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1. A stimbiotic (STB) is any feed additive that stimulates caeca fibre fermentation, although the additive itself contributes little to the caeca short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. A 42 d experiment investigated the interactive effects of STB and wheat bran (WB) in broiler chickens receiving maize or wheat-based diets. 2. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial (eight replicates each), the dietary factors being diet (maize-SBM or wheat-SBM), STB (with or without) and WB (0 or 50 g/kg). Jejunal tissue, gizzard, jejunal and ileal digesta and caecal contents were collected on d 18 and 42. 3. Gizzard pH tended to decrease with STB (p = 0.06) supplementation and was lower in birds fed wheat- compared to maize-based diets on d 18 (p < 0.05). Birds receiving diets with WB had higher jejunum pH on d 18 (p < 0.05). 4. Total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caeca on d 18 and isobutyrate on d 42 were higher (p < 0.05) for maize compared with wheat-based diets. However, on d 42, acetate, butyrate and total SCFA were higher (p < 0.05) for wheat-based compared with maize-based diets. 5. On d 18, STB and WB inclusion increased villi height (VH; p < 0.05) and VH to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), respectively (p < 0.05). On d 42, VH (p < 0.05) and VH/CD were higher in wheat-based diets (p < 0.05). The VH/CD ratio was lower with STB supplementation (p < 0.05). Marker-corrected pentose oligosaccharides (Pent)4 and (Pent)5 concentrations in the ileal digesta were reduced (p < 0.05) with STB supplementation. In addition, STB decreased (Pent)3 concentration in maize-, but not wheat-based diets (p < 0.05). 6. In conclusion, both WB and STB influenced gastrointestinal pH and jejunum histomorphology of broilers without increasing oligosaccharide concentration in the ileum and SCFA in the caeca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome elimination resulting in haploids is achieved by rapid loss of chromosomes from one parent during the zygote stage and is an important procedure to produce doubled haploid (DH) lines in plants. During crosses between an emasculated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) as pollen donors, the complete loss of maize chromosomes results in wheat haploid embryos. Through embryo rescue and chromosome doubling processes, pure lines with stable traits can be quickly obtained. The technique is called the "Wheat × Maize System". Although this technology is not new, it remains a practical approach to date. In order to optimize and improve this technology and to achieve its maximum potential in the winter wheat area of China, this paper reviews the previous and ongoing research and technical procedures for the production of wheat DH lines via the maize pollen induction and presents outlooks on DH research and its application in wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFusarium graminearum is the most important pathogen of maize and winter wheat in Canada, resulting in yield loss and mycotoxin contamination. Fungicides are essential to manage F. graminearum in cereal crops. Until pydiflumetofen became commercial, the only available fungicides were triazoles, limiting the potential to manage fungicide resistance. Fusarium graminearum isolates were surveyed from wheat, grain maize and overwintering maize stalks in southern Ontario. Chemotype and the baseline sensitivity to pydiflumetofen were determined in addition to sensitivity to common fungicides used to control F. graminearum. Fusarium graminearum has several strains producing different trichothecenes called chemotypes. In Ontario, 73.3% of the F. graminearum isolates were 3ANX chemotypes producing 7α-hydroxy, 15-deacetylcalonectrin, in addition to 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and deoxynivalenol; the remaining isolates were 15ADON chemotypes producing only 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and deoxynivalenol. Chemotype was not affected by isolate source (wheat grain, maize grain, maize stalks) nor by location. All isolates were sensitive to pydiflumetofen and fungicide products containing pydiflumetofen. The mean EC50 for isolates exposed to pydiflumetofen was 0.05 µg mL−1 (range 0.01–0.10 µg mL−1). The mean EC50 for isolates exposed to Miravis®Ace (containing pydiflumetofen and propiconazole), Miravis®Neo 300SE (containing pydiflumetofen, azoxystrobin and propiconazole), Caramba® (containing metconazole), Proline® (containing prothioconazole) and Prosaro (containing prothioconazole and tebuconazole) was 0.06, 0.13, 0.18, 0.05, 3.75 and 0.30 µg mL−1, respectively. These data will be useful in monitoring the development of fungicide resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter wheat–summer maize cropping system in the North China Plain often experiences droughtinduced yield reduction in the wheat season and rainwater and nitrogen (N) fertilizer losses in the maize season. This study aimed to identify an optimal interseasonal water- and N-management strategy to alleviate these losses. Four ratios of allocation of 360 kg N ha-1 between the wheat and maize seasons under one-time presowing root-zone irrigation (W0) and additional jointing and anthesis irrigation (W2) in wheat and one irrigation after maize sowing were set as follows: N1 (120:240), N2 (180:180), N3 (240:120) and N4 (300:60). The results showed that under W0, the N3 treatment produced the highest annual yield, crop water productivity (WPC), and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN). Increased N allocation in wheat under W0 improved wheat yield without affecting maize yield, as surplus nitrate after wheat harvest was retained in the topsoil layers and available for the subsequent maize. Under W2, annual yield was largest in the N2 treatment. The risk of nitrate leaching increased in W2 when N application rate in wheat exceeded that of the N2 treatment, especially in the wet year. Compared to W2N2, the W0N3 maintained 95.2% grain yield over two years. The WPC was higher in the W0 treatment than in the W2 treatment. Therefore, following limited total N rate, an appropriate fertilizer N transfer from maize to wheat season had the potential of a ‘‘triple win” for high annual yield, WPC and PFPN in a water-limited wheat–maize cropping