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Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields
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Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Physiology and Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 5001

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Congfeng Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology and Ecology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: maize; physiology; high yield-high efficiency synergism; simplified cultivation techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Zheng Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.12 Zhongguancun South St., Beijing 100081, China
Interests: maize productivity; nitrogen; plant physiology; soil health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on the pivotal topic of the optimization of nutrient efficiency in crop production. As the global population surges, the demand for food will escalate exponentially. In this context, bolstering nutrient efficiency in crops is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture.​

This Special Issue will delve into the intricate physiological mechanisms that allow crops to adeptly absorb, utilize, and recycle nutrients. Articles will spotlight innovative research, for example, studies modifying root architecture. Through the optimization of root branching and depth, crops can access nutrients from across a larger soil volume, thus enhancing uptake. The interactions between root systems and soils affect nutrient availability and cycles. Another area of interest is the role of plant hormones in nutrient signaling. These hormones act as messengers, regulating key processes related to nutrient acquisition. This Special Issue will offer a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific breakthroughs in this field.

This Special Issue will represent a key resource for researchers seeking to expand knowledge, agronomists aiming to refine practices, and farmers looking to boost productivity. It will pave the way for more efficient, eco-friendly crop production systems.

Dr. Congfeng Li
Dr. Zheng Liu
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 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. Plants 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 2700 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
  • root–soil interactions
  • plant hormones
  • sustainable agriculture

