Welcome to Acta Agronomica Sinica，

Acta Agronomica Sinica

   

Effects of straw incorporation combined with nitrogen management on photosynthetic efficiency and yield of rapeseed following rice

FAN You-Zhong1,WANG Xian-Ling1,WANG Zong-Kai1,WANG Chun-Yun1,WANG Tian-Yao2,XIE Jie3,KUAI Jie1,WANG Bo1,WANG Jing1,XU Zheng-Hua1,ZHAO Jie1,ZHOU Guang-Sheng1,4,*   

  1. 1 College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University / Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System for the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; 2 Jingzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jingzhou 434007, Hubei, China; 3 Xiangyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xiangyang 441002, Hubei, China; 4 Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
  • Received:2025-03-03 Revised:2025-04-25 Accepted:2025-04-25 Published:2025-05-23
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1901205).

PDF

2

Abstract:

Rice–rapeseed rotation is the predominant cropping system for winter rapeseed production in the Yangtze River Basin. Optimizing nitrogen (N) management under straw incorporation is critical for enhancing rapeseed yield, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and supporting sustainable agricultural development. This study was based on a four-year field experiment within a rice–rapeseed rotation system, evaluating the impact of straw incorporation combined with different nitrogen management strategies. The objective was to assess their effects on yield, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic performance in high-density, direct-seeded rapeseed. A split-plot design was employed, with straw management as the main factor (R0: no straw return; R1: full straw return) and nitrogen fertilization strategy as the sub-factor. Five nitrogen treatments were applied: a conventional rate of 240 kg N hm?2 (CK, basal∶ seedling∶ bolting∶ flowering = 6∶4∶0∶0) and a 20% nitrogen reduction (192 kg N hm?2) under four application regimes (N1: 10∶0∶0∶0; N2: 6∶4∶0∶0; N3: 6∶2∶2∶0; N4: 6∶2∶0∶2). Full straw return (R1) significantly increased rapeseed yield by 6.7%, primarily due to higher silique number and seed yield per plant. Under R0, nitrogen reduction led to yield losses ranging from 2.1% to 23.4%, with the N3 treatment showing the smallest decline. Yields under N3 were statistically comparable to CK, attributed to improved plant survival and seed yield per plant from optimized N allocation. Although R1 reduced aboveground dry matter by 26.9% at the seedling stage—likely due to nitrogen competition between decomposing straw and young plants—biomass accumulation increased by 10.3% at maturity. At the seedling and bolting stages, the 20% N reduction significantly decreased leaf area compared to CK. However, during flowering, the N3 treatment maintained a leaf area similar to CK, and significantly higher than other reduced-N treatments, resulting in enhanced light interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE), particularly under R1. At flowering, R1 significantly increased Rubisco activity by 3.5%–20.9%, enhancing photosynthetic capacity. The activities of sucrose synthase (SS-I, in the degradation direction) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) were also elevated, promoting sucrose conversion, carbohydrate accumulation, and translocation, thereby contributing to final yield formation. Under N3, Rubisco activity increased by 5.8%–12.4%, accompanied by increased SS-I and SPS activities. These physiological improvements led to higher net photosynthetic rates and RUE during flowering, supporting greater dry matter accumulation and yield. For high-density rapeseed cultivation with full straw incorporation in the Yangtze River Basin, the optimal nitrogen strategy is 192 kg N hm?2 applied as 6∶2∶2 (basal∶ seedling∶ bolting). This fertilization regime effectively balances yield maximization with nitrogen reduction, achieving both high productivity and sustainable nitrogen management.

Key words: rapeseed, straw incorporation, nitrogen management, yield, photosynthesis

[1] Hu Q, Hua W, Yin Y, Zhang X K, Liu L J, Shi J Q, Zhao Y G, Qin L, Chen C, Wang H Z. Rapeseed research and production in China. Crop J, 2017, 5: 127–135.

[2] Li X Y, Zuo Q S, Chang H B, Bai G P, Kuai J, Zhou G S. Higher density planting benefits mechanical harvesting of rapeseed in the Yangtze River Basin of China. Field Crops Res, 2018, 218: 97–105.

[3] 刘芳, 张长生, 陈爱武, 周广生, 吴江生. 秸秆还田技术研究及应用进展. 作物杂志, 2012, (2): 18–23.

Liu F, Zhang C S, Chen A W, Zhou G S, Wu J S. Technology research and application prospect of straw returning. Crops, 2012, (2): 18–23 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[4] 戴志刚, 鲁剑巍, 李小坤, 鲁明星, 杨文兵, 高祥照. 不同作物还田秸秆的养分释放特征试验. 农业工程学报, 2010, 26(6): 272–276.

