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Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 9784

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Dr. Ming Huang

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Guest Editor

College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
Interests: nutrient management; integration of water and fertilizer; tillage practice; double cropping system; crop physiology; sustainable agriculture; high yield, high quality, and high efficiency

Dr. Xiaoli Hui

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Guest Editor

Soil and Fertilizer Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230001, China
Interests: plant nutrition and regulation; fertilization; micronutrient; biofortification; integration of water and fertilizer; high-yielding and high efficiency; dryland water and fertilizer management
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the improvement of people's living standards and the rapid development of the food processing industry, the demands for high-quality crops are becoming increasingly stringent. Thus, the target of crop production has gradually shifted from high yields to high yields with high quality in many countries. There are lots of practical nutrient management strategies used to improve the yields and quality of crops; however, most of these lack of convincing experimental data and are not in-depth mechanistic studies. Related research has mainly focused on major crops, especially when data and prior studies come from farmers or extension personnel. Additionally, the technologies used for achieving high yields and high quality should be thoroughly summarized and shared globally to increase the production and quality of crops.

This Special Issue focuses on standalone technologies and integrated technologies used for achieving high-yield and high-quality crops. The effects of yield and quality improvements and their underlying mechanisms should be presented at the field, nutrition, physiology, ecology, and even molecular level. New technologies involving the integration of agricultural machines, nutrient management, and “green” technologies that have been developed to improve the yield, processing, and nutritional qualities of crops are particularly welcome. Original research articles, short communications, and reviews will be welcomed.

Dr. Ming Huang
Dr. Xiaoli Hui
Guest Editors

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Keywords

nutrient management
high yield
high quality
integration of water and fertilizer
soil tillage practice
crop physiology
integrated technologies
double cropping system
food crops
micronutrients
plant growth regulators
drones

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2191 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Crop Yield by Regulating Crop Growth and Nitrogen Transformation Through Water and Nitrogen Management Under Subsurface Drip Irrigation System

by Ziye Zhang, Yan Liu, Xin Zhang, Aijun Zhang, Yang Liu and Jing Zhou

Plants 2026, 15(14), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15142171 - 15 Jul 2026

Viewed by 339

Abstract

To address water scarcity, environmental pollution from excessive fertilization, and the need for stable grain yields in the North China Plain (NCP), a 3-year field experiment (2021–2024) was conducted to explore the effects of water and nitrogen (N) management under subsurface drip irrigation on winter wheat–summer maize rotation system. This study included three irrigation treatments (irrigated to 80% (D1), 75% (D2), and 70% (D3) of field water-holding capacity (WHC) when soil water content dropped below 65%, 60%, and 55% of WHC, respectively) under N210 and four N application rates (0 (N0), 150 (N150), 210 (N210), and 270 (N270) kg N ha⁻¹ for each season) under D1. The results showed that D1 and N210 all significantly improved leaf area index (LAI) and aboveground biomass by reducing chlorophyllase and pheophytinase activities (delaying leaf senescence) and enhancing nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activities (promoting N assimilation). Furthermore, compared with D3, D1 increased winter wheat and summer maize yields by 12.7% and 24.3%, respectively, and improved partial factor productivity (PFP) by 14.0–46.0%. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and structural equation modeling confirmed that LAI, biomass, and N-transforming enzyme activities were the key drivers of yield. This study demonstrated that the combination of D1 and N210 treatments were the optimal water and N fertilizer management strategies for achieving water conservation, N reduction, and stable high yields in drip-irrigated rotation systems of the NCP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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21 pages, 7285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Nutrient Management Regimes on Rice Yield and Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency

by Quanshi Feng, Gang Wu, Jiabao Wang, Qi Miao, Manman Yuan, Chuang Liu, Pingping Wu, Linsheng Yang, Zhili Sun, Chenshun Wang, Hong Wang and Yixiang Sun

Plants 2026, 15(10), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101456 - 10 May 2026

