Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the growth of the world’s population and excessive use of fertilizers, the problems of food security and water scarcity have become increasingly severe. This poses higher challenges and requirements for sustainable agricultural development. Irrigation and fertilization play an indispensable role in many agricultural measures, while also affecting crop yield, soil organic carbon, nitrogen fate, non-point source pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new irrigation and fertilization measures and to evaluate their advantages, disadvantages, and applicability through experimental and modelling methods. This Special Issue publishes papers of international significance relating to the mechanism, experimental results, and modelling of achieving sustainable agriculture through managing irrigation and fertilization. In all cases, manuscripts must address implications and provide insight regarding sustainable agriculture by irrigation and fertilization.

Prof. Dr. Shihong Yang
Dr. Zewei Jiang
Dr. Ivan Francisco Garcia Tejero
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.3	4.9	2011	19.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Agronomy agronomy	3.3	6.2	2011	17.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Crops crops	-	-	2021	22.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.9 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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11 pages, 2944 KiB  

Open AccessBrief Report

Helping Small-Scale and Socially Disadvantaged Growers in Improving Microbial Quality of Irrigation Water in Kentucky

by Avinash M. Tope, John Thomas and Tyler London

Agriculture 2025, 15(11), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111121 - 23 May 2025

Viewed by 70

Abstract

Water plays a critical role in the growth and management of fresh produce, being a vital resource and a potential vector for pathogens. To address these concerns, guidelines for the microbiological quality of treated wastewater, recreational, irrigation, and drinking water have been established [...] Read more.

Water plays a critical role in the growth and management of fresh produce, being a vital resource and a potential vector for pathogens. To address these concerns, guidelines for the microbiological quality of treated wastewater, recreational, irrigation, and drinking water have been established worldwide. With multiple outbreaks linked to Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination, monitoring and improving water quality standards have become essential, especially for small-scale and limited-resource farmers. The Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA, 2014) in the United States was introduced to regulate microbiological safety of produce, focusing on irrigation water. Approximately 77% of farmers in Kentucky are small farmers, of which, 4.2% supply directly to consumers through various avenues, accounting for approximately USD 24 million a year. This study examined the microbial quality of irrigation water used in Kentucky, focusing on the presence and number of coliform bacteria and E. coli. The report covers findings from a year-long program providing free microbial water quality testing to producers (n = 90), analyzing groundwater and surface water samples (n = 296). Results indicate surface water showing a significantly higher risk of exceeding FSMA thresholds. The findings emphasize the need for continued outreach, education, and accessible testing resources to support compliance with evolving Produce Safety Rule regulations, especially among small-scale producers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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18 pages, 2081 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of an Automatic Flushing Valve on the Hydraulic Performance of a Subsurface Drip Irrigation System for Alfalfa

by Zaiyu Li, Yan Mo, Feng Wu, Hao Gao, Ronglian Wang and Jiandong Wang

Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101107 - 21 May 2025

Viewed by 41

Abstract

The automatic flushing valve (AFV) enables automatic flushing of drip irrigation systems, improving their anti-clogging performance. This study focuses on a subsurface drip irrigation system (SDI) for alfalfa, selecting T20 and T70 AFVs (with designed flushing durations of 20 and 70 s, respectively) [...] Read more.

The automatic flushing valve (AFV) enables automatic flushing of drip irrigation systems, improving their anti-clogging performance. This study focuses on a subsurface drip irrigation system (SDI) for alfalfa, selecting T20 and T70 AFVs (with designed flushing durations of 20 and 70 s, respectively) installed at the end of the dripline and a buried dripline without an AFV as a control. The aim of this study was to explore the variations in AFV hydraulic performance over two years of operation and the impact on the irrigation uniformity of SDI systems. The results revealed that the flushing duration (FD) and flushing water volume (FQ) of both T20 and T70 fluctuated over time, with an average coefficient of variation (CV) of 13.2%. The FD and FQ of the two types of AFVs are affected by the daily average temperature (T), and when T increases from 20.1 °C to 25.7 °C, the FD and FQ increased by an average of 22.6%. After 2 years of operation, the average relative flow rate (Dra) and irrigation uniformity (Cu) of the T20 and T70 SDI emitters were 93.7% and 96.8%. Both the Dra and Cu were significantly influenced by FD (p < 0.05). Compared with CK and T20, T70 significantly increased the Dra and Cu by 6.3% and 4.6%, respectively. The order of degree of clogging at different positions in the dripline was rear > middle > front for the CK and T20 treatments, whereas for T70, it was middle > front > rear. With the installation of the T70 AFV, the time required for the SDI system to reach moderate clogging (Dra = 50~80%) was extended from 3~7 years to 8~20 years, resulting in a 180% increase in operation time. The T70 AFV is recommended for use in the alfalfa SDI of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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21 pages, 2943 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Microorganisms Alternation of Paddy Soil: Interplay of Biochar and Water-Saving Irrigation

