Welcome to Acta Agronomica Sinica,

Acta Agronomica Sinica

   

Effect of green manure returning pattern on water utilization of spring wheat under reduced irrigation in arid irrigation areas

Xie Wei-Xin,Mao Shou-Fa,Wei Jin-Gui,Hou Si-Yu,Fan Zhi-Long,Yin Wen,Hu Fa-Long,Nan Yun-You,Chai Qiang*   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Arid Land Crop Science / College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu, China
  • Received:2025-07-28 Revised:2025-11-18 Accepted:2025-11-18 Published:2025-11-26
  • Contact: 柴强, E-mail: chaiq@gsau.edu.cn E-mail:xieweixin0114@163.com
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U21A20218), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1700204), and the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-22-G-12).

Abstract:

To address the challenges of high water consumption and low water use efficiency (WUE) in spring wheat cultivation in arid irrigated regions, this study investigated the regulatory effects of green manure on water utilization characteristics of spring wheat under reduced irrigation quotas, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for efficient water-saving cropping systems. A field experiment was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in the Hexi Oasis irrigation zone using a split-plot design. The main plot included three irrigation quotas: 420 mm (local conventional, I3), 370 mm (reduced by 50 mm, I2), and 320 mm (reduced by 100 mm, I1). The subplot comprised three green manure treatments: full biomass return after wheat harvest (WG), root and stubble return only (WR), and fallow (W). Results showed that reduced irrigation significantly decreased grain yield; however, green manure effectively offset yield losses. Full green manure return (WG) compensated for the yield loss under a 100 mm irrigation reduction, while WR compensated for a 50 mm reduction. Compared with I3, grain yield under I1 and I2 decreased by 11.6% and 3.2%, respectively. WG and WR treatments increased yield by 11.2% and 5.0% compared to W. Notably, WGI2 increased yield by 7.7% relative to WI3, and both WGI1 and WRI2 showed no significant difference from WI3. Both reduced irrigation and green manure return decreased seasonal water consumption, with WG more effective than WR. Compared to I3, water consumption under I1 and I2 decreased by 24.7% and 10.5%, respectively; WG and WR decreased consumption by 7.8% and 5.3% relative to WThis was mainly due to: (1) lower inter-row evaporation under I1 and I2 (36.8% and 21.0% less than I3) and under WG and WR (24.5% and 17.8% less than W); (2) reduced E/ET ratios under I1 and I2 (by 16.5% and 12.0%) and under WG and WR (by 18.5% and 13.6%). Although the wheat–green manure intercropping system increased total water consumption by 25.1% compared to monoculture wheat, reduced irrigation effectively constrained this increase. Both strategies improved WUE and irrigation water use efficiency (WUEi), with the greatest gains observed under the lowest irrigation quota combined with full green manure return. Compared with I3, WUE and WUEi increased by 17.4% and 34.9% under I1, and by 7.9% and 16.9% under I2. Compared with W, WUE and WUEi increased by 21.0% and 11.5% under WG, and by 11.4% and 5.0% under WR. The WGI1 treatment yielded a 37.4% increase in WUE and 51.2% in WUEi compared to WI3, indicating that combining full green manure return with reduced irrigation is particularly effective for improving irrigation efficiency. Therefore, in arid oasis irrigation areas, returning full green manure to the field after wheat, under a 320 mm irrigation quota, can maintain stable wheat yields while significantly enhancing water use and irrigation water use efficiencies. This approach offers a viable strategy for achieving both yield stability and improved water productivity in spring wheat systems.

Key words: multiple cropping, green manure, reduced irrigation, spring wheat, water consumption characteristics, water use efficiency

[1] Alharbi S, Felemban A, Abdelrahim A, et al. Agricultural and technology-based strategies to improve water-use efficiency in arid and semiarid areas. Water, 2024, 16: 1842.

[2] Wang B, van Dam J, Yang X L, et al. Reducing water productivity gap by optimizing irrigation regime for winter wheat-summer maize system in the North China Plain. Agric Water Manag, 2023, 280: 108229.

[3] Yan Z X, Zhang W Y, Liu X W, et al. Grain yield and water productivity of winter wheat controlled by irrigation regime and manure substitution in the North China Plain. Agric Water Manag, 2024, 295: 108731.

[4] 张殿凯, 李盼, 范虹, . 西北灌区复种绿肥及减氮条件下春小麦产量及水分利用特征. 中国农业科学, 2024, 57: 2189–2201.