Viewed by 899

Abstract

(1) Background: We investigated the effects of nutrient levels on rice yield and nitrogen uptake, with the aim of improving rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency. (2) Methods: A 3-year field experiment was conducted using the rice variety Changliangyou Fuxiangzhan, with six treatments: no nitrogen application (CK), conventional fertilization (FP), single basal application of 60-day slow-release urea (CRU1), single basal application of urea combined with 40-day and 90-day slow-release urea (CRU2), partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with bio-organic manure (FPM), and conventional fertilization combined with straw return (FPS). (3) Results: Different nutrient management regimes significantly affected rice yield and nitrogen uptake and use, as well as soil nitrogen content. CRU2 achieved the highest performance across most indicators, with grain yield averaging 9.6% higher than that of FP and 36.4% higher than that of CK, alongside consistently greater effective panicle numbers. It also significantly enhanced nitrogen uptake, with higher grain and straw N accumulation, and showed the best nitrogen use efficiencies. Soil responses varied by treatment: FPS and FPM increased total nitrogen, while CRU2 and CRU1 had the highest inorganic nitrogen, and microbial biomass nitrogen peaked under FPM, CRU2, and FPS. Despite these benefits, CRU2 showed the largest negative nitrogen balance, averaging −33.0 kg ha⁻¹ over 3 years. (4) Conclusions: The CRU2 treatment achieved efficient synchronization between nitrogen supply and demand, with the highest yield, nitrogen uptake, and soil nitrogen levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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19 pages, 5960 KB

Open AccessArticle

Drip Fertigation Enhances Nitrogen Uptake and Improves Winter Wheat Yield and Stability Across Planting Densities

by Xiaoyan Zhou, Mei Qian, Faming Wang, Fengjian Liang, Dapeng Gao, Shangzong Feng, Yonghui Wang, Fucheng Zhang and Xiaojun Hu

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071090 - 2 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 527

Abstract

Drip fertigation (DF) is increasingly adopted to improve winter wheat productivity, yet its interactions with planting density (PD) and the underlying source–sink mechanisms remain insufficiently quantified. Here, we evaluated winter wheat performance under two water–nitrogen (N) regimes—conventional management (CM) and DF—across a wide PD gradient (100–800 seeds m⁻²) during two growing seasons. Grain yield, yield components, population traits, dry matter production, source–sink indices, canopy N status, N uptake and N-use efficiencies were assessed. Across seasons, DF increased grain yield by 15.4–20.8% relative to CM. Yield exhibited a quadratic response to PD under both regimes; however, DF shifted the optimal PD upward (456–487 seeds m⁻²) compared with CM (377–378 seeds m⁻²) and sustained near-maximum yields over a broader PD range. DF improved population productivity by increasing productive stem percentage and grains per ear, resulting in greater grain number per m² (sink size). DF also strengthened source capacity during grain filling: post-anthesis dry matter production increased by 15.5–17.6% and strongly associated with yield (r² ≥ 0.819). Source–sink analysis suggested that DF was associated with more density treatments showing simultaneously high grain number and high post-anthesis dry matter accumulation, a pattern consistent with a broader high-yield density range. Enhanced N acquisition, especially after anthesis, may have contributed to this response. DF increased N nutrition index at anthesis and markedly increased post-anthesis N uptake by 47.7–49.5%, thereby raising total N uptake at maturity and grain N accumulation. DF improved fertilizer-N recovery efficiency and agronomic efficiency by 33.9–42.3% and 26.7–30.9%, respectively. Collectively, DF improved N uptake and source–sink coordination, enabling high yield and reduced yield penalties when planting density deviated from the optimum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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24 pages, 16422 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinated Application of Nitrogen and Sulfur Synergistically Enhances Grain Yield and Grain Protein Concentration of Rice by Regulating Plant Growth

by Honglin Wang, Jianan Fu, Huadong Gong, Linyan Kuang, Yuzhe Song, Zhaoyue Ma, Liqiang He, Bohan Xu, Shuai Cui, Shuoran Liu, Zhongqing Zhang and Qiang Gao

