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Agronomy
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Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition
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Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 6769

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Guoqiang Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology and Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: agronomy; yield potential; water-saving irrigation; resource-use efficiency; nutrient resource management; sustainable production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Peng Hou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: maize; high yield; high efficiency; environmental effects; physiological and ecological mechanism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rongfa Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
Interests: high yield; high efficiency; root; stress; sustainable production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable agricultural production and food security are universal issues of public concern all over the world. The integration and optimization of crop management practices to increase crop productivity are a future development goal of agriculture, and these practices will result in the production of substantially more food on limited land to sustain and meet the needs of the expanding world population. Crop growth, yield formation, farmland ecology and resource utilization are significantly affected by agronomic practices. Hence, the integration and optimization agronomic practices can promote crop yields and sustainable crop production.

This Special Issue, entitled “Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production”, aims to collect studies on yield formation and the physiological ecology responses of crops to crop management practices. This includes issues in the management of planting density, water, fertilizer, sowing date, mulching, soil conservation, conservation tillage, etc. Therefore, we welcome quality, highly interdisciplinary studies from disparate research fields. Original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Guoqiang Zhang
Dr. Peng Hou
Dr. Rongfa Li
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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 monthly 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

  • agronomy
  • crop
  • yield
  • quality
  • planting density
  • water-saving irrigation
  • fertilization management
  • integration of water and fertilizer
  • resource utilization efficiency
  • conservation tillage
  • soil management
  • environmental stresses
  • greenhouse gas emissions

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2571 KiB  
Article
Tap Maize Yield Productivity in China: A Meta-Analysis of Agronomic Measures and Planting Density Optimization
by Renqing Lei, Yuan Wang, Jianmin Zhou and Haitao Xiang
Agronomy 2025, 15(4), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15040861 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
Maize is a staple crop in China, playing a crucial role in agriculture and food security. However, current planting densities are suboptimal, leading to lower yields and unrealized potential. This study explores the potential to maximize maize yields by optimizing planting density and [...] Read more.
Maize is a staple crop in China, playing a crucial role in agriculture and food security. However, current planting densities are suboptimal, leading to lower yields and unrealized potential. This study explores the potential to maximize maize yields by optimizing planting density and implementing region-specific agronomic measures across China’s diverse agro-ecological zones. We compiled a dataset consisting of 1974 independent field trials from 720 publications across China’s main maize-growing areas, spanning the period from 2000 to 2023, to assess the impact of optimal planting density and agronomic practices on China’s maize production. Our findings reveal that increasing the planting density to optimal levels—49.34% higher than current farmer practices—can significantly boost national maize yields by 16.28%. Furthermore, adopting agronomic techniques like precision irrigation, soil tillage, and plant growth regulators enhances this effect, raising planting density by 69.91% and yield by 27.26%. Notably, the irrigated maize-growing areas in Northwest China showed the highest yield potential, whereas the southern hilly regions had the lowest. This underscores the significance of tailoring optimal density and agronomic practices to each region. Combining agronomic measures with adjusted planting densities can reduce this disparity. Precision irrigation, soil tillage, and plant growth regulators were particularly effective in optimizing planting density and maximizing yield potential, especially in Northwest China and the North China Plain. In contrast, plant growth regulators proved most effective in Southwest China and Southern China. This study underscores the potential of integrating optimized planting density with agronomic measures to significantly improve maize productivity, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture. It provides a scientific basis for regionalized agricultural management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 5055 KiB  
Article
Ecosystem Responses of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) in Alpine Desert Environments in Northeastern Qinghai, Tibet Plateau, China
by Qiaoyu Wang, Lihui Tian, Hongwei Zhang, Dengshan Zhang, Haijiao Wang and Lihui Wang
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030615 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Desertification is acknowledged as a significant global ecological challenge. In the current context of advancing ecological governance and sustainable development, it is imperative to explore optimal solutions that reconcile economic and ecological interests. This study examined the economically viable crop Jerusalem artichoke ( [...] Read more.