by Jiazhen Hu, Shihong Yang, Wim M. Cornelis, Mairan Zhang, Qian Huang, Haonan Qiu, Suting Qi, Zewei Jiang, Yi Xu and Lili Zhu

Plants 2025, 14(10), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101498 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 105

Abstract

Biochar application and controlled irrigation (CI) enhance water conservation, lower emissions, and increase crop yields. However, the synergistic effects on the relationship between paddy soil microstructure and microbiome remain poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of different irrigation regimes and biochar applications [...] Read more.

Biochar application and controlled irrigation (CI) enhance water conservation, lower emissions, and increase crop yields. However, the synergistic effects on the relationship between paddy soil microstructure and microbiome remain poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of different irrigation regimes and biochar applications on soil physicochemical properties, soil microstructure, and the composition and functions of soil microorganisms in paddy soil. The CA treatment (CI with 60 t/hm² biochar) showed higher abundances of Mycobacteriaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Comamonadaceae, and Nocardioidaceae than the CK treatment (CI without biochar), which was attributed to two main factors. First, CA increased the pore throat equivalent radius (EqR), throat surface area (SAR), total throat number (TTN), volume fraction (VF), and connected porosity (CP) by 1.47–9.61%, 7.50–25.21%, 41.55–45.99%, 61.12–73.04%, and 46.36–93.75%, respectively, thereby expanding microbial habitats and providing refuges for microorganisms. Second, CA increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN) by 22.14–25.06%, 42.24–56.61%, 22.98–56.5%, and 9.41–87.83%, respectively, reinforcing soil structural stability and carbon storage, which promoted microbial community diversity. FK (flood irrigation without biochar) showed no significant correlations with these environmental factors. Compared to CK soil metabolites at Level 2 and Level 3, FK exhibited higher levels of the citrate cycle, indicating that changes in water and oxygen environments due to CI reduced soil organic matter decomposition and carbon cycle. CA and CK strongly correlated with the soil microstructure (VF, CP, TTN, SAR, EqR), and CA notably enhanced soil metabolites related to the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, suggesting that biochar can mitigate the adverse metabolomic effects of CI. These results indicate that biochar application in CI paddy fields highlights the critical role of soil microstructure in microbial composition and function and better supports soil sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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20 pages, 5619 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Water–Nitrogen Coupling on Root Distribution and Yield of Summer Maize at Different Growth Stages

by Yanbin Li, Qian Wang, Shikai Gao, Xiaomeng Wang, Aofeng He and Pengcheng He

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091278 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 346

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of water–nitrogen coupling on soil water content, nitrogen dynamics, and root distribution in farmland, along with the interactions among soil water, nitrogen transport, root distribution, and crop yield. A field experiment was conducted under moderate drought stress (50–60% [...] Read more.

This research investigates the influence of water–nitrogen coupling on soil water content, nitrogen dynamics, and root distribution in farmland, along with the interactions among soil water, nitrogen transport, root distribution, and crop yield. A field experiment was conducted under moderate drought stress (50–60% of field capacity) and three nitrogen application rates (100, 200, and 300 kg·ha⁻¹, split-applied at 50% during sowing and 50% at the jointing stage, labeled as N₁, N₂, and N₃) at the two critical growth stages (jointing stage P₁ and tasseling-silking stage P₂) of maize (Denghai 605). The results demonstrated that maize root morphological parameters exhibited the trend N₂ > N₁ > N₃ under different nitrogen treatments. Compared to N₂, low nitrogen (N₁) decreased root morphological parameters by 35.01–49.60% on average, whereas high nitrogen (N₃) led to a reduction of 49.93–61.37%. The N₂ treatment consistently maintained greater water uptake, with the highest yield of 13,336 kg·ha⁻¹ observed under the CKN₂ treatment, representing increases of 16.1% and 9.2% compared to the P₁N₂ and P₂N₂ treatments, respectively. Drought stress at the jointing stage (P₁) inhibited root development more severely than at the tasseling-silking stage (P₂), demonstrating a bidirectional adaptation strategy characterized by deeper vertical penetration under water stress and increased horizontal expansion under nitrogen imbalance. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between soil nutrient content and maize yield indicators. At the same time, root characteristic values were significantly negatively correlated with yield (p < 0.05). Appropriate water–nitrogen management effectively stimulated root growth, mitigated nitrogen leaching risks, and improved yield. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for optimizing water and nitrogen management in maize production within the Yellow River Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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20 pages, 2453 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Soil Ameliorants on Soil Chemical Characteristics, Sugar Beet Water Productivity, and Yield Components in Sandy Soils Under Deficit Irrigation