system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing agricultural nitrogen datasets in China are mostly developed using coarse national or provincial statistics. A crop‐specific nitrogen rate dataset based on the finest‐scale agricultural nitrogen statistics at the county level remains lacking. Here, we constructed a new dataset (CN‐N), which provides annual nitrogen rates for rice, wheat and maize in China at a 1‐km spatial resolution from 2004 to 2016. This dataset was developed by harmonizing county‐level and provincial agricultural nitrogen statistics with gridded crop distribution maps, resulting in 13 years of nitrogen rate maps for each crop covering 2004–2016. Validation against farmers' surveys by crop indicates CN‐N reliably quantifies average nitrogen rates and trends for each crop over 2004–2016, demonstrating improved spatial heterogeneity compared to previous datasets rasterized using only provincial statistics. Our study provides a crop‐specific, temporally consistent, gridded nitrogen rate dataset based on the finest‐scale county‐level agricultural nitrogen statistics. This can support future process‐based modelling for sustainable agricultural nitrogen management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, the effects of different levels of wheat inclusion on growth performance and intestinal homeostasis in broilers were evaluated. We first analyzed the effects of dietary wheat ratio on liver function, serum glycolipid profile, and bone turnover, and showed that the dose of wheat in the diets of broilers had no deleterious effects on animal health. We also found that replacing corn with 55% wheat in the diet of broilers increased body weight and feed consumption, with improved intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota composition. These data indicated that the replacement of corn with 55% wheat in the diet promoted the growth performance of 21-day-old broilers via improving intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota. Replacing corn with different levels of wheat in the iso-energy and -protein diet of broilers and the impacts on growth performance and intestinal homeostasis of broilers under the condition of supplying the multienzyme complex were evaluated in this study. A total of 480 10-day-old male broilers were assigned randomly to the low-level wheat group (15% wheat and 35.18% corn), the medium-level wheat group (30% and 22.27%), and the high-level wheat group (55.77% wheat without corn) until 21 d. The different levels of wheat supplementation did not affect hepatic function, serum glycolipid profile, or bone turnover. The replacement of corn with 55% wheat in the diet of broilers increased the body weight at 21 d and feed intake during 10 to 21 d (both p < 0.05), with a comparable feed conversion ratio. Compared with the low-wheat group, the dietary addition of medium or high wheat levels notably increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum (p < 0.05) and the ileal villus height (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the supplementation of medium and high wheat in the diet increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes, and a diet with high wheat proportion elevated the content of Firmicutes when compared to the low-level wheat group (both p < 0.05). In addition, the diet containing 30–55% wheat enhanced the anti-inflammatory capability in both the ileum and the serum. These findings suggest that the replacement of corn with 55% wheat in the diet improved the growth performance of 21-day-old broilers, which might be linked to the alteration in intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Assessing water consumption in intercropping systems relative to sole crop systems is important for planting system planning. Methods: This study focused on wheat/maize (Triticum aestivum L./Zea mays L.) relay intercropping to evaluate water use advantage of relay intercropping system based on the same period. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016, and three cropping patterns were designed: sole wheat, sole maize, wheat/maize intercrops. Method for evaluating water use advantage in intercropping was revised by considering water consumption of sole crops during the fallow period (periods where no plants are grown). Results: Intercropping grain yield was higher than sole cropping yield. Based on the existing method, the intercropping system had 20.4% greater water use than the sole cropping system and the water equivalent ratio (WER) was lower than 1; after revision, intercropping had 7.7% less water use than sole cropping, and the WER was greater than 1. Before revision, intercropped wheat used 3.1% more water than sole wheat, and the intercropped maize used 38.8% more water than sole maize; after revision, intercropped wheat used 24.4% less water than sole wheat, and intercropped maize used 11.0% more water than sole maize. Conclusion: These results indicated that the revised method can be better used to evaluate water use advantage of relay intercropping system. This study implied that wheat/maize intercropping increased both yield and water use based on revised method, and relay intercropping can be a suitable production practice employed in fallow policy, especially in areas with limited water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Tillage and mulching are two agricultural practices that play a crucial role in improving crop growth. Tillage involves mechanical manipulation of the soil, which helps improve soil aeration, drainage, and root penetration. By loosening the compacted soil, tillage allows plant roots access to nutrients and ensures adequate drainage, which is essential for both healthy root development and optimal crop growth. However, their combined influence on soil enzymatic activities along with maize growth still needs further investigation. Methods: That's why current study was conducted with two factors (different tillage techniques and mulching levels) and four replications. No tillage, conventional tillage and deep tillage practices was done with and without wheat straw mulching (8 kg/ha). Results: Results showed that deep tillage with mulching caused significant improvement in days to emergence (9.98%), emergence/m2 (12.18%), plant height (8.97%), leaf area/plant (17.33%), grains/ear (6.91%), 1000 grains weight (4.72%), grains yield (1.88%) and biological yield (13.29%) over no tillage and no mulching. It also significantly improved total soluble sugar, total protein, free proline, total carbohydrates, urease activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, invertase and catalase activity (D) compared to no tillage and no mulching. Conclusion: In conclusion, deep tillage with mulching is a better technology than conventional tillage and no tillage with mulching to improve maize growth and quality attributes. It can also regulate the soil enzymes and health in positive manner. More investigations are suggested at field level using different cereal crops for declaration of deep tillage with straw mulching as best treatment for enhancement of their production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of barley and co-products from barley, corn, and wheat produced in South-East Asia or Australia, and to test the hypothesis that production area or production methods can impact the chemical composition of wheat co-products. Methods: Samples included seven barley grains, two malt barley rootlets, one corn gluten feed, one corn gluten meal, one corn bran, eight wheat brans, one wheat mill mix, and four wheat pollards. All samples were analyzed for dry matter, gross energy, nitrogen, amino acids (AA), acid hydrolyzed ether extract, ash, minerals, starch, and insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber. Malt barley rootlets and wheat co-products were also analyzed for sugars. Results: Chemical composition of barley, malt barley rootlets, and corn co-products were in general similar across countries. Wheat pollard had greater (p<0.05) concentrations of tryptophan, magnesium, and potassium compared with wheat bran, whereas wheat bran had greater (p<0.05) concentration of copper than wheat pollard. There were no differences in chemical composition between wheat bran produced in Australia and wheat bran produced in Thailand. Conclusion: Intact barley contains more starch, but fewer AA, than grain co-products. There were only few differences in the composition of wheat bran and wheat pollard, indicating that the two ingredients are similar, but with different names. However, corn gluten meal contains more protein and less fiber than corn bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate for the first time the degree of contamination of soil and crops with major and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, Cl, Fe, Al) in agricultural lands situated in the Lower Danube Basin, Galati and Braila counties (SE Romania), impacted by the steel industry. Soil samples, as well as leaves and seeds of wheat, corn, and sunflower, were collected from two depths in 11 different sites. Along with elemental and mineralogical analyses, performed by HR-CS AAS, PIGE, SEM-EDX, and ATR-FTIR, the soil pH, texture, organic matter, electric conductivity, and CaCO3 content were investigated. The results showed that the levels of Cr (83.27–383.10 mg kg−1), Cu (17.11–68.15 mg kg−1), Ni (30.16–55.66 mg kg−1), and F (319–544 mg kg−1) in soil exceeded the Romanian regulations for sensitive use of the land. Igeo, EF, PI, and PERI pollution indices indicate that the soil is moderate to highly contaminated with Cr, Ni, and Cu, while the CSI and mERMQ indices suggested a relatively low risk for metal contamination. The elemental concentrations in plant tissues and bioaccumulation factors (BFs) provide valuable insights into the soil–plant relationship, health risks, and the selectivity of plant compartments for different elements. Thus, the results revealed that the wheat plants tended to exclude the bioaccumulation of particular elements in their tissues, while exhibiting a different bioaccumulation pattern for Zn and Cu. In the case of corn, most BFs were below one, indicating a limited phytoaccumulation capacity. However, exceptions were observed for Cd, Zn, and Cu with the sunflower BFs indicating higher bioconcentration of these elements in leaves and seeds compared to other elements. Chromium (Cr) contributes to non-carcinogenic dermal contact and ingestion hazards, children being more susceptible to the adverse effects of this contaminant.

The global phosphate (P) rock shortage has become a significant challenge. Furthermore, the misalignment between crops, soil, and P usage exacerbates P rock wastage in agriculture. The distinctions among various types of phosphorus fertilizers influence the phosphorus cycle, which subsequently impacts biomass, the number of grains per ear, the weight of a thousand grains, and, ultimately, the overall yield. In a four-year field experiment conducted from 2017 to 2021, we assessed the impact of various P fertilizer types on crop yield in a continuous wheat–maize rotation system. Prior to planting the crops, P fertilizers were applied as base fertilizers at a rate of 115 kg P2O5 ha−1 during the wheat season and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 during the maize season. Additionally, nitrogen (N) was applied at rates of 120 kg ha−1 for wheat and 180 kg ha−1 for maize. The P fertilizers used included ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, calcium–magnesia phosphate, ammonium phosphate, and calcium superphosphate. Urea was used as the N fertilizer with a split application—60% at planting and 40% at the jointing stage for wheat or the V12 (twelve leaf collar) stage for maize. The results showed that different P fertilizers increased the average yield of wheat and maize by 21.2–38.0% and 9.9–16.3%, respectively. It was found that ammonium polyphosphate, calcium superphosphate, and monoammonium phosphate were more suitable for application in a summer maize–winter wheat rotation system on loess soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to study the effect of replacing different levels of treated and untreated corn impurities with urea instead of wheat bran on productive performance of Awassi lambs. Wheat bran were replaced by five levels of treated and untreated corn impurities as: 44:0%, 32:11%, 20:22%, 10:32% and 0:39% bran: impurities in a 2×5 factorial experiment. Concentrated fed at 3% of live body weight as dry matter basis, while alfalfa hay was offered ad libitum. Forty Awassi lambs were used, with an initial weight of 27.45 ± 2.16 kg and 4-5 months old. All lambs were fed individually feeding for 70 days, preceded by 14 days as adaptation period. Results showed a