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Agronomy
Special Issues
Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems
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Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Innovative Cropping Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 2500

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Stefano Marino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
Interests: response of agronomic crops to various environmental and nutritional stresses; effects of nitrogen, water, and weed stress on crop biomass, yield, and yield components; cereal crops (wheat, barley, and spelt); vegetable crops (tomatoes, onions, beans, melons, and watermelons); protein crops (beans, peas, chickpeas, and grass peas); tubers (potatoes); innovative field-scale techniques for the early detection of stress utilizing spectral reflectance and vegetation indices
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Increasing agricultural productivity by optimising resource use to achieve higher yields while promoting the sustainability of farming systems is a global strategic objective. Enhancing agronomic practices, such as crop, soil, nutrient, and water-efficient management, and improving effectiveness through integrated plant nutrient management (IPNM), integrated pest management (IPM), and integrated weed management (IWM), to uphold high biodiversity and ecosystem health still requires considerable effort. Agricultural production systems continue to lack integration, optimisation, diversification, and innovation.

This Special Issue seeks to gather research that identifies effective production management practices. We invite all submissions addressing issues related to productivity improvement and crop management in agricultural systems.

Dr. Stefano Marino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • crop yield
  • integrated management strategies
  • soil
  • water
  • nutrients
  • weeds
  • pest management
  • biodiversity
  • innovative technologies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 611 KB  
Article
Mechanically Deep-Placed Nitrogen Fertilizer Modulates Rice Yield and Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency in South China
by Hanyue Guo, Longfei Xia, Siying Yang, Yifei Wang, Haidong Liu, Ming Jiang, Jianying Qi, Zhaowen Mo and Shenggang Pan
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020213 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Mechanical deep fertilization is an efficient fertilization method. However, the effects of different types of nitrogen fertilizer on rice grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency under deep-application conditions remain unclear. In this study, field experiments were carried out in 2021 and 2022. The [...] Read more.
Mechanical deep fertilization is an efficient fertilization method. However, the effects of different types of nitrogen fertilizer on rice grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency under deep-application conditions remain unclear. In this study, field experiments were carried out in 2021 and 2022. The experimental treatments consisted of three types of nitrogen fertilizer, i.e., urea (T1), slow/controlled-release fertilizer (T2), and super rice special fertilizer (T3), applied at a rate of 150 kg N ha−1 via mechanical deep placement using Meixiangzhan 2 (MX) and Y liangyou 1378 (YL) as experimental materials. No fertilizer application was used as a control (T0) to calculate nitrogen use efficiency. The T2 treatment produced 29.03% and 25.52% higher grain yield for MX and YL because of the increase in productive panicles per ha and spikelet number per panicle, 21.20% and 13.68% higher nitrogen recovery efficiency, and 24.57% and 23.29% higher nitrogen agronomy efficiency than T1, respectively. In addition, the T2 treatment significantly improved the leaf area index and total aboveground biomass at the panicle initiation and heading stages. We also found that the POD, CAT, NR, and GOGAT of T2 for MX and YL at the heading stage were significantly enhanced compared to other treatments. Significant interaction was also observed in spikelet per panicle and 1000-grain weight between rice variety and nitrogen fertilizer type. Therefore, slow/controlled-release fertilizer application at the rate of 150 kg N per ha is a more feasible nitrogen fertilizer management strategy under mechanical deep placement, with the merit of increasing grain yield and improving nitrogen use efficiency in South China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)
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15 pages, 1285 KB  
Article
Post-Silking Nitrogen Topdressing Optimizes Nitrogen Accumulation and Enhances Yield in Densely Planted Maize
by Yuanmeng Zhang, Guoqiang Zhang, Juan Zhai, Yuehong Cao, Wenqian Xu, Bo Ming, Ruizhi Xie, Keru Wang, Shaokun Li, Jun Xue and Zhigang Wang
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010026 - 22 Dec 2025
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Nitrogen is pivotal for high-yield maize (Zea mays L.), but excessive nitrogen application and improper timing remain common in production. Clarifying nitrogen strategies and population nitrogen accumulation under high density is urgent. This study set two density levels (7.5 × 104 [...] Read more.