by Sahar M. Ismail, Nourah Almulhim, Azza Sedky, Salah Abdel-Nabi El-Cossy and Esawy Mahmoud

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041513 - 12 Feb 2025

Viewed by 804

Abstract

In many sustainable agricultural systems, combining soil ameliorants with deficit irrigation is a viable strategy. However, little is known about how this approach affects soil quality, crop water productivity (CWP), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield in sandy soils. This study [...] Read more.

In many sustainable agricultural systems, combining soil ameliorants with deficit irrigation is a viable strategy. However, little is known about how this approach affects soil quality, crop water productivity (CWP), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield in sandy soils. This study investigates the effects of different soil ameliorants―potassium polyacrylate (PPA), polyacrylamide (PAM), and humus (HA)―on the soil chemical properties, water productivity, and sugar beet yield under three irrigation regimes (100%, 80%, and 50% of crop water requirement (CWR). The results demonstrated that applying these amendments signficantly enhances soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), and the availability of essential nutrients (N, P, and K). Notably, the combination of PAM and HA under 50% CWR resulted in the highest improvements in sugar beet biomass, increasing shoot and root growth by 73.43% and 71.68%, respectively. It also led to a 97.91% increase in sugar yield and a 4.22% improvement in sugar quality. However, this treatment had the lowest economic benefit, with a negative outcome. In contrast, PAM treatment under 50% CWR produced a 61.49% increase in sugar yield and a 2.44% improvement in sugar quality, ensuring economic viability. These findings suggest that the use of PAM under reduced irrigation conditions can optimize water use efficiency and sustain crop productivity in sandy soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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19 pages, 9359 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Irrigated Agriculture in Semi-Arid and Dry Subhumid Mediterranean Conditions: A Case of Protected Cucumber Cultivation

by Talal Darwish, Amin Shaban, Ghaleb Faour, Ihab Jomaa, Peter Moubarak and Roula Khadra

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210050 - 18 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Pressure from population growth and climate change stress the limited water resources in the Mediterranean region and threaten food security and social stability. Enhancing food production requires the transformation of irrigation systems and enhancement of local capacity for sustainable water and soil management [...] Read more.

Pressure from population growth and climate change stress the limited water resources in the Mediterranean region and threaten food security and social stability. Enhancing food production requires the transformation of irrigation systems and enhancement of local capacity for sustainable water and soil management in irrigated agriculture. The aim of this work is the conversion of traditional irrigation practices, by introducing the practice of optimal irrigation scheduling based on local ET estimation and soil moisture monitoring, and the use of continuous feeding by fertigation to enhance both water and nutrient use efficiency. For this, two trials were established between August and November 2023 in two different pedoclimatic zones (Serein and Sultan Yacoub) of the inner Bekaa Plain of Lebanon, characterized by semi-arid and dry subhumid conditions and different soil types. Greenhouse cucumber was tested to compare the prevailing traditional farmers’ practices with the advanced, technology-based, methods of water management. Results showed a significantly higher amount of water applied by the farmers to the protected cucumber, with a potential for average saving of 105 mm of water applied in each season by improved practices. Water input in the traditional practices revealed potential stress to plants. With more than 20% increase in cucumber yield by the transformed practices, a general trend was observed in the fertilization approach and amounts, resulting in lower nutrient recovery in the farmer’s plots. The science-based practices of water and nutrient management showed higher application and agronomic water use efficiency of full fertigation, exceeding 60%, associated with double and triple higher nitrogen use efficiency, compared to those results obtained by the traditional water and fertilizer application methods. The monitored factors can contribute to severe economic and environmental consequences from nutrient buildup or leaching in the soil–groundwater system in the Mediterranean region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Irrigation and Fertilization Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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