Dai Z G, Lu J W, Li X K, Lu M X, Yang W B, Gao X Z. Nutrient release characteristic of different crop straws manure. Trans CSAE, 2010, 26(6): 272–276 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[5] Wang C Y, Wang Z K, Liu M Z, Batool M, El-Badri A M, Wang X L, Lou H X, Shao D L, Tan X Q, Li Z, et al. Optimizing tillage regimes in rice-rapeseed rotation system to enhance crop yield and environmental sustainability. Field Crops Res, 2024, 318: 109614.

[6] Bouchet A S, Laperche A, Bissuel-Belaygue C, Snowdon R, Nesi N, Stahl A. Nitrogen use efficiency in rapeseed: a review. Agron Sustain Dev, 2016, 36: 38.

[7] Kuai J, Sun Y Y, Zhou M, Zhang P P, Zuo Q S, Wu J S, Zhou G S. The effect of nitrogen application and planting density on the radiation use efficiency and the stem lignin metabolism in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Field Crops Res, 2016, 199: 89–98.

[8] Rathke G W, Behrens T, Diepenbrock W. Integrated nitrogen management strategies to improve seed yield, oil content and nitrogen efficiency of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.): a review. Agric Ecosyst Environ, 2006, 117: 80–108.

[9] Chen X J, Strokal M, Kroeze C, Supit I, Wang M R, Ma L, Chen X P, Shi X J. Modeling the contribution of crops to nitrogen pollution in the Yangtze River. Environ Sci Technol, 2020, 54: 11929–11939.

[10] Malhi S S, Lemke R, Wang Z H, Chhabra B S. Tillage, nitrogen and crop residue effects on crop yield, nutrient uptake, soil quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. Soil Tillage Res, 2006, 90: 171–183.

[11] 陈培峰, 董明辉, 顾俊荣, 惠锋, 乔中英, 杨代凤, 刘腾飞. 麦秸还田与氮肥运筹对超级稻强弱势粒粒重与品质的影响. 中国水稻科学, 2012, 26: 715–722.

Chen P F, Dong M H, Gu J R, Hui F, Qiao Z Y, Yang D F, Liu T F. Effects of returning wheat-residue to field and nitrogen management on grain weight and quality of superior and inferior grains in super rice. Chin J Rice Sci, 2012, 26: 715–722 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[12] 胡雅杰, 朱大伟, 邢志鹏, 龚金龙, 张洪程, 戴其根, 霍中洋, 许轲, 魏海燕, 郭保卫. 改进施氮运筹对水稻产量和氮素吸收利用的影响. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2015, 21: 12–22.

Hu Y J, Zhu D W, Xing Z P, Gong J L, Zhang H C, Dai Q G, Huo Z Y, Xu K, Wei H Y, Guo B W. Modifying nitrogen fertilization ratio to increase the yield and nitrogen uptake of super Japonica rice. J Plant Nutr Fert, 2015, 21: 12–22 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[13] 彭志芸, 丁峰, 谌洁, 向开宏, 马鹏, 郭长春, 马均. 麦油稻轮作秸秆还田与施氮对水稻光合特性及产量的影响. 湖南农业大学学报(自然科学版), 2020, 46(3): 253–261.

Peng Z Y, Ding F, Chen J, Xiang K H, Ma P, Guo C C, Ma J. Effects of straw mulching and nitrogen management on photosynthetic characteristics and yield of direct seeding rice under wheat rape rice rotation. J Hunan Agric Univ (Nat Sci), 2020, 46(3): 253–261 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[14] 张刚, 王德建, 俞元春, 王灿, 庄锦贵. 秸秆全量还田与氮肥用量对水稻产量、氮肥利用率及氮素损失的影响. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2016, 22: 877–885.

Zhang G, Wang D J, Yu Y C, Wang C, Zhuang J G. Effects of straw incorporation plus nitrogen fertilizer on rice yield, nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen loss. J Plant Nutr Fert, 2016, 22: 877–885 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[15] 张维乐, 戴志刚, 任涛, 周先竹, 王忠良, 李小坤, 丛日环. 不同水旱轮作体系秸秆还田与氮肥运筹对作物产量及养分吸收利用的影响. 中国农业科学, 2016, 49: 1254–1266.