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071058 - 30 Mar 2026

Viewed by 846

Abstract

Simultaneous achievement of high yield and excellent quality in rice is essential for food security and human health. The coordinated application of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) can effectively increase the grain yield (GY) and grain protein concentration (GPC) of rice. A two-season field experiment was conducted to investigate the synergistic effects of combined N and S application on the GY and GPC of rice. This study employed four N rates (0, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha⁻¹, designated as N0, N1, N2, and N3, respectively) and four S rates (0, 30, 45, and 60 kg ha⁻¹, designated as S0, S1, S2, and S3, respectively) using two rice cultivars: Jiujiuxiang (JJX) and Jiuxiangyou (JXY). The experimental results demonstrate that N and S exert significant effects on the GY and GPC of rice, with notable interactive effects between these two nutrient elements. The synergistic fertilization of N and S enhanced the GY by improving rice plant photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation while increasing GPC through elevated cysteine concentration in grains. Compared to the unfertilized treatment, the GY of the JJX cultivar showed increases of 68.3–143.2% (Season I) and 59.4–133.4% (Season II) under combined N and S applications, while the GY of the JXY cultivar increased by 53.2–144.1% (Season I) and 66.0–192.9% (Season II). Similarly, the GPC of the JJX cultivar showed increases of 7.5–43.4% (Season I) and 5.7–43.9% (Season II) under combined N and S applications, while the GPC of the JXY cultivar increased by 13.1–66.7% (Season I) and 13.3–61.0% (Season II). Overall, whether on the JJX or JXY cultivars, the application of 180 kg ha⁻¹ of N combined with 45 kg ha⁻¹ of S (i.e., the N2S2 treatment) synergistically enhances GY and GPC in rice. The synergistic fertilization of N and S synergistically enhances both rice yield and nutritional quality by regulating plant growth dynamics, which meet the requirements for healthy and sustainable development in rice production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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28 pages, 2892 KB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Application of Silicon and Sulfur Modifies Grain Mineral Composition of Spring Oats ( Avena sativa L.) Under Contrasting Seasonal Drought Conditions

by Bekir Bytyqi, Fanni Zsuzsa Forgács, Anteneh Agezew Melash, István Csaba Virág, József Csajbók, Ebenezer Ayew Appiah and Erika Tünde Kutasy

Plants 2026, 15(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020316 - 21 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1506

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of foliar silicon (Si) and sulfur (S) applications under contrasting climatic conditions on macro- and micronutrient accumulation in oat grain. The three-year field experiment (2022–2024) was conducted in Debrecen, Hungary, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with three replications. Grain samples were analyzed for macroelements (K, P, S, Mg, Ca) and micronutrients (Na, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu). Environmental conditions markedly influenced nutrient accumulation. Severe drought promoted the highest concentrations of K, S, and Mg, while mild drought significantly increased the accumulation of P, Ca, Si, Fe, and Cu contents. Moderate drought favored Na accumulation. Foliar S application under relatively favorable water supply significantly enhanced the concentration of all measured elements, with the strongest response observed for Cu (+47.4% compared with the control) and the weakest for Mg (8.5%). In contrast, Si application alone had only limited or negative effects, particularly under severe drought, where it reduced K (6.4%), S (2.4%), and Ca (13%) concentrations, despite increased Si accumulation in the grain. During drought stress, however, the combined Si + S treatment significantly increased the grain macro- and micronutrient concentrations. Among the tested genotypes, ‘Mv Pehely’ exhibited the highest macronutrient accumulation, while ‘GK Kormorán’ and ‘Mv Pehely’ showed superior micronutrient accumulation. ‘GK Pillangó’ and ‘Mv Szellő’ showed consistently lower nutrient contents. These results highlight the importance of genotype × environment × nutrient management strategies for improving nutrient composition in oat grain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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21 pages, 2625 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ridge and Furrow Planting Patterns on Crop Yield and Grain Quality in Dryland Maize–Wheat Double Cropping System

by Qihui Zhou, Ming Huang, Chuan Hu, Aohan Liu, Shiyan Dong, Kaiming Ren, Wenzhong Tian, Junhong Li, Fang Li, Guozhan Fu, Jinzhi Wu and Youjun Li

