (5.3–49.8%), as well as greater dry matter accumulation (4.7–36.7%). Furthermore, mulching practice (SM and PM) has a significant influence on crop yield and its components of various crops, as well as WUE. The mean grain yield of SM and PM was, respectively, increased by 11.4% and 27.1% for winter wheat, compared to CK, 1.8% and 24.3% for spring maize, and 23.0% and 13.9% for potato, respectively. Compared to CK, PM yielded a higher net economic benefit and WUE for winter wheat and spring maize, while SM presented the best economic benefit and WUE for potato. In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of crop yield, economic benefits, and resource utilization efficiency suggests that straw strip mulching for potato is a more sustainable environmentally friendly mulching practice, recommended for rainfed farming systems on the Loess Plateau and areas with similar climatic conditions. Full article

Straw return is an effective agricultural measure that influences the ecological environment. In the context of global climate change and the need for sustainable development, it is essential to explore how straw return methods affect the environment. This study conducted a two-year field experiment comparing different straw return treatments: no straw return (CK), straw return directly (SR), and straw returned in deep ditches (ISR). The results showed that SR treatment increased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (21.7~25.8%) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) (8.5~43.8%) compared to CK. The ISR treatment significantly enhanced DOC (13.1~33.0%) and DON (14.2~50.8%). Both SR and ISR treatments also improved maize growth indicators, such as leaf area index (LAI), stem biomass, leaf biomass, and grain biomass. In terms of environmental effects, the ISR measure reduced N₂O emissions and significantly lowered the carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF). Specifically, the yield-scale carbon footprint (CF_y) and yield-scale water footprint (WF_y) of ISR were reduced by 12.0% and 9.1%, respectively, in 2023. Correlation analysis revealed that soil DON and DOC were key factors in these environmental benefits. Furthermore, the reduction in WF and CF was closely linked to the increased SWC and higher biomass in all maize organs. Therefore, we demonstrated that the ISR measure not only promotes maize biomass accumulation but also effectively mitigates carbon emissions and water consumption on farmland. It may be related to the boosting soil DON and DOC levels. Overall, the ISR method holds promise for supporting sustainable farming practices. Full article

To provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable application of autumn mulching technology, we examined the effects of straw input on spring maize yield and water-use efficiency in film-mulched farmland. Based on the positioning tests of different mulching methods conducted in 2013, non-mulching (NM), spring mulching (SM), autumn mulching (AM), and autumn mulching combined with the return of straw (AMS) were selected in western Liaoning from 2018 to 2021. Spring maize yield, yield component factors, soil water content, and water-use efficiency under the four treatments were assessed. In each year, the AMS treatment significantly increased the maize yield, which was 48.22%, 9.33%, 30.66%, and 9.92%, and 11.78%, 7.71%, 12.86%, and 4.77% higher than that obtained after the SM and AM treatments, respectively. However, the harvest index was not significantly improved by AMS. AMS treatment significantly improved the precipitation utilization rate in all assessed years. Moreover, the crop water consumption was significantly increased by AMS treatment. Compared with the NM treatment, water-use efficiencies for economic and biological yield were also significantly improved. Thus, autumn mulching combined with straw-returning technology is an effective technical measure for improve spring maize yield and water-use efficiency in semi-arid areas of western Liaoning. Full article

In drylands, where the annual precipitation is low and erratic, improving the water storage capacity and the available water in the soil is crucial for crop production. To explore the effect of long-term agronomic management on water storage capacity and available water in the soil, four agronomic management systems were used (including the farmer’s management model (FM), the high nitrogen input model (HN), the manure amendment model (MM), and the biochar amendment model (BM)) for eight consecutive years, and the variation in wheat yield and soil hydraulic, physical, and chemical properties in the 0–100 cm soil profile were investigated. The management practices varied in terms of seeding rates, nitrogen (N)-application strategies, and the application of manure or biochar. The results showed that, under the manure amendment model (MM), the wheat yield was increased by 17–35%, and the water-use efficiency was increased by 14–29% when compared to the farmer’s management model (FM) and the high nitrogen input model (HN). However, no significant differences in wheat yield and water-use efficiency were found under the biochar amendment model (BM) compared to the HN. The high yield and water-use efficiency under the MM were mainly due to the higher saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil saturated water content, field capacity, and soil available water content, which led to an increase in the available water storage in the 0–100 cm soil profile by 29–48 mm. Furthermore, the MM also improved soil organic matter, porosity, root length density, and root weight density and reduced the soil bulk density, which are beneficial for the improvement of the above soil hydraulic properties. Therefore, it is a practical way to ensure high yield and high efficiency of crops in dryland by improving water storage capacity and the available water in the soil, which can be profoundly regulated by agronomic management. Full article