non-significant superiority in dry matter and nutrients intake by increasing corn impurities and a highly significant increased (p<0.01) in ether extract and ash intake (g/day), with superiority of digestibility (P<0.05) of organic matter% (OM) and crude protein% (CP), feed efficiency, daily gain (g/ day) and total weight gain (kg) for feeding 30% of corn impurities treated with urea (T9). In conclusion, it is possible to use corn impurities instead of wheat bran, preferably treated with urea to increase crude protein content, degraded crude fibers and improved nutritional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change significantly affects crop production and is a threat to global food security. Conventional tillage (CT) is the primary tillage practice in rain-fed areas to conserve soil moisture. Despite previous research on the effect of tillage methods on different cropping systems, a comparison of tillage methods on soil water storage, crop yield and crop water use in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) under different soil textures, precipitation and temperature patterns is needed. We reviewed 119 published articles and used meta-analysis to assess the effects of three conservation tillage practices (NT, no-tillage; RT, reduced tillage; ST, subsoil tillage), on precipitation storage efficiency (PSE), soil water storage at crop planting (SWSp), grain yield, evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) under varying precipitation and temperature patterns and soil textures in dryland wheat and maize, with CT as the control treatment. Conservation tillage methods increased PSE, SWSp, grain yield, ET and WUE in both winter wheat-fallow and spring maize cropping systems. More precipitation water was conserved in fine-textured soils than in medium-textured and coarse-textured soils, which improved ET. Conservation tillage increased soil water conservation and yield under high mean annual precipitation (MAP) and moderate mean annual temperature (MAT) conditions in winter wheat. However, soil water conservation and yield were greater under MAP <400 mm and moderate MAT. We conclude that conservation tillage could be promising for increasing precipitation storage, soil water conservation and crop yield in regions with medium to low MAPs and medium to high MATs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate for the first time the degree of contamination of soil and crops with major and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, Cl, Fe, Al) in agricultural lands situated in the Lower Danube Basin, Galati and Braila counties (SE Romania), impacted by the steel industry. Soil samples, as well as leaves and seeds of wheat, corn, and sunflower, were collected from two depths in 11 different sites. Along with elemental and mineralogical analyses, performed by HR-CS AAS, PIGE, SEM-EDX, and ATR-FTIR, the soil pH, texture, organic matter, electric conductivity, and CaCO3 content were investigated. The results showed that the levels of Cr (83.27–383.10 mg kg−1), Cu (17.11–68.15 mg kg−1), Ni (30.16–55.66 mg kg−1), and F (319–544 mg kg−1) in soil exceeded the Romanian regulations for sensitive use of the land. Igeo, EF, PI, and PERI pollution indices indicate that the soil is moderate to highly contaminated with Cr, Ni, and Cu, while the CSI and mERMQ indices suggested a relatively low risk for metal contamination. The elemental concentrations in plant tissues and bioaccumulation factors (BFs) provide valuable insights into the soil–plant relationship, health risks, and the selectivity of plant compartments for different elements. Thus, the results revealed that the wheat plants tended to exclude the bioaccumulation of particular elements in their tissues, while exhibiting a different bioaccumulation pattern for Zn and Cu. In the case of corn, most BFs were below one, indicating a limited phytoaccumulation capacity. However, exceptions were observed for Cd, Zn, and Cu with the sunflower BFs indicating higher bioconcentration of these elements in leaves and seeds compared to other elements. Chromium (Cr) contributes to non-carcinogenic dermal contact and ingestion hazards, children being more susceptible to the adverse effects of this contaminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to identify novel simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with resistance to corn aphid (CLA), Rhopalosiphum maidis L. in 48 selected bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and wild wheat (Aegilops spp. & T. dicoccoides) genotypes during two consecutive cropping seasons (2018–19 and 2019–20). A total of 51 polymorphic markers containing 143 alleles were used for the analysis. The frequency of the major allele ranged from 0.552 (Xgwm113) to 0.938 (Xcfd45, Xgwm194 and Xgwm526), with a mean of 0.731. Gene diversity ranged from 0.116 (Xgwm526) to 0.489 (Xgwm113), with a mean of 0.354. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value for the SSR markers ranged from 0.107 (Xgwm526) to 0.370 (Xgwm113) with a mean of 0.282. The results of the STRUCTURE analysis revealed the presence of four main subgroups in the populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the between-group difference was around 37 per cent of the total variation contributed to the diversity by the whole germplasm, while 63 per cent of the variation was attributed between individuals within the group. A general linear model (GLM) was used to identify marker-trait associations, which detected a total of 23 and 27 significant new marker-trait associations (MTAs) at the p < 0.01 significance level during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 crop seasons, respectively. The findings of this study have important implications for the identification of molecular markers associated with CLA resistance. These markers can increase the accuracy and efficiency of aphid-resistant germplasm selection, ultimately facilitating the transfer of resistance traits to desirable wheat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, Shandong province contains the most critical grain-producing areas and plays a key role in ensuring regional and national food security, especially through its winter wheat and summer maize production. Unfortunately, climate change has significantly degraded the growth and yield formation of winter wheat and summer maize in Shandong Province. To