Zhang D K, Li P, Fan H, et al. Soil water use characteristics of spring wheat with multiple cropping green manure and nitrogen reduction in northwest irrigated areas. Sci Agric Sin, 2024, 57: 2189–2201 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[5] Li R, Chai S X, Chai Y Wet al. Mulching optimizes water consumption characteristics and improves crop water productivity on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China. Agric Water Manag, 2021, 254: 106965.

[6] 吕汉强, 于爱忠, 柴强. 绿洲灌区玉米产量及水分利用对绿肥还田方式的响应. 中国生态农业学报(中英文), 2020, 28: 671–679.

Lyu H Q, Yu A Z, Chai Q. Response of maize yield and water use to different green manure utilization patterns in arid oasis irrigation area. Chin J Eco-Agric, 2020, 28: 671–679 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[7] 张钊, 黄超, 樊宜, . 滴灌量对北疆春小麦生长发育、产量及水分利用效率的影响. 灌溉排水学报, 2024, 43(4): 22–27.

Zhang Z, Huang C, Fan Y, et al. Effect of drip irrigation amount on growth, yield and water use efficiency of spring wheat in northern Xinjiang. J Irrig Drain, 2024, 43(4): 22–27 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[8] Mu L, Su K Q, Zhou T, et al. Yield performance, land and water use, economic profit of irrigated spring wheat/alfalfa intercropping in the inland arid area of northwestern China. Field Crops Res, 2023, 303: 109116.

[9] 樊志龙, 柴强, 曹卫东, 等. 绿肥在我国旱地农业生态系统中的服务功能及其应用. 应用生态学报, 2020, 31: 1389–1402.

Fan Z L, Chai Q, Cao W D, et al. Ecosystem service function of green manure and its application in dryland agriculture of China. Chin. J Appl Ecol, 2020, 31: 1389–1402 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[10] 张少宏, 王俊, RAJAN Ghimire, 等. 黄土高原绿肥填闲种植的水分与产量效应: Meta分析. 中国生态农业学报(中英文), 2021, 29: 1879–1892.

Zhang S H, Wang J, Ghimire R, et al. Effect of green manure on soil water and crop yield in the Loess Plateau of China: a meta-analysis. Chin J Eco-Agric, 2021, 29: 1879–1892 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[11] Wang F, Wang Y L, Lyu H Q, et al. No-tillage mulch with leguminous green manure retention reduces soil evaporation and increases yield and water productivity of maize. Agric Water Manag, 2023, 290: 108573.

[12] Zhang D B, Zhang C, Ren H Let al. Trade-offs between winter wheat production and soil water consumption via leguminous green manures in the Loess Plateau of China. Field Crops Res, 2021, 272: 108278.

[13] 李婧, 张达斌, 王峥, . 施肥和绿肥翻压方式对旱地冬小麦生长及土壤水分利用的影响. 干旱地区农业研究, 2012, 30(3): 136–142.

Li J, Zhang D B, Wang Z, et al. Effect of fertilizer and green manure incorporation methods on the growth and water use efficiency of winter wheat. Agric Res Arid Areas, 2012, 30(3): 136–142 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[14] Chai Q, Gan Y T, Turner N C, et al. Water-saving innovations in Chinese agriculture. Adv Agron, 2014, 126: 149201.

[15] Yin W, Feng F X, Zhao C, et al. Integrated double mulching practices optimizes soil temperature and improves soil water utilization in arid environments. Int J Biometeorol, 2016, 60: 1423–1437.

[16] Wang N, Zhang T H, Cong A Q, et al. Integrated application of fertilization and reduced irrigation improved maize (Zea mays L.) yield, crop water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in a semi-arid region. Agric Water Manag, 2023, 289: 108566.

[17] 张达斌, 李婧, 姚鹏伟, 等. 夏闲期连续两年种植并翻压豆科绿肥对旱地冬小麦生长和养分吸收的影响. 西北农业学报, 2012, 21(1): 59–65.

Zhang D B, Li J, Yao P W, et al. Effect of two years incorporation of leguminous green manure during summer fallow period on winter wheat growth and nutrients uptake in dryland. Acta Agric Boreali-Occident. Sin, 2012, 21(1): 59–65 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[18] 张刁亮, 柴强, 殷文, 等. 干旱灌区减量灌水下玉米农艺性状、产量及水肥利用效率对间作绿肥的响应. 干旱地区农业研究, 2024, 42(5): 8596.