Tillage practices significantly influence crop yield and soil quality. This study investigated the impact of rotary tillage (RT) and deep tillage (DT) on soil properties, microbial diversity, and melon (Cucumis melo L.) root growth and yield. RT involved breaking up the topsoil to a depth of 15 cm using a rotary tiller, while DT employed a rotary tiller followed by a moldboard plow to turn the soil layer over to a depth of 35 cm. The melon variety “Nasimi” was used as the material. Our findings revealed a remarkable response of soil phosphorus to tillage practices. High-throughput sequencing results revealed a significant impact of tillage practices on the soil fungal composition, richness, and diversity but little impact on the bacterial communities. Compared to RT, DT markedly enhanced melon root length, root surface area, root volume, and mean root diameter by 47.42%, 56.70%, 58.83%, and 27.28%, respectively. Additionally, DT treatments significantly increased melon yield (53.46%) compared to RT. The results indicate that DT improves soil nutrient availability, affects soil fungal community characteristics, and optimizes root distribution in soil, thereby improving melon yield. The findings offer valuable theoretical insights for the implementation of effective tillage practices in open-field melon cultivation. Full article

Returning straw to the field is a crucial practice for enhancing soil quality and increasing efficient use of secondary crop products. However, maize straw has a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio compared to other crops. This can result in crop nitrogen loss when the straw is returned to the field. Therefore, it is crucial to explore how different methods of straw return affect maize (Zea mays L.) farmland. In this study, a field experiment was performed with three treatments (I, no straw returned, CK; II, direct straw return, SR; and III, straw returned in deep furrows, ISR) to explore the effects of the different straw return modes on soil carbon and nitrogen content and greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicated that the SR and ISR treatments increased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in the topsoil (0–15 cm). Additionally, the ISR treatment boosted the contents of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and DOC in the subsurface soil (15–30 cm) compared with CK. When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the ISR treatment led to an increase in CO₂ emissions. However, SR and ISR reduced N₂O emissions, with ISR showing a more pronounced reduction. The ISR treatment significantly increased leaf and grain biomass compared to CK and SR. The correlation analyses showed that the yield was positively correlated with soil DOC, and soil greenhouse gas emission was correlated with soil NO₃⁻-N. The ISR technology has great potential in sequestering soil organic matter, improving soil fertility, and realizing sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Apple tree productivity is influenced by the quantity of water and nutrients that are supplied during planting. To enhance resource utilization efficiency and optimize yields, a suitable strategy for supplying water and nitrogen must be established. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block group design on five-year-old apple trees in Ningxia, with two irrigation lower limit levels (55%FC (W1) and 75%FC (W2)) and four N application levels (0 (N1), 120 (N2), 240 (N3), and 360 (N4) kg·ha⁻¹). Our findings showed that leaf N content increased with a higher irrigation lower limit, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the leaf N content significantly increased with increasing N application. The growth pattern of new shoots followed logistic curve characteristics, with the maximum new shoot growth rate and time of new shoot growth being delayed under high water and high nitrogen treatments. Apple yield and yield components (weight per fruit and number of fruits per plant) were enhanced under N application compared to no N application. The maximum apple yields were 19,405.3 kg·ha⁻¹ (2022) and 29,607 kg·ha⁻¹ (2023) at the N3 level. A parabolic relationship was observed between apple yield and N application level, with the optimal range of N application being 230–260 kg⸱ha⁻¹. Apple quality indicators were not significantly affected by the irrigation lower limit but were significantly influenced by N application levels. The lower limit of irrigation did not have a significant impact on the quality indicators of the apples. Water and N utilization efficiencies improved with the W2 treatment at the same N application level. A negative relationship was observed between the amount of nitrogen applied and the biased productivity of nitrogen fertilizer. The utilization of nitrogen fertilizer was 127.6 kg·kg⁻¹ (2022) and 200.3 kg·kg⁻¹ (2023) in the W2N2 treatment. The apple yield was sustained, the quality of the fruit improved, and a substantial increase in water productivity was achieved with the W2N3 treatment. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for accurate field irrigation. Full article