Desertification is acknowledged as a significant global ecological challenge. In the current context of advancing ecological governance and sustainable development, it is imperative to explore optimal solutions that reconcile economic and ecological interests. This study examined the economically viable crop Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) by selecting four varieties (Qingyu Nos. 1 to 4) for cultivation in the semi-arid sandy region of the Qinghai Plateau. This research analyzes and discusses the growth and development as well as the ecological adaptability of the various varieties, evaluating their feasibility for ecological restoration in high-altitude, semi-arid, sandy environments. The findings suggest that, under high-altitude and semi-arid conditions, these varieties demonstrate a spectrum of physiological and ecological adaptations, including alterations in organ allocation, limited vegetative growth, and modifications in root distribution. Notably, Qingyu Nos. 1 and 2 are more adept at thriving under cold and dry conditions, whereas Qingyu Nos. 3 and 4 are more suitable for cultivation in warmer and humid environments. This study offers valuable insights into crop cultivation in high-altitude, semi-arid, desert regions and proposes innovative strategies for the advancement of the local sand industry. The ecological restoration approach that employs these crops for sand stabilization enhances the transformation of ecological benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2190 KiB  
Article
Chemical Topping and Planting Density Interactively Affect Cotton Growth and Partitioning Index
by Yutong Zhang, Yongfan Chen, Shuai Sun, Pengzhong Zhang, Zeshan Zhang, Xuejiao Wang, Xuelian Tang, Mingfeng Yang, Dao Xiang, Sen Wang, Fen Ji and Lizhen Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3011; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123011 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 760
Abstract
Due to the labor shortage, replacing manual topping with chemical topping has become an important practice in cotton-producing areas such as Xinjiang, China. Similarly, increasing planting density is a common strategy to enhance cotton yields. This study aimed to quantify the interactive effects [...] Read more.
Due to the labor shortage, replacing manual topping with chemical topping has become an important practice in cotton-producing areas such as Xinjiang, China. Similarly, increasing planting density is a common strategy to enhance cotton yields. This study aimed to quantify the interactive effects of chemical topping and planting density on cotton growth and assimilate partitioning. To achieve this, a two-year (2020–2021) field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, China. The main plots were assigned low (15 plants m−2) or high plant density (25 plants m−2), and the subplots were chemical topping using heavy amounts of mepiquat chloride (MC) or manual topping. The dynamics of dry matter accumulation and partitioning in cotton were well quantified using a beta-growth function with an overall nRMSE of 11.5%. Results indicated that chemical topping increased aboveground dry matter maximum by 4.88%, fruit dry matter maximum by 17.9% and seed cotton yield by 14.0% compared to manual topping. At low plant density, the partitioning index between vegetative and reproductive organs showed no significant differences. However, at high plant density, the time when 50% of assimilate partitioning to reproductive organs for chemical topping was 2.6 physiological days (under optimal temperature conditions) delayed than that for manual topping, resulting in a 2.7 physiological days delay in the time that fruits reached maximum growth rate. The results of the study suggest that applying chemicals for topping a little earlier in high-density planting could reduce the negative effects of delayed boll growth and promote carbon assimilate partitioning to fruit growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4042 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Nitrogen Input Increased Yield and Efficiency in Maize-Soybean Strip Intercropping System
by Yuwen Liang, Qiannan Liu, Jinghan Zeng, Fei Xiong, Jian Guo, Guanghao Li and Dalei Lu
Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2472; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112472 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1070
Abstract
Optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilizer combination is a crucial measure to maximize yield and production efficiency in a maize-soybean strip intercropping system (MSSI). In this field experiment, six maize/soybean N input combinations (0 kg ha−1, F0; 255/30 kg ha−1, F1; [...] Read more.
Optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilizer combination is a crucial measure to maximize yield and production efficiency in a maize-soybean strip intercropping system (MSSI). In this field experiment, six maize/soybean N input combinations (0 kg ha−1, F0; 255/30 kg ha−1, F1; 255/45 kg ha−1, F2; 255/60 kg ha−1, F3; 210/45 kg ha−1, F4; 300/45 kg ha−1, F5) were set in 2022 and 2023. The results indicated that optimizing N combination (maize/soybean, 255/45 kg ha−1) could synergistically increase yield and economic benefits. Path analysis results showed that the grain numbers in maize and soybean emerged as the most critical yield-affecting factors. Compared with F0, F5 showed the highest grain yield during the 2-year experiment, and the net return increased by 86.1% (F1), 133.3% (F2), 87.4% (F3), 104.7% (F4), and 128.3% (F5), respectively. Optimizing N input under F2 and F5 notably enhanced the leaf area index (LAI) of maize at the milk stage (R3) and soybean at the full pod stage (R4). Additionally, optimization of N distribution in maize stems at the tassel stage (VT) and soybean leaves at the initial flowering stage (R1) facilitated increased dry matter and N accumulation at the maturity stage, resulting in final land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.44 and 1.55, respectively. Our results provide a more valuable field N combination for summer maize planting areas (sandy soil areas) in Huang-Huai-Hai and southern China, thus promoting the wider application of MSSI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 3398 KiB  
Article
Maize/Peanut Intercropping Affects Legume Nodulation in Semi-Arid Conditions
by Chen Feng, Guijuan Du, Yue Zhang, Liangshan Feng, Lili Zhang, Qi Wang, Wuyan Xiang, Wei Bai, Qian Cai, Tianran Sun, Zhanxiang Sun and Lizhen Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050951 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1975
Abstract
Maize/peanut intercropping is practiced widely to increase land productivity and considered a sustainable way for using and saving resources through peanut’s complementary N source via biological N2 fixation. Our study aims to understand how maize/peanut intercropping affects the nodulation of peanuts under [...] Read more.