Zhang D L, Chai Q, Yin W, et al. Response of maize agronomic traits, yield, water and fertilizer use efficiency to intercropping green manure under reduced irrigation levels in arid irrigation areas. Agric Res Arid Areas, 2024, 42(5): 8596 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[19] 罗跃, 张久东, 周国朋, . 河西绿洲灌区间作绿肥及其不同利用方式对玉米产量及土壤肥力的提升效应. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2022, 28: 402–413.

Luo Y, Zhang J D, Zhou G P, et al. Intercropping maize with green manure crops at various utilization patterns improves maize yield and soil fertility in Hexi Oasis irrigated area. J Plant Nutr Fert, 2022, 28: 402–413 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[20] 姚致远, 王峥, 李婧, 等. 轮作及绿肥不同利用方式对作物产量和土壤肥力的影响. 应用生态学报, 2015, 26: 2329–2336.

Yao Z Y, Wang Z, Li J, et al. Effects of rotations and different green manure utilizations on crop yield and soil fertility. Chin J Appl Ecol, 2015, 26: 2329–2336 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[21] 吕奕彤, 于爱忠, 吕汉强, 等. 绿洲灌区玉米农田土壤团聚体组成及其稳定性对绿肥还田方式的响应. 中国生态农业学报(中英文), 2021, 29: 1194–1204.

Lyu Y T, Yu A Z, Lyu H Q, et al. Composition and stability of soil aggregates in maize farmlands under different green manure utilization patterns in an oasis irrigation area. Chin J Eco-Agric, 2021, 29: 1194–1204 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[22] Singh H, Northup B K, Vara Prasad P V. Water storage and use efficiencies of rainfed winter wheat-summer green manure systems of the US Southern Great Plains. Eur J Agron, 2023, 146: 126818.

[23] 张祺, 王俊. 填闲种植和施氮量对旱作冬小麦农田土壤水分及作物产量的影响. 干旱地区农业研究, 2018, 36(6): 120–124.

Zhang Q, Wang J. Effects of cover crop and N fertilization on soil moisture and crop yield in a dryland winter wheat field. Agric Res Arid Areas, 2018, 36(6): 120–124 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[24] 马守臣, 张伟强, 段爱旺. 不同亏缺灌溉方式对冬小麦产量及水分利用效率的影响. 灌溉排水学报, 2019, 38(8): 9–14.

Ma S C, Zhang W Q, Duan A W. Effects of different deficit irrigation modes on grain yield and water use efficiency of winter wheat. J Irrig Drain, 2019, 38(8): 9–14 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[25] 王鹏飞, 于爱忠, 王玉珑, 等. 麦后复种绿肥翻压还田结合减氮对土壤水热特性及玉米产量的影响. 作物学报, 2023, 49: 2793–2805.

Wang P F, Yu A Z, Wang Y L, et al. Effects of multiple cropping green manure after wheat harvest combined with reduced nitrogen application on soil hydrothermal characteristics and maize yield. Acta Agron Sin, 2023, 49: 2793–2805 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[26] Poeplau C, Don A. Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils via cultivation of cover crops: a meta-analysis. Agric Ecosyst Environ, 2015, 200: 33–41.

[27] Villamil M B, Bollero G A, Darmody R G, et al. No‐till corn/soybean systems including winter cover crops. Soil Sci Soc Am J, 2006, 70: 1936–1944.

[28] Blanco‐Canqui H, Shaver T M, Lindquist J L, et al. Cover crops and ecosystem services: insights from studies in temperate soils. Agron J, 2015, 107: 2449–2474.

[29] 冯福学, 慕平, 赵桂琴, 等. 西北绿洲灌区水氮耦合对燕麦品种陇燕3号耗水特性及产量的影响. 作物学报, 2017, 43: 1370–1380.

Feng F X, Mu P, Zhao G Q, et al. Interaction of irrigation and nitrogen on water consumption characteristics and yield in oat variety longyan 3 in northwest oasis irrigation area. Acta Agron Sin, 2017, 43: 1370–1380 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[30] Ma D K, Yin L N, Ju W L, et al. Meta-analysis of green manure effects on soil properties and crop yield in northern China. Field Crops Res, 2021, 266: 108146.

[31] Koech R, Langat P. Improving irrigation water use efficiency: a review of advances, challenges and opportunities in the Australian context. Water, 2018, 10: 1771.

[32] Nielsen D C, Lyon D J, Hergert G W, et al. Cover crop mixtures do not use water differently than single-species plantings. Agron J, 2015, 107: 1025–1038.

[33] Badon T B, Prince Czarnecki J M, Krutz L J, et al. Cover crop and minimum tillage effects on yield, irrigation water use, and net returns. Agrosyst, Geosci Environ, 2021, 4: e20158.