The online detection of fertilizer solution information is a crucial link in the implementation of intelligent and precise variable fertilization techniques. However, achieving simultaneous rapid online detection of multiple fertilizer components is still challenging. Therefore, a rapid detection method based on spectrophotometry for qualitative and quantitative identification of four fertilizers (typical N, P, and K fertilizers: KNO₃, (NH₄)₂SO₄, KH₂PO₄, and K₂SO₄) was proposed in this work. Full-scan absorption spectra of fertilizer solutions at varying concentrations were obtained using a UV–visible/near-infrared spectrophotometer. By assessing the linear fit between fertilizer concentration and absorbance at each wavelength within the characteristic band, the characteristic wavelengths for KNO₃, (NH₄)₂SO₄, KH₂PO₄, and K₂SO₄ were identified as 214 nm, 410 nm, 712 nm, and 1708 nm, respectively. The identification method of fertilizer type and the prediction model of concentration were constructed based on characteristic wavelength and the Lambert–Beer law. Based on the above analysis, a four-channel photoelectric sensor was designed with four LEDs emitting wavelengths closely matched to characteristic wavelengths for fertilizer detection. A detection strategy of “qualitative analysis followed by quantitative detection” was proposed to realize the online detection of four fertilizer types and their concentrations. Evaluation of the sensor’s performance showed its high stability, with an accuracy of 81.5% in recognizing fertilizer types. Furthermore, the relative error of the sensor detection was substantially less than ±15% for the fertilizer concentrations not exceeding 80 mg/L. These results confirm the capability of the sensor to meet the practical requirements for online detection of four fertilizer types and concentrations in the field of agricultural engineering. Full article

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is an important cereal crop with rich nutritional value. Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) are the prerequisites for the application of new variety rights for foxtail millet. In this study, we investigated 32 DUS test characteristics of 183 foxtail millet resources, studied their artificial selection trends, and identified the varieties that conform to breeding trends. The results indicated significant differences in terms of the means, ranges, and coefficients of variation for each characteristic. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlations between various DUS characteristics. A principal component analysis was conducted on 31 test characteristics to determine their primary characteristics. By plotting PC1 and PC2, all the germplasm resources could be clearly distinguished. The trends in foxtail millet breeding were identified through a differential analysis of the DUS test characteristics between the landrace and cultivated varieties. Based on these breeding trends, the optimal solution types for multiple evaluation indicators were determined; the weight allocation was calculated; and a specific TOPSIS algorithm was designed to establish a comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making model. Using this model, the breeding potential of foxtail millet germplasm resources were ranked. These findings provided important reference for foxtail millet breeding in the future. Full article

Water scarcity poses a significant threat to the sustainable production of crops in Northern China. Despite this, the effect of water management practices, such as deficit irrigation, on the yield and WUE of potatoes has been rarely explored. Based on the meta-analysis of field experiment data, this study evaluated the influence of deficit irrigation on potato yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) under variable soil types, water-saving ratio, irrigation methods, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and fertilizer rate in Northern China. Here, we determined that potato WUE and IWUE were significantly increased by 10.0 and 31.6%, respectively, under deficit irrigation, while ET was significantly decreased by 26.3% compared to full irrigation. Conclusively, deficit irrigation significantly reduced potato yields by 16.4% compared to full irrigation. Furthermore, SOC content played a vital role in improving the WUE and alleviating potato yield losses under deficit irrigation. Our study suggested that maximum WUE with lower potato yield losses under deficit irrigation can be achieved in the Central Plains region of China or in yellow loam soil, brown soil, and meadow soil under alternate root-zone irrigation when the water-saving ratio was less than 45% and fertilizer application rates were 300 kg N ha⁻¹, >240 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, and 181–300 kg K₂O ha⁻¹. Overall, these findings highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of various agricultural management practices and local environmental conditions to optimize the benefits of deficit irrigation in potato-growing regions across Northern China. Full article