help address this situation, the present study assesses the vulnerability of climate change on winter wheat and summer maize production in Shandong Province. If an area is more vulnerable to climate change, it faces greater negative risk when the climate changes. First, we optimized the method of assessing vulnerability by the WOFOST crop model, which allowed us to assess the vulnerability of winter wheat and summer maize production under historical and future climate scenarios. The results show that, from 2007 to 2020, winter wheat production was moderately vulnerable in the eastern areas of central Shandong and mildly vulnerable in most areas of southern Shandong and in some areas of northwestern Shandong. In addition, the summer maize production was mildly vulnerable in some areas of northwestern, southwestern, and central Shandong. Under the RCP4.5 scenario from 2021 to 2050, winter wheat is expected to become more vulnerable in the future in most areas of the Jiaozhou peninsula, in western areas of northwestern Shandong, and in some areas of southern and central Shandong. Under the RCP8.5 scenario, the areas of increased vulnerability would be larger and be mainly concentrated in northwestern Shandong, in some areas of the Jiaozhou peninsula, and in central and southern Shandong. Under the RCP4.5 scenario, summer maize production would become more vulnerable in most areas of the whole region, with the increase being greatest in central Shandong and on the Jiaozhou Peninsula. The vulnerability would increase significantly more under the RCP8.5 scenario than under the RCP4.5 scenario. The results of this study may provide a reference for adjusting planting structure and addressing adverse effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology explores the potential of the zinc finger gene TaCHP to enhance wheat yield in saline-alkaline conditions. The researchers conducted multi-year, multi-site field trials and found that overexpressing TaCHP significantly increased wheat yields in saline-alkaline fields without affecting yields under normal conditions. Genetic variations in the promoter of TaCHP were also identified, with one haplotype (Hap1) conferring greater salt tolerance than the other (Hap2). The study suggests that TaCHP and its tolerant haplotype have promising applications in molecular breeding for stress-tolerant wheat. [Extracted from the article]

The North China plain (NCP) is an important production base for winter wheat and summer maize in China. Severe droughts seriously restrict agricultural production in this region, threatening food security. Based on the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), this study explored the spatial and temporal drought characteristics during the winter wheat and summer maize growing seasons in the region. The study found that: 1) From 1980 to 2013, the drought trend of the winter wheat growing season in the NCP has intensified, with Huang-Huai Plain agricultural area (HH_P) showing the most significant drought trend. However, the summer maize growing season has become wetter, with the Shandong hilly agricultural and forestry area (SD_Q) showing the most significant wetting trend. 2) After the year 2003, the results from Mann-Kendall trend analysis revealed that the drought trend of HH_P during the winter wheat growing season became particularly pronounced, but the wetting trend of SD_Q and HH_P during the summer maize growing season became more evident. 3) The dominant spatial patterns observed in the NCP during the growing seasons of winter wheat and summer maize were marked by a consistent distribution of drought and wetness conditions. For winter wheat, the southern regions of the foothill plain area of Yanshan and Taihang Mountains (YT_ P) and the low-lying plain area of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan (JLY_P) were more sensitive to the changes of drought and wet conditions. For summer maize, SD_Q was more sensitive to the changes of the drought and wet conditions. The results of this study could provide references for the formulation of drought relief strategies of winter wheat and summer maize in the NCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera exempta is a global agricultural invasive pest which posing a serious threat to the planting area of major crops of maize, wheat and rice. Our study predicted the potential suitable areas for S. exempta globally based on 841 global occurrence records and eight important bioclimatic variables, and analyzed the overlap with maize, wheat and rice planting areas. The results of the study indicate that the high potential suitable areas of S. exempta are mainly distributed in developing countries (Latin America, central South America, Central Africa, and southern Asia), with the greatest impact on global maize planting areas, followed by rice and wheat. Global warming will have a smaller limitation on the distribution of S. exempta. In view of the global potential geographic distribution of S. exempta and its damage to three major crops, the above governments of various countries should pay active attention to the prevention and control of S. exempta to protect global food security. Spodoptera exempta, known as the black armyworm, has been extensively documented as an invasive agricultural pest prevalent across various crop planting regions globally. However, the potential geographical distribution and the threat it poses to host crops of remains unknown at present. Therefore, we used an optimized MaxEnt model based on 841 occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables to predict the potential suitable areas of S. exempta under current and future climatic conditions, and the overlap with wheat, rice, and maize planting areas was assessed. The optimized model was highly reliable in predicting potential suitable areas for this pest. The results showed that high-risk distribution areas for S. exempta were mainly in developing countries, including Latin America, central South America, central Africa, and southern Asia. Moreover, for the three major global food crops, S. exempta posed the greatest risk to maize planting areas (510.78 × 104 km2), followed by rice and wheat planting areas. Under future climate scenarios, global warming will limit the distribution of S. exempta. Overall, S. exempta had the strongest effect on global maize production