Zhang W L, Dai Z G, Ren T, Zhou X Z, Wang Z L, Li X K, Cong R H. Effects of nitrogen fertilization managements with residues incorporation on crops yield and nutrients uptake under different paddy-upland rotation systems. Sci Agric Sin, 2016, 49: 1254–1266 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[16] 李录久, 王家嘉, 吴萍萍, 黄厚宽, 蒋荫锡. 秸秆还田下氮肥运筹对白土田水稻产量和氮吸收利用的影响. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2016, 22: 254–262.
Li L J, Wang J J, Wu P P, Huang H K, Jiang Y X. Effect of different nitrogen application on rice yield and N uptake of white soil under wheat straw turnover. J Plant Nutr Fert, 2016, 22: 254–262 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[17] 陈仕高, 李克阳, 田文华, 杨洪松. 水稻秸秆还田替代化肥对油菜产量及耕地质量的影响. 南方农业, 2019, 13(增刊1): 73–75.

Chen S G, Li K Y, Tian W H, Yang H S. Effects of returning rice straw to the field instead of fertilizer on rape yield and cultivated land quality. South China Agric, 2019, 13(S1): 73–75 (in Chinese).

[18] 王天尧, 何庆虎, 周祖清, 赵永刚, 刘署艳. “稻-油”轮作秸秆还田及耕作模式对油菜产量的影响. 农业科技通讯, 2019, (9): 120–122.

Wang T Y, He Q H, Zhou Z Q, Zhao Y G, Liu S Y. Effect of “rice-oil” rotation straw returning to field and cultivation mode on rape yield. Bull Agric Sci Technol, 2019, (9): 120–122 (in Chinese).

[19] 王艳, 王建文, 宋宇宁, 闫美瑛, 童传洪. 水稻茬轮作油菜化肥减量施用对产量和效益的影响. 中南农业科技, 2023, 44(5): 246–247.

Wang Y, Wang J W, Song Y N, Yan M Y, Tong C H. Effect of reduced application of chemical fertilizer on yield and benefit of rapeseed in rice stubble rotation. South-Central Agric Sci Technol, 2023, 44(5): 246–247 (in Chinese).

[20] 张勇健. 水稻秸秆还田下化肥减量对油菜产量及效益的影响. 福建稻麦科技, 2020, 38(3): 30–32.

Zhang Y J. Effect of chemical fertilizer reduction on rape yielding and benefit under rice straw returning. Fujian Sci Technol Rice Wheat, 2020, 38(3): 30–32 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[21] Nelson M N, Nesi N, Barrero J M, Fletcher A L, Greaves I K, Hughes T, Laperche A, Snowdon R, Rebetzke G J, Kirkegaard J A. Strategies to improve field establishment of canola: a review. Adv Agron, 2022, 175: 133–177.

[22] Subrahmaniyan K, Veeramani P, Harisudan C. Heat accumulation and soil properties as affected by transparent plastic mulch in Blackgram (Vigna mungo) doubled cropped with Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in sequence under rainfed conditions in Tamil Nadu, India. Field Crops Res, 2018, 219: 43–54.

[23] 王先领, 姜岳, 雷贻忠, 肖胜男, 厍惠洁, 段圣省, 黄铭, 蒯婕, 汪波, 王晶, 等. 外源物质浸种对迟播油菜越冬期抗寒性及产量的影响. 作物学报, 2024, 50: 1271–1286.

Wang X L, Jiang Y, Lei Y Z, Xiao S N, She H J, Duan S X, Huang M, Kuai J, Wang B, Wang J, et al. Effects of seed soaking with exogenous substances on late-seeded rapeseed cold resistance of during overwintering period and yield. Acta Agron Sin, 2024, 50: 1271–1286 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[24] 袁嫚嫚, 邬刚, 胡润, 孙义祥. 秸秆还田配施化肥对稻油轮作土壤有机碳组分及产量影响. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2017, 23: 27–35.

Yuan M M, Wu G, Hu R, Sun Y X. Effects of straw returning plus fertilization on soil organic carbon components and crop yields in rice-rapeseed rotation system. J Plant Nutr Fert, 2017, 23: 27–35 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[25] 周雄, 朱丹丹, 王少华, 邵文胜, 张文君. 秸秆还田方式对油菜生长及养分吸收的影响. 中国农技推广, 2019, 35(增刊1): 29–31.

Zhou X, Zhu D D, Wang S H, Shao W S, Zhang W J. Effects of straw returning methods on rapeseed growth and nutrient absorption. China Agric Technol Extens, 2019, 35(S1): 29–31 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[26] Zuo Q S, Kuai J, Zhao L, Hu Z, Wu J S, Zhou G S. The effect of sowing depth and soil compaction on the growth and yield of rapeseed in rice straw returning field. Field Crops Res, 2017, 203: 47–54.