In the southern Xinjiang region of China, developing efficient irrigation and fertilization strategies to enhance resource utilization and prevent desertification is of critical importance. This study focuses on jujubes in Xinjiang, China, and involves a three-year field experiment aimed at exploring the optimal application strategy of magnetically treated water combined with microbial organic fertilizer to provide scientific support for high-quality jujube production. The experiment included a control group (using only fresh water, denoted as CK) and combinations of magnetically treated water drip irrigation with varying amounts of microbial organic fertilizer: in 2021, treatments included M0 (only irrigating with magnetically treated water), M6 (0.6 t/ha), M12 (1.2 t/ha), M18 (1.8 t/ha), and M24 (2.4 t/ha); in 2022 and 2023, treatments included M0, M6 (0.6 t/ha), M12 (1.2 t/ha), M24 (2.4 t/ha), and M48 (4.8 t/ha). This study investigated the effects of magnetically treated water drip irrigation combined with microbial organic fertilizer on soil physical properties, hydraulic parameters, enzyme activity, aggregate stability, and jujube yield and quality. The application of microbial organic fertilizer significantly reduced the soil bulk density by 3.07% to 11.04% and increased soil porosity by 1.97% to 14.75%. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity gradually decreased with the increasing amount of microbial organic fertilizer, with a reduction range of 5.95% to 13.69%, while the water-holding capacity significantly improved (from 0.217 cm³/cm³ to 0.264 cm³/cm³). Additionally, microbial organic fertilizer significantly enhanced the activities of urease, catalase, and sucrase in the soil and significantly increased the proportion of large soil aggregates. Jujube yield increased by 3.66% to 21.38%, and the quality significantly improved, as evidenced by the increase in soluble sugar and flavonoid content. The Gauss model calculation results recommended 3.09 t·hm² as the optimal amount of microbial organic fertilizer for comprehensively improving jujube yield and quality. These findings indicate that magnetically treated water drip irrigation combined with high amounts of microbial organic fertilizer significantly improved soil physical properties, hydraulic parameters, enzyme activity, aggregate stability, and jujube yield and quality, providing scientific evidence for desert soil improvement and agricultural production. Full article

The application of excessive nitrogen fertiliser has been found to have a detrimental impact on the growth and development of cotton in Xinjiang, China. This has resulted in a reduction in cotton yield and economic benefit. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for reducing the input of inorganic N fertiliser while maintaining the quality and yield formation of cotton. The objective of this study was to examine the growth, photosynthesis, and yield of cotton crops subjected to varying fertiliser treatments. The experiment was conducted in 2021–2022 with eight treatments in the experiment: no fertiliser (CK); conventional application of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser (T0); T1–T3, with 8%, 16%, and 24% reduction in inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application, respectively; and T4–T6, with organic fertilisers replacing the reduced inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application of T1–T3, respectively. In comparison to T0, T5 demonstrated the most notable agronomical performance and yield components across both years. This is attributable to the spatial distribution of cotton bolls, which was more conducive to the net photosynthetic rate and yield formation. This, in turn, led to an augmented photosynthetic capacity, enhanced biomass accumulation, and an elevated harvesting index. The results of the economic benefit analysis demonstrated that in comparison to the control treatment (T0), the net profit of all treatments except T3 increased. In conclusion, the economic benefit reached its maximum in the range of a 9.90–14.10% reduction in nitrogen and a 16.60–17.60% substitution of organic fertiliser. Full article

Working to simplify mechanistic models on the basis of reliability for estimating crop evapotranspiration (ET) in a greenhouse is still worthwhile for horticulturists. In this study, four ET models (Penman–Monteith, Priestley–Taylor, and Shuttleworth–Wallace models, and the Crop coefficient method) were parameterized after taking the restriction effect of resistance parameters in these models on ET into account, named as PA-PM, PA-PT, PA-CC, and PA-SW, respectively. The performance of these four parameterized models was compared at different growth stages, as well as the entire growing season. Tomatoes that were ET-grown in a solar greenhouse without a heating device were measured using weighting lysimeters during 2016–2017 and 2019–2021, in which data from 2016 were used to adjust the model parameters, and data from the other four study years were used to examine the model performance. The results indicated that the PA-PT and PA-CC models have a better performance in estimating tomato ET at four growth stages, while the PA-PM and PA-SW performed well only at the development and middle stages. Compared to the ET that was measured with the weighting lysimeters, the ET that was predicted using the PA-PM model was 27.0% lower at the initial stage, and 8.7% higher at the late stage; the ET that was computed using the PA-SW model was 19.5% and 13.6% higher at the initial and late stages, respectively. The PA-PT model yielded the lowest root mean square error and the highest index of agreement against the other models over the entire growing season, indicating that the PA-PT model is the best recommended model for estimating tomato ET in a solar greenhouse. Full article