Plants 2025, 14(19), 3030; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14193030 - 30 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Ridge and furrow planting is a prevalent drought-resistant cultivation technique in dryland regions. Notably, the effects of this technology on crop grain yield and quality in dryland maize–wheat double-cropping systems remain limited. This study utilized a long-term positioning experiment initiated in 2004, which included five treatments: a permanent ridge and furrow with a border ridge of 133 cm row space (PRFBR); a ridge and furrow created each year with a border ridge of 133 cm row space (EYRFBR); a permanent ridge with a normal ridge of 100 cm row space (PRFNR); a ridge and furrow created each year with a normal ridge of 100 cm row space (EYRFNR), and a conventional flat planting pattern according to the local farmer (CF). The crop grain yield in 2015–2021, as well as the protein and phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content in maize and wheat grains, and the protein components in winter wheat grains in 2020–2021 were investigated. The results showed that, compared to CF, all four ridge and furrow planting patterns significantly enhanced crop yield in dry and normal years, and the effects varied depending on crop species, with increases of 45.3–97.8% for wheat and 11.0–33.8% increases annually in dry years; and 24.5–51.6% increases for maize and 12.2–37.5% increases annually in the normal years. EYRFBR treatment increased wheat grain P and K content by 24.3% and 13.7%, as well as increasing the total protein, albumin, gliadin, soluble protein, and storage protein content by 9.7%, 22.3%, 9.6%, 14.5%, and 5.6%, whereas PRFNR reduced the glutenin content and glutenin/gliadin ratio in winter wheat grains by 5.1% and 10.9%, respectively. The yield achieved with a permanent ridge and furrow (PRF) surpassed that achieved when the ridge and furrow was created anew each year (EYRF), yet the normal ridge width (NR) outperformed the border ridge width (BR). However, the P, K, protein, and protein component content in wheat grains under EYRF was superior to that under PRF. Comprehensive evaluations through principal component analysis (PCA) and TOPSIS analysis consistently demonstrated that the EYRFBR treatment delivered optimal performance in yield and quality for winter and annual, while PRFNR achieved superior yield for summer maize. Consequently, in dryland maize–wheat double-cropping systems, an EYRFBR planting pattern should be recommended for high-yield and high-quality wheat production; however, the PRFNR planting pattern is more suitable for summer maize production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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28 pages, 5073 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring the Potential of Nitrogen Fertilizer Mixed Application to Improve Crop Yield and Nitrogen Partial Productivity: A Meta-Analysis

by Yaya Duan, Yuanbo Jiang, Yi Ling, Wenjing Chang, Minhua Yin, Yanxia Kang, Yanlin Ma, Yayu Wang, Guangping Qi and Bin Liu

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152417 - 4 Aug 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3388

Abstract

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers enhance crop production and reduce environmental pollution, but their slow nitrogen release may cause insufficient nitrogen supply in the early stages of crop growth. Mixed nitrogen fertilization (MNF), combining slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with urea, is an effective way to increase yield and income and improve nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. This study used urea alone (Urea) and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer alone (C/SRF) as controls and employed meta-analysis and a random forest model to assess MNF effects on crop yield and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN), and to identify key influencing factors. Results showed that compared with urea, MNF increased crop yield by 7.42% and PFPN by 8.20%, with higher improvement rates in Northwest China, regions with an average annual temperature ≤ 20 °C, and elevations of 750–1050 m; in soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5, where 150–240 kg·ha⁻¹ nitrogen with 25–35% content and an 80–100 day release period was applied, and the blending ratio was ≥0.3; and when planting rapeseed, maize, and cotton for 1–2 years. The top three influencing factors were crop type, nitrogen rate, and soil pH. Compared with C/SRF, MNF increased crop yield by 2.44% and had a non-significant increase in PFPN, with higher improvement rates in Northwest China, regions with an average annual temperature ≤ 5 °C, average annual precipitation ≤ 400 mm, and elevations of 300–900 m; in sandy soils with pH > 7.5, where 150–270 kg·ha⁻¹ nitrogen with 25–30% content and a 40–80 day release period was applied, and the blending ratio was 0.4–0.7; and when planting potatoes and rapeseed for 3 years. The top three influencing factors were nitrogen rate, crop type, and average annual precipitation. In conclusion, MNF should comprehensively consider crops, regions, soil, and management. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and promoting the large-scale application of MNF in farmland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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