[27] Xie Y R, Zhang X L, Gao Y, Li J Q, Geng Y Q, Guo L Y, Shao X W, Ran C. Effects of different straw returning periods and nitrogen fertilizer combinations on rice roots and yield in saline-sodic soil. Agronomy, 2024, 14: 2463.

[28] 韩自行, 张长生, 王积军, 张冬晓, 汤松, 陈爱武, 周广生, 胡立勇, 吴江生, 傅廷栋. 氮肥运筹对稻茬免耕油菜农艺性状及产量的影响. 作物学报, 2011, 37: 2261–2268.

Han Z H, Zhang C S, Wang J J, Zhang D X, Tang S, Chen A W, Zhou G S, Hu L Y, Wu J S, Fu T D. Effects of nitrogen application on agronomic traits and yield of rapeseed in no-tillage rice stubble field. Acta Agron Sin, 2011, 37: 2261–2268 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[29] 苏伟, 鲁剑巍, 李云春, 李小坤, 马常宝, 高祥照. 氮肥运筹方式对油菜产量、氮肥利用率及氮素淋失的影响. 中国油料作物学报, 2010, 32: 558–562.

Su W, Lu J W, Li Y C, Li X K, Ma C B, Gao X Z. Effect of nitrogen management mode on yield, nitrogen using efficiency and nitrogen leaching of rapeseed. Chin J Oil Crop Sci, 2010, 32: 558–562 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[30] 左青松, 杨海燕, 冷锁虎, 曹石, 曾讲学, 吴江生, 周广生. 施氮量对油菜氮素积累和运转及氮素利用率的影响. 作物学报, 2014, 40: 511–518.

Zuo Q S, Yang H Y, Leng S H, Cao S, Zeng J X, Wu J S, Zhou G S. Effects of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrogen accumulation, translocation and nitrogen use efficiency in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Acta Agron Sin, 2014, 40: 511–518 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[31] Ma B L, Herath A W. Timing and rates of nitrogen fertilizer application on seed yield, quality and nitrogen-use efficiency of canola. Crop Past Sci, 2016, 67: 167.

[32] Justes E, Denoroy P, Gabrielle B, Gosse G. Effect of crop nitrogen status and temperature on the radiation use efficiency of winter oilseed rape. Eur J Agron, 2000, 13: 165–177.

[33] Song Z L, Xu G L, Feng Y H, Li J, Luo J L, Wang X K, Gao Y Q, You X X, Ren H J. Effects of annual straw incorporation combined with application of nitrogen fertilizer in rice season on dry matter and nutrient accumulation characteristics of subsequent rapeseed. Agronomy, 2023, 13: 1514.

[34] Liu T, Ren T, White P J, Cong R H, Lu J W. Storage nitrogen co-ordinates leaf expansion and photosynthetic capacity in winter oilseed rape. J Exp Bot, 2018, 69: 2995–3007.

[35] Norton R M. Nitrogen management to optimise canola production in Australia. Crop Past Sci, 2016, 67: 419.

[36] Hilton J R, Thomas B. Photoregulation of phytochrome synthesis in germinating embryos of Avena sativa L. J Exp Bot, 1987, 38: 1704–1712.

[37] Ruan Y L, Jin Y, Yang Y J, Li G J, Boyer J S. Sugar input, metabolism, and signaling mediated by invertase: roles in development, yield potential, and response to drought and heat. Mol Plant, 2010, 3: 942–955.