Maize/peanut intercropping is practiced widely to increase land productivity and considered a sustainable way for using and saving resources through peanut’s complementary N source via biological N2 fixation. Our study aims to understand how maize/peanut intercropping affects the nodulation of peanuts under water-limiting conditions and different nitrogen inputs. A two-year micro-plot experiment in 2015–2016 and a two-year field experiment in 2017–2018 were conducted to quantify nodulation in maize/peanut intercropping and sole peanut cropping under four N fertilization rates (N-free, low, medium, and high N) in rain-fed water-limited conditions. In the micro-plot experiment, intercropped peanuts increased nodule biomass compared to sole peanuts. The nodule number of intercropped peanuts was 51.6% (p = 0.001) higher than that of sole cropped peanuts, while nodule weights did not differ at high N fertilization rates and were lower in the no-N fertilization control. However, the results were different in the field experiment. Both the nodule number and single weight of the sole cropped peanut were 48.7% (p = 0.020) and 58.9% (p = 0.014) higher than that of the intercropped peanut. The ratio of the nodule weight to aboveground dry matter at the beginning peg in the dry year of 2017 was lower in intercropping than sole cropping, especially at low N fertilization rates. The potential increase in nodulation found in a well-controlled micro-plot environment might be limited by strong water and light competitions in field conditions. The results could contribute to the understanding of interspecific interactions in cereal/legume intercropping. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 2321 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Maize Yield and Resource Efficiency Using Surface Drip Fertilization in Huang-Huai-Hai: Impact of Increased Planting Density and Reduced Nitrogen Application Rate
by Liqian Wu, Guoqiang Zhang, Zhenhua Yan, Shang Gao, Honggen Xu, Jiaqiang Zhou, Dianjun Li, Yi Liu, Ruizhi Xie, Bo Ming, Jun Xue, Peng Hou, Shaokun Li and Keru Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050944 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1615
Abstract
Improving crop yield and resource utilization efficiency is essential for agricultural productivity. In the Huang-Huai-Hai maize region of China, optimizing planting density, nitrogen (N) application, and fertilization methods are key strategies for enhancing maize yield and N use efficiency. However, traditional approaches have [...] Read more.
Improving crop yield and resource utilization efficiency is essential for agricultural productivity. In the Huang-Huai-Hai maize region of China, optimizing planting density, nitrogen (N) application, and fertilization methods are key strategies for enhancing maize yield and N use efficiency. However, traditional approaches have often hindered these improvements. To address this issue, we conducted a study in Baoding, Hebei, from 2022 to 2023, focusing on planting density, the N application rate, and the fertilization method on grain yield, N use efficiency, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic benefits. The trial involved two planting densities: 6.0 × 104 plants ha−1 (D1, typical local density) and 9.0 × 104 plants ha−1 (D2). Five N application rates were tested: 0 (N0), 120 kg ha−1 (N1), 180 kg ha−1 (N2), 240 kg ha−1 (N3), and 300 kg ha−1 (N4). The control treatment (D1N4) utilized the local planting density and traditional fertilization methods. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between the maize yield and N application rate, with the maximum yields (13.78–13.88 t ha−1), high WUE (24.42–29.85 kg m−3), agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) (18.11–19.00 kg kg−1), and economic benefits (2.44 × 104–2.47 × 104 CNY ha−1) observed with D2N3 and surface drip fertilization. This was significantly higher than the yield and resource efficiency of traditional fertilization methods and saved fertilizer and production costs. Therefore, adopting surface drip fertilization, adjusting planting density, and optimizing N application rates proved effective in enhancing maize yield and resource utilization efficiency in the Huang-Huai-Hai maize region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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