[1] LYU Guo-Feng, FAN Jin-Ping, WU Su-Lan, ZHANG Xiao, ZHAO Ren-Hui, LI Man, WANG Ling, GAO De-Rong, BIE Tong-De, LIU Jian. Genetic analysis of key target traits in the early-maturing wheat cultivar Yangmai 37 [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(6): 1538-1547.
[2] 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.
[3] ZHANG Dong-Ling, YU Ai-Zhong, LYU Han-Qiang, YANG Xue-Hui, WANG Yu-Long, WANG Peng-Fei, SHANG Yong-Pan, YIN Bo, LIU Ya-Long, WANG Feng. Effects of green manure incorporation and nitrogen reduction on N2O emissions and wheat yield in oasis irrigated areas [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(4): 1005-1021.
[4] 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.
[5] CUI Dong, WANG Tong-Chao, YANG Song-Lin, REN Bai-Zhao, GAO Ying-Bo, YU Ning-Ning, ZHANG Ji-Wang. Optimization of irrigation methods and planting density synergistically increases yield and water use efficiency in summer maize [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2025, 51(11): 3026-3037.
[6] LIU Zhi-Peng, GOU Zhi-Wen, CHAI Qiang, YIN Wen, FAN Zhi-Long, HU Fa-Long, FAN Hong, WANG Qi-Ming. Effect of green manure on wheat and maize yields in diversified cropping patterns in an arid irrigated agricultural area [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(9): 2415-2424.
[7] YAN Fei-Long, ZHANG Zhen, ZHAO Jun-Ye, SHI Yu, YU Zhen-Wen. Effect of nitrogen application on water consumption characteristics and grain yield of winter wheat under wide width sowing [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(8): 2014-2024.
[8] LIANG Jin-Yu, YIN Jia-De, HOU Hui-Zhi, XUE Yun-Gui, GUO Hong-Juan, WANG Shuo, ZHAO Qi-Zhi, ZHANG Xu-Cheng, XIE Jun-Hong. Effects of deep fertilization on ecological stoichiometric characteristics and photosynthetic carbon assimilation of flag leaves of spring wheat under drought conditions [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(8): 2078-2090.
[9] WANG Yong-Liang, XU Zi-Hang, LI Shen, LIANG Zhe-Ming, BAI Ju, YANG Zhi-Ping. Effects of different mulching measures on moisture and temperature of soil and yield and water use efficiency of spring maize [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(5): 1312-1324.
[10] WU Xia-Yu, LI Pan, WEI Jin-Gui, FAN Hong, HE Wei, FAN Zhi-Long, HU Fa-Long, CHAI Qiang, YIN Wen. Effect of reduced irrigation and combined application of organic and chemical fertilizers on photosynthetic physiology, grain yield and quality of maize in northwestern irrigation areas [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(4): 1065-1079.
[11] SHANG Yong-Pan, YU Ai-Zhong, WANG Yu-Long, WANG Peng-Fei, LI Yue, CHAI Jian, LYU Han-Qiang, YANG Xue-Hui, WANG Feng. Effects of green manure application methods on dry matter accumulation, distribution, and yield of maize in oasis irrigation area [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(3): 686-694.
[12] ZHANG Kang, NIE Zhi-Gang, WANG Jun, LI Guang. Sensitivity analysis and optimization of spring wheat grain growth parameters under APSIM model with the increase of temperature [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(2): 464-477.
[13] XU Ran, YANG Wen-Ye, ZHU Jun-Lin, CHEN Song, XU Chun-Mei, LIU Yuan-Hui, ZHANG Xiu-Fu, WANG Dan-Ying, CHU Guang. Effects of different irrigation regimes on grain yield and water use efficiency in japonica-indica hybrid rice cultivar Yongyou 1540 [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(2): 425-439.
[14] WEI Jin-Gui, MAO Shou-Fa, JIANG Yu-Xin, FAN Zhi-Long, HU Fa-Long, CHAI Qiang, YIN Wen. Compensation mechanism of green manure on grain yield and nitrogen uptake of wheat with reduced nitrogen supply [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(12): 3129-3143.
[15] KANG Xiu-Li, MA Ai-Ping, JING Hua, ZHAO Yu-Kun, CUI Huan-Hu, XI Ji-Long, HUANG Xue-Fang. Effects of micro-sprinkling limited irrigation on winter wheat yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency [J]. Acta Agronomica Sinica, 2024, 50(12): 3107-3117.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!