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3454 KB  
Article
Response of Maize Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency to Integrated Cover Crop Rotation and Nitrogen Management Practices
by Wei Qi, Long Zhang, Qila Sa, Wenhua Xu, Yanjie Lv, Shan Lan, Fanyun Yao and Yongjun Wang
Plants 2026, 15(6), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15060877 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Rotational cover cropping is a key practice in conservation agriculture. To investigate the effects of maize-crop rotation with cover crops combined with nitrogen management on maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and related traits, a field experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025. [...] Read more.
Rotational cover cropping is a key practice in conservation agriculture. To investigate the effects of maize-crop rotation with cover crops combined with nitrogen management on maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and related traits, a field experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025. The experiment employed a split-plot design. The main plots consisted of three cropping systems: continuous maize (Fumin 985’) monoculture (CK), maize rotated with rapeseed (CC-Ra), and maize rotated with rye (CC-Ry). The subplots comprised five nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg ha−1) respectively. Compared to CK, CC-Ra and CC-Ry increased average maize grain yield by 5.93% and 12.89%, and NUE by 8.09% and 2.89%, respectively. At the silking stage, these treatments increased average DM by 6.45% and 16.55%, respectively, and by 5.75% and 15.01% at the maturity stage. The maximum LAI was enhanced by an average of 16.24% and 26.82%, while the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the ear leaf increased by 12.29% and 26.32%, respectively. In contrast, the leaf net assimilation rate (NAR) decreased by an average of 19.98% and 18.01%. While higher N application boosted yield, it sharply reduced NUE. Notably, yields under rotations at 225 kg N ha−1 matched the yield of continuous maize at 300 kg N ha−1. This suggests that the inclusion of cover crops can substitute for a portion of nitrogen fertilizer input while maintaining stable maize yield. Principal component analysis fundamentally clarified that maize rotational cover cropping combined with nitrogen fertilizer management significantly promotes yield. While cover crops increase maize yield, they also facilitate nitrogen accumulation and enhance NUE, albeit at the expense of leaf net assimilation rate. Therefore, balancing the source–sink characteristics of the maize population is necessary to avoid the loss of advantages conferred by rotational cover cropping. This study holds significant implications for incorporating cover crops into maize production systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields)
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18 pages, 5513 KB  
Article
Genetic Basis of Nitrogen-Deficiency-Induced Root Cortical Aerenchyma in Maize Revealed by GWAS and Transcriptome Analysis
by Jianxin Yan, Wenqing Zhang, Qing Tian, Jie Song, Yuzhuo Hou, Haoding Li, Song Cheng, Fang Yang, Hongguang Cai, Yin Wang and Zhe Chen
Plants 2026, 15(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010020 - 20 Dec 2025
Viewed by 870
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is essential for maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, yet its acquisition is limited by the low N uptake efficiency of current varieties. Root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) formation provides a carbon-saving strategy that enhances soil exploration and N acquisition by reducing [...] Read more.
Nitrogen (N) is essential for maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, yet its acquisition is limited by the low N uptake efficiency of current varieties. Root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) formation provides a carbon-saving strategy that enhances soil exploration and N acquisition by reducing the metabolic cost of root tissue. However, the genetic basis of RCA formation remains poorly characterized. This study employed an association panel of 295 maize inbred lines to dissect the genetic architecture of RCA formation under low nitrogen (LN) stress. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated that LN stress significantly induced RCA area (RCAA) and proportion (RCAP), with responses ranging from −0.31 to 1.16 mm2 for RCAA and −11.34% to 40.18% for RCAP. The non-stiff stalk (NSS) subpopulation exhibited 29.19% higher RCAA under LN than the stiff stalk subgroup. Genome-wide association analysis detected a total of 560 significant SNPs and 810 candidate genes associated with RCA-related traits. Transcriptomic profiling further identified 537 differentially expressed genes between inbred lines with contrasting RCA phenotypes. Integrated GWAS and transcriptomic analysis pinpointed 12 co-localized candidates, subsequently refined to four core genes (GRMZM2G033570, GRMZM2G052422, GRMZM2G080603, and GRMZM2G472266), which were implicated in ethylene signaling and stress-responsive root development. Favorable haplotypes of three genes were predominantly distributed in the NSS (25.64–56.00%) and tropical/subtropical (20.51–46.67%) subpopulations. These findings elucidate the genetic basis of LN-responsive RCA formation and provide fundamental resources for marker-assisted breeding of N-efficient maize. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields)
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22 pages, 4681 KB  
Article
Response of Lodging Resistance and Grain Yield to EDAH and Different Fertilization Combinations in Maize (Zea mays L.)
by Yuru Wang, Yifei Wang, Chenyang Jiang, Yuwen Liang, Genji You, Jian Guo, Dalei Lu and Guanghao Li
Plants 2025, 14(23), 3707; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233707 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 823
Abstract
Stalk lodging is one of the major constraints limiting global maize yield. Chemical regulation and fertilization are essential agronomic practices that play critical roles in improving maize yield and lodging resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilization methods on [...] Read more.