areas and the least on global wheat planting areas. Our study offers a scientific basis for global prevention of S. exempta and protection of agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of soil health through a robust index system having a sufficient number of indicators is an important step toward sustainable crop production. The present study aimed at establishing a minimum data set (MDS) from soil functional and nutritional attributes using a dual index system to evaluate the soil health of farmlands under wheat (Triticum aestivum)–maize (Zea mays) crop rotation in Yanting County, Sichuan, China. Farms from 10 villages in the study area were selected, out of which three sites were considered healthy/ideal sites and used as a reference for the remaining seven targeted sites, and soil samples were collected at depth of 20 cm from these farms. The MDS indicators were selected by using principal component analysis (PCA) followed by Pearson's correlation on 25 attributes. Based on significant values, eight attributes were retained in the final MDS, including the sucrase level, pH, wilting coefficient, water holding capacity, organic matter, NK ratio, total potassium, and available phosphorus. Based on the results, most of the farmland soils in Yanting County were in a healthy condition, accounting for 61.71% of the surveyed samples, followed by sub-healthy, degraded, and weak soils, accounting for 19.64%, 9.71%, and 8.93%, respectively. The values of most of the indicators at the targeted sites were significantly lower than those at ideal sites. Thus, specific steps should be taken by adding soil organic matter, combined with other fertilizers, to enhance the microbial biomass, enzymatic activities, and other biological activities in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in developing agricultural practices that can improve crop performance while preserving natural resources. Plant biostimulants are thought to play a role in reaching this goal, in particular by increasing the nitrogen use efficiency. However, a notable research gap exists concerning the effects of foliar applications of natural zeolites as plant biostimulants on crop performance. To address this knowledge gap, a greenhouse experiment was set up in order to study the response of maize and wheat traits, specifically the biomass productivity and nitrogen uptake, as well as the response of soil extracellular enzymes to the foliar applications of a natural zeolite in combination with different levels of nitrogen fertilization, that is, 100%, 75%, and 50% of the optimal dose. Foliar application of zeolite in wheat and maize plants led to an increase in root nitrogen concentration of about 10%, particularly at the lowest nitrogen fertilization rate. This response was accompanied by an increase in aboveground to belowground uptake nitrogen ratio. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction of about 20% in root biomass in both crops with zeolite application across the entire nitrogen fertilization gradient. These plant-level responses were associated with a significant increase in the activity of carbon-degrading and nitrogen-degrading enzymes at the soil level in response to zeolite applications. Our findings provide a compelling proof-of-concept for the beneficial effects of foliar-applied zeolite as a biostimulant for crops, emphasizing the critical need for additional field research to validate our greenhouse results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer application is the basis for ensuring high yield, high quality and high efficiency of farmland. In order to meet the demand for food with the increasing of population, the application of nitrogen fertilizer will be further increased, which will lead to problems such as N2O emission and nitrogen loss from farmland, it will easily deteriorate the soil and water environment of farmland, and will not conducive to the sustainable development of modern agriculture. However, optimizing fertilizer management is an important way to solve this problem. While, due to the differences in the study conditions (geographical location, environmental conditions, experimental design, etc.), leading to the results obtained in the literatures about the N2O emission with different nitrogen fertilizer application strategies have significant differences, which requiring further comprehensive quantitative analysis. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application strategies (different fertilizer types and fertilizer application rates) on N2O emissions from the fields (rice, wheat and maize) based on the Meta-analysis using 67 published studies (including 1289 comparisons). For the three crops, inorganic fertilizer application significantly increased on-farm N2O emissions by 19.7–101.05% for all three; and organic fertilizer increased N2O emissions by 28.16% and 69.44% in wheat and maize fields, respectively, but the application of organic fertilizer in rice field significantly reduced N2O emissions by 58.1%. The results showed that overall, the application of inorganic fertilizers resulted in higher N2O emissions from farmland compared to the application of organic fertilizers. In addition, in this study, the average annual temperature, annual precipitation, soil type, pH, soil total nitrogen content, soil organic carbon content, and soil bulk weight were used as the main influencing factors of N2O emission under nitrogen fertilizer strategies, and the results of the study can provide a reference for the development of integrated management measures to control greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of agricultural water requirements under future climate projections has received increasing attention in recent decades. The agriculture pattern of the semi-arid North China Plain is a maize–wheat rotation system in which sufficient irrigation is required to maintain production. In this study, the effects of future climate scenarios on the net irrigation requirement of the maize–wheat rotation system were assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization crop growth model—AquaCrop. First, the baseline net irrigation requirement over the study region was obtained through AquaCrop simulation under ERA5-Land reanalysis from 2011 to 2020. In addition, the AquaCrop model was used to predict irrigation requirements in future scenarios (2021–2050) under the extreme-emission scenario of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP 5-8.5 (SSP 5-8.5). Finally, the predicted irrigation amount for maize and wheat during the period 2021–2050 under SSP 5-8.5 was compared with the baseline to assess the interannual change in irrigation water requirement. Results reveal significant agreement between the AquaCrop-derived daily soil moisture (SM) and a reference SM product with unbiased root mean square differences of 0.03 m3/m3 and 0.04 m3/m3 over maize and wheat, respectively. Furthermore, the median net irrigation requirement is expected to increase by approximately 107 mm (21%) to guarantee optimum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrientacquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases are a significant threat to global food security since they directly affect the quality of crops, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity. Several researchers have employed crop-specific deep learning models based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) to identify plant diseases with better accuracy and faster implementation. However, the use of crop-specific models is unreasonable considering the resource-constrained devices and digital literacy rate of farmers. This work proposes a single light-weight CNN model for disease identification in three major crops, namely, Corn, Rice, and Wheat. The proposed model uses convolution layers of variable sizes at the same level to accurately detect the diseases with various sizes of the infected area. The experimentation results reveal that the proposed model outperforms several benchmark CNN models, namely, VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, ResNet152, ResNet50V2, ResNet152V2, MobileNetV2, DenseNet121, DenseNet201, InceptionV3, and Xception, to achieve an accuracy of 84.4% while using just 387,340 parameters. Moreover, the proposed model validates its efficacy as a multi-functional tool by classifying healthy and infected categories of each crop individually, obtaining accuracies of 99.74%, 82.67%, and 97.5% for Corn, Rice, and Wheat, respectively. The better performance values and light-weight nature of the proposed model make it a viable choice for real-time crop disease detection, even in resource-constrained environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today, mycotoxins are considered critical contaminants in foodstuffs produced by fungi, highlighting the importance of food safety to human health. The toxigenic fungi invasion and mycotoxin production are highly variable and depend on climate, plant, and agronomic practices. Among these, Aflatoxins (AFs) are considered the most potent toxins. This study investigated the fungi presence and AFB1 contamination in corn and wheat grown in Albania during the 2022 harvesting year. Methods: Wheat samples were collected during the summer, while corn during the autumn, and further analyzed. Mycological contamination assessment applied the Verband Deutscher Landëirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs-- und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) procedures. The AFB1 levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The MATLAB R2016b software was applied to perform statistical analysis. The Estimated Daily Intake on AFB1 was calculated to evaluate human exposure. Results: The genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium were isolated, with higher rates of contamination in corn and the highest frequency Penicillium genus (77.89%). The Korça region presented a higher fungal load, 104 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g in corn. The AFB1 incidence (88.23%) in corn, was significantly higher than in wheat (4.91%). Additionally, the maximum level in corn was found 69.120 μg/kg, while in wheat, only 0.402 μg/kg. None of the wheat samples, in contrast to the 41.18% of corn samples, exceeded the threshold when referring to the respective Maximum Residue Levels. Conclusions: Our observation indicates a higher rate of AFB1 contamination in corn than in wheat. The high concentration levels and contamination incidence in corn require targeted interventions to reduce the AFB1 amounts. Strengthened regulation based on scientific evidence can reduce contamination outbreaks, economic implications, and potential benefits, such as increased consumer trust. Our study indicates that the exposure to AFB1 originates from corn consumption among the adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard red spring wheat (HRSW; Triticum aestivum L). production in South Dakota has decreased by nearly 50% over a recent 10‐year timespan due to grower preferences for producing corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. End‐users of HRSW are concerned with grain protein concentration (GPC). Among growers that still produce HRSW, cultivar selection decisions are heavily based on grain yield potential, and they become most concerned with GPC only when it is low enough to result in sales price discounts. It is important that HRSW breeding programs release new cultivars that balance the needs of both end‐users and growers. The objective of this research was to release a HRSW cultivar possessing both high grain yield potential and GPC for South Dakota and regional producers. 'Ascend‐SD' (Reg. no. CV‐1204, PI 700966) was developed by the SDSU‐HRSW breeding program and released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station to certified seed producers in early 2022. The cross MN10261‐1/SD4389 was completed during fall 2013, and the resulting population was advanced via an early‐generation bulk‐testing program, where F4:7 seed was included in the 2018 preliminary yield trial and designated as SD4873. Prior to release, SD4873 also was tested in the advanced yield trial from 2019 through 2021 as well as crop performance testing trials in 2020 and 2021. Ascend‐SD was released for its competitive combination of high grain yield potential and GPC. Core Ideas: Ascend‐SD is a new hard red spring wheat cultivar adapted to the upper Great Plains.Agronomic performance of Ascend‐SD is very competitive.Ascend‐SD has good resistance to FHB and BLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils with high organic carbon (SOC) have been shown to enhance crop yields while minimizing climate-induced losses. However, the