Nitrogen is pivotal for high-yield maize (Zea mays L.), but excessive nitrogen application and improper timing remain common in production. Clarifying nitrogen strategies and population nitrogen accumulation under high density is urgent. This study set two density levels (7.5 × 104 plants ha−1; 12.0 × 104 plants ha−1) and eight nitrogen management methods: the no nitrogen (N0), all-basal nitrogen (Fbase, total nitrogen: 360 kg ha−1), and post-silking topdressing methods (total nitrogen: 360 kg ha−1) with nitrogen proportions of 0% (F0%, post-silking topdressing: 0 kg ha−1), 20% (F20%, post-silking topdressing: 72 kg ha−1), 40% (F40%, post-silking topdressing: 144 kg ha−1), 60% (F60%, post-silking topdressing: 216 kg ha−1), 80% (F80%, post-silking topdressing: 288 kg ha−1), and 100% (F100%, post-silking topdressing: 360 kg ha−1). Fertilization was applied via drip irrigation. Results demonstrated that the highest yield was obtained under F60% at 7.5 × 104 plants ha−1 and under F40% at 12.0 × 104 plants ha−1. Appropriate post-silking nitrogen increments synergistically improved kernel number per ear and 1000-kernel weight. The post-silking nitrogen topdressing proportion significantly affected maize stand nitrogen accumulation. At maturity, the highest nitrogen accumulation was observed under F60% at 7.5 × 104 plant ha−1 density and under F40% at 12.0 × 104 plants ha−1 density. For the 7.5 × 104 condition, the duration of the rapid nitrogen accumulation period was extended by 11.9–39.2 days and maximum nitrogen accumulation increased by 15.52–57.20%; at 12.0 × 104, maximum nitrogen accumulation rose by 15.89–64.46%. In summary, appropriately increasing the proportion of post-silking nitrogen application can enhance maize yield, nitrogen accumulation, and nitrogen uptake efficiency. Specifically, a 60% post-silking nitrogen application ratio is recommended for a 7.5 × 104 plants ha−1 density and a 40% ratio for a 12.0 × 104 plants ha−1 density. These two strategies can significantly increase kernel number per ear and 1000-kernel weight, thereby improving maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)
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15 pages, 1126 KB  
Article
The Influence of Foliar Application of Nod Factors (LCOs) and Microelements on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Peas (Pisum sativum L.)
by Janusz Podleśny, Jerzy Wielbo, Anna Podleśna, Hanna Klikocka and Dominika Kidaj
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112536 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Peas are a popular crop grown in Poland, but their yields are variable and often low; therefore, new cultivation methods are constantly being sought. In this paper, we present the results of a three-year greenhouse study examining the effect of preparations containing rhizobial [...] Read more.
Peas are a popular crop grown in Poland, but their yields are variable and often low; therefore, new cultivation methods are constantly being sought. In this paper, we present the results of a three-year greenhouse study examining the effect of preparations containing rhizobial Nod factors and/or selected microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Mo) on the physiological parameters, growth, and yield of peas. Pea plants were tested at the flowering stage (BBCH 60), at the green ripe stage (BBCH 75), and at the fully ripe stage (BBCH 90). Leaf area, SPAD, gas exchange parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured, and the number and mass of root nodules, as well as seed yield and yield components, were determined. The treatment was most effective when Nod factors were used in combination with microelements. The increase in pea yield induced by the application of both components can be attributed to the higher number of pods and seeds per plant because no significant variations were noted in the number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight. The number and weight of nodules were significantly correlated with the pea yield, and the value of the correlation coefficients was influenced by the application of both components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)
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18 pages, 4445 KB  
Article
Sink Strength Governs Yield Ceiling in High-Yield Cotton: Compensation Effects of Source–Sink Damage and Reproductive Stage Regulation
by Zhenwang Zhang, Kexin Li, Qinghua Liao, Zhijie Shi, Keke Yu, Junqi Zhu, Xiyu Jia, Guodong Chen, Sumei Wan, Shanwei Lou, Mingfeng Yang, Fangjun Li, Xiaoli Tian, Zhaohu Li and Mingwei Du
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092099 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1060
Abstract
Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, [...] Read more.
Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, nitrogen content, canopy structure and dry matter accumulation and distribution). The treatments consisted of a no cutting source and sink treatment (CK), cutting 1/2 leaves per plant (1/2L) and cutting 1/2 bolls per plant (1/2B) at the initial flowering stage (IFS), the flower and boll stage (FABS), and the full boll stage (FBS). The results showed that 1/2L treatment minimized yield losses to 2.3–5.9% by enhancing photosynthetic compensation, with FBS-1/2L showing the smallest reduction (2.3–2.9%) due to higher leaf N content and SPAD values, whereas, the 1/2B treatments resulted in significant yield losses attributable to fewer bolls, especially the FBS-1/2B treatments, which reduced yields by 35.7–41.9%, with a compensatory rate of only 8.1–14.3%. It is noteworthy that the compensation rates of IFS-1/2B and FABS-1/2B could reach 26.7–32.3% and 18.7–23.8% of their yields due to the higher leaf N content. In a word, the source damage can be buffered by physiological compensation, while the sink loss leads to yield collapse due to the irreversibility of reproductive development. Thus, the core regulator of high-yield cotton fields was sink strength. Accordingly, optimizing the sink quality was performed through moderate boll thinning at the IFS, enhancing water and fertilizer supply at the FABS and strengthening sink organ protection at the FBS in order to realize a breakthrough in yield limit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)
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