[1] MENG Xiang-Yu, DIAO Deng-Chao, LIU Ya-Rui, LI Yun-Li, SUN Yu-Chen, WU Wei, ZHAO Wen, WANG Yu, WU Jian-Hui, LI Chun-Lian, ZENG Qing-Dong, HAN De-Jun, ZHENG Wei-Jun. Genetic analysis of high yield and yield stability characteristics of new wheat variety Xinong 877 [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(5): 1261-1276.
[2] WANG Jia-Jie, WANG Zheng-Nan, BATOOL Maria, WANG Wang-Nian, WEN Jing, REN Chang-Zhong, HE Feng, WU You-You, XU Zheng-Hua, WANG Jing, KUAI Jie, WANG Bo, ZHOU Guang-Sheng, FU Ting-Dong. Comparison of physiological characteristics of salt and alkali tolerance between rapeseed and wheat [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(5): 1215-1229.
[3] WANG Dong, WANG Sen, SHANG Li, FENG Hao-Wei, ZHANG Yong-Qiao, CUI Jia-Ming, LI Shuang, ZHANG Jia-Cong, CHE Huan. Effect of supplementary irrigation on winter wheat yield and water use efficiency in semi humid areas of the Loess Plateau [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(5): 1312-1325.
[4] MENG Fan-Qi, FANG Meng-Ying, LUO Yi, LU Lin, DONG Xue-Rui, WANG Ya-Fei, GUO Li-Na, YAN Peng, DONG Zhi-Qiang, ZHANG Feng-Lu. Effect of ethephon betaine salicylic acid mixture on heat resistance and yield of summer maize [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(5): 1299-1311.
[5] WENG Wen-An, XING Zhi-Peng, HU Qun, WEI Hai-Yan, LIAO Ping, ZHU Hai-Bin, QU Ji-Wei, LI Xiu-Li, LIU Gui-Yun, GAO Hui, ZHANG Hong-Cheng. Study on yield formation characteristics, energy and economic benefits of unmanned dry direct-seeding rice [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(5): 1363-1377.
[6] ZHANG Xiao-Li, LIU Xiao-Yan, XIA Wen-Wen, LI Jin. Functional analysis of the plasma membrane intrinsic protein gene SiPIP1;3 from Saussurea involucrata in tomato [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 863-872.
[7] LI Hui-Min, XING Zhi-Peng, ZHANG Hai-Peng, WEI Hai-Yan, ZHANG Hong-Cheng, LI Guang-Yan. Application of chemical regulators and other cultivation measures in lodging resistance and high-yield cultivation of wheat [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 847-862.
[8] LI Pei-Hua, LI Jie, MENG Xiang-Yu, SUN Yu-Chen, FENG Yong-Jia, LI Yun-Li, DIAO Deng-Chao, ZHAO Wen, WU Wei, HAN De-Jun, ZHANG Song-Wu, ZHENG Wei-Jun. Evaluation of stress tolerance and physiological response of cold-type wheat under heat stress [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 1118-1130.
[9] LI Qiao, YE Yang-Chun, CHANG Xu-Hong, WANG De-Mei, WANG Yan-Jie, YANG Yu-Shuang, MA Rui-Qi, ZHAO Guang-Cai, CAI Rui-Guo, ZHANG Min, LIU Xi-Wei. Effects of high temperature and drought stresses on photosynthetic characteristics and yield of winter wheat after anthesis [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 1077-1090.
[10] WANG Jiao, BAI Hai-Xia, HAN Yu-Yan, LIANG Hui, FENG Ya-Nan, ZHANG Dong-Sheng, LI Ping, ZONG Yu-Zheng, SHI Xin-Rui, HAO Xing-Yu. Effects of elevated CO2 concentration, increased temperature and their interaction on the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in Liangxing 99 winter wheat leaves [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 1061-1076.
[11] MENG Zi-Zhen, LIU Chen, SHENG Qian-Nan, XIONG Zhi-Hao, FANG Ya-Ting, ZHAO Jian, YU Qiu-Hua, WANG Kun-Kun, LI Xiao-Kun, REN Tao, LU Jian-Wei. Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer application on the yield increase of winter oilseed rape and the degree of yield reduction due to freezing stress [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 1037-1049.
[12] SHE Hui-Jie, SUN Ming-Zhu, LI Shi-Gang, WANG Dong-Xian, CHENG Tai, JIANG Bo, CHEN Ai-Wu, WANG Jing, ZHAO Jie, WANG Bo, KUAI Jie, XU Zheng-Hua, ZHOU Guang-Sheng. Effect of coating with fulvic acid and alginate oligosaccharide on emergence and yield of late-sown rapeseed [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 1022-1036.
[13] SONG Li, LIU Guang-Zhou, ZHANG Hua, LU Ting-Qi, QING Chun-Yan, YANG Yun-Shan, GUO Xiao-Xia, Hu Dan, LI Shao-Kun, HOU Peng. Effects of drip fertigation with dense planting on yield and soil bacterial community of summer maize in Southwest China [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 992-1004.
[14] YANG Cui-Hua, LI Shi-Hao, YI Xu-Xu, ZHENG Fei-Xiong, DU Xue-Zhu, SHENG Feng. Effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid on rice yield, quality, and nutrient uptake [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(3): 785-796.
[15] LIU Ya-Long, WANG Peng-Fei, YU Ai-Zhong, WANG Yu-Long, SHANG Yong-Pan, YANG Xue-Hui, YIN Bo, ZHANG Dong-Ling, WANG Feng. Effects of nitrogen reduction on maize yield and N2O emission under green manure returning in Hexi oasis irrigation area [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(3): 771-784.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!
Add: No. 80 Xueyuan South Rd, Beijing 100081, P. R. China E-mail: zwxb301@caas.cn
Supported by Beijing Magtech Co.Ltd