Stalk lodging is one of the major constraints limiting global maize yield. Chemical regulation and fertilization are essential agronomic practices that play critical roles in improving maize yield and lodging resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilization methods on maize plant morphology, stem mechanical properties and chemical composition, and yield under spraying chemical regulator (EDAH, consist of 27% ethephon and 3% DA-6). The experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025, using Jiangyu668 (JY668) and Jiangyu877 (JY877) with different plant heights. Three fertilization methods (no fertilization, N0; conventional fertilization, N15; and slow-release fertilization, SN15) were set up. Chemical regulation and fertilization methods had significant effects on plant morphology, stem mechanical properties and chemical composition, lodging rate, and grain yield. The combination of spraying EDAH and slow-release fertilization optimized ear position coefficient and gravity center, decreased stem–leaf angle, and increased leaf orientation value, which was beneficial for improving leaf photosynthetic capacity. EDAH and slow-release fertilization also increased the stem internode diameter and aerial root layers; enhanced bending resistance and puncture strength; and increased cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents and the lodging resistance index. These changes synergistically increased grain number and weight, ultimately increased maize yield, and decreased the lodging rate. CSN15 had highest yield and lowest lodging rate in different years and varieties. SN15 increased yield by 10.58% compared with N15, and CSN15 increased yield by 10.53% compared with CN15. JY877, as a medium- to high-stem maize variety, had better performance in plant morphology and yield than JY668 (dwarf maize variety) under EDAH and slow-release fertilization. These findings demonstrate that the strategy of combining chemical regulation and slow-release fertilization represents an optimal management approach for enhancing grain yield by optimizing plant morphology and improving stem mechanical properties and stem chemical composition in maize production. This strategy can increase agricultural productivity by enhancing yield and lodging resistance and provide significant environmental benefits and a scientific basis for agronomic practice recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields)
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20 pages, 4436 KB  
Article
Elimination of Intraspecific Competition Does Not Improve Maize Leaf Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Topsoil Degradation
by Shan Zhang, Xiaolong Zhang, Zechen Jia, Kaichang Liu, Zhongxiao Guo, Yanjie Lv and Yongjun Wang
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162470 - 9 Aug 2025
Viewed by 805
Abstract
Soil degradation limits maize grain yield, but the mechanisms by which leaf functions respond to topsoil depth and their contributions to yield are unclear. We quantified the response mechanisms of leaf functions to topsoil depth with topsoil depths of 10 cm (S1 [...] Read more.
Soil degradation limits maize grain yield, but the mechanisms by which leaf functions respond to topsoil depth and their contributions to yield are unclear. We quantified the response mechanisms of leaf functions to topsoil depth with topsoil depths of 10 cm (S1), 20 cm (S2), 30 cm (S3), 40 cm (S4), and 50 cm (S5) and planting densities of 15,000 plants ha−1 (D1, the plant spacing was 111.1 cm and there was no mutual influence between individuals) and 75,000 plants ha−1 (D2). The grain yield in S1 was significantly lower than that in S2, S3, S4, and S5, and the maximum reductions in yield were 39.7% in D1 and 39.1% in D2. The coefficients of variation for yield in S1 and S2 were significantly higher than those in S3, S4, and S5 at both densities and in both years. The net assimilation rate and production efficiency of leaf area, as well as leaf nitrogen and carbon accumulation, all decreased with decreasing topsoil depth. The decreasing topsoil depth significantly reduced the maize leaf net photosynthetic rate, activities of key nitrogen metabolism enzymes, and photosynthesis. Therefore, eliminating intraspecific competition did not reduce the yield loss caused by a reduction in topsoil because leaf nitrogen metabolism and photosynthetic processes were severely limited by the decrease in topsoil depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields)
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13 pages, 2462 KB  
Communication
Species Interactions Shape Nitrogen Utilization Characteristics and Influence Soil Quality in Jujube–Alfalfa Intercropping System
by Hang Qiao, Hui Cheng, Tiantian Li, Wenxia Fan, Yaru Zhao, Zhengjun Cui, Jinbin Wang, Qingqing Yang, Chengze Jia, Wei Zhang, Guodong Chen and Sumei Wan
Plants 2025, 14(13), 2048; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132048 - 3 Jul 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1047
Abstract
Intercropping legumes offers a sustainable approach to enhance resource efficiency and yields, yet the effects of different legume densities and nitrogen addition levels on soil quality within such systems remain unclear. We conducted a comparative analysis of crop yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and [...] Read more.
Intercropping legumes offers a sustainable approach to enhance resource efficiency and yields, yet the effects of different legume densities and nitrogen addition levels on soil quality within such systems remain unclear. We conducted a comparative analysis of crop yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil quality between intercropping and monoculture systems, and further examined the effects of four planting densities (D1: 210 kg ha−1, six rows; D2: 280 kg ha−1, eight rows; D3: 350 kg ha−1, ten rows) and four nitrogen application levels (N0: 0 kg ha−1; N1: 80 kg ha−1; N2: 160 kg ha−1; N3: 240 kg ha−1) within a jujube–alfalfa (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and Medicago sativa L. respectively) intercropping system. The results showed that intercropping significantly enhanced land productivity within the agricultural system, with the highest yields (alfalfa: 13790 kg ha−1; jujube: 3825 kg ha−1) achieved at an alfalfa planting density of 280 kg ha−1. While the intercropping systems generally improved productivity, an alfalfa planting density of 350 kg ha−1 resulted in an actual yield loss due to excessive nutrient competition at higher densities. As the planting density of alfalfa increased, its competitive ratio declined, whereas the competitive ratio of jujube trees increased. Compared to monocropping systems, intercropping systems demonstrated a clear trend of enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency and improved soil quality, particularly at an alfalfa planting density of 280 kg ha−1. At an alfalfa density of 280 kg ha−1, the intercropping system exhibited increases of 15.13% in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), 46.60% in nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), and 32.74% in nitrogen nutrition index (NNI), as well as improvements in soil quality of 19.53% at a depth of 0–20 cm and 15.59% at a depth of 20–40 cm, compared to the monoculture system. Further analysis revealed that nitrogen utilization efficiency initially increased and then decreased with a rising competitive ratio of alfalfa. Accordingly, soil quality was improved along with the enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency. Thus, at an alfalfa planting density of 280 kg ha−1, resource use efficiency and soil quality were maximized as a result of optimal interspecific competitiveness and the highest nitrogen use efficiency, with minimal influence from the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Efficiency in Crop Production: Physiological Strategies to Enhance Yields)
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