resilience impacts and mechanisms by which high SOC enhances crop performance have not been fully explored. Here, eight-year rotations of winter wheat and summer maize managed with chemical fertilizer input alone (CF) or with cattle manure (OM) or with peat and vermiculite (PV) were conducted, and various soil properties were measured alongside crop growth, nitrogen (N) uptake, and grain yield, with seasons categorized as dry or normal based on precipitation amounts. The OM and PV treatments increased SOC by 57% and 78% relative to the CF, respectively, and improved soil nutrient availability and the soil quality index. Soil moisture content in the 0–30 cm layer increased by 3.5–26.6%, but was less influenced in the 30–90 cm soil layers. Annual yield of wheat plus maize increased by 13% and 12% in OM and PV compared to the CF, and the yield sustainability index increased by 29% and 17%. Yield gains were more pronounced in dry compared to normal seasons, ranging from 19% to 28% and 12–15% for wheat. At least in part, the relative advantages of OM and PV treatments under drying conditions were associated with accelerated growth and N uptake rate from sowing to stem elongation for wheat and maize. Among the factors influencing yield in the present study, soil moisture exerted the greatest positive total effect on yield. Overall, the results highlight that enhanced SOC resulting from combined application of organic amendments and mineral fertilizer was positively associated with yield by promoting soil quality and water availability, with a more pronounced benefit under water-limited conditions. [Display omitted] • Improved soil quality and moisture enhance wheat and maize yield and stability. • Combined inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments increased soil moisture in the 0–30 cm but not in deeper layers. • Better soils with high SOC enhanced wheat and maize yield and stability during dry seasons. • Accelerated vegetative growth and nutrient uptake by high SOC contributed to productivity resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining or even increasing crop yields while reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions is necessary to reconcile food security and climate change, while the metric of yield‐scaled N2O emission (i.e., N2O emissions per unit of crop yield) is at present poorly understood. Here we conducted a global meta‐analysis with more than 6000 observations to explore the variation patterns and controlling factors of yield‐scaled N2O emissions for maize, wheat and rice and associated potential mitigation options. Our results showed that the average yield‐scaled N2O emissions across all available data followed the order wheat (322 g N Mg−1, with the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 301–346) > maize (211 g N Mg−1, CI: 198–225) > rice (153 g N Mg−1, CI: 144–163). Yield‐scaled N2O emissions for individual crops were generally higher in tropical or subtropical zones than in temperate zones, and also showed a trend towards lower intensities from low to high latitudes. This global variation was better explained by climatic and edaphic factors than by N fertilizer management, while their combined effect predicted more than 70% of the variance. Furthermore, our analysis showed a significant decrease in yield‐scaled N2O emissions with increasing N use efficiency or in N2O emissions for production systems with cereal yields >10 Mg ha−1 (maize), 6.6 Mg ha−1 (wheat) or 6.8 Mg ha−1 (rice), respectively. This highlights that N use efficiency indicators can be used as valuable proxies for reconciling trade‐offs between crop production and N2O mitigation. For all three major staple crops, reducing N fertilization by up to 30%, optimizing the timing and placement of fertilizer application or using enhanced‐efficiency N fertilizers significantly reduced yield‐scaled N2O emissions at similar or even higher cereal yields. Our data‐driven assessment provides some key guidance for developing effective and targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies for the sustainable intensification of cereal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food enrichment plays a critical role in the food industry, with a significant influence on the nutritional value of various food products and their potential health advantages when consumed. The demand for nutritious food products has led to significant advancements in the technology used for the production of biscuits, with the aim of enhancing their nutritional characteristics. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to develop nutritionally optimised biscuits using a linear programming model. The study focused on the optimisation of biscuit ingredients, specifically wheat and yellow maize flour, with or without moringa leaf. The formulation process involved the use of conventional methods and a linear programming model. The resulting biscuits were then analysed for their proximate, sensory, functional, and anti-nutritional properties. The biscuits formulated using the linear programming (LP) model exhibited superior qualities compared to other groups. These biscuits had a protein level ranging from 17.5 to 15.4%, and significantly improved organoleptic properties. The concentration of anti-nutritive compounds showed a notable decrease in the LP group compared to the conventionally prepared biscuits. Therefore, the use of a linear programming model can be adopted for the formulation of biscuits that have high nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates wheat, corn, and cassava native starches. Morphological features of the starch granule's surface reveal peculiar granule characteristics. Wheat starch granules are the largest, with 20.83 µm mass median diameter, followed by corn, 13.14 µm, and cassava, 12.37 µm. Nonetheless, cassava and corn starches have the lowest polydispersity and greater surface area average. Corn starch shows more resistance to the gelatinization process when observed. Complete granular disruption and gelatinization occurring at 65–75 °C for wheat, 75–85 °C for cassava, and 85 °C for corn. The curves of viscosity evidence the assertion that the starches from cereals gelatinize at higher temperatures than starch from the tuber. Swelling power indicate that cassava starch held more water, whereas IFTR spectroscopy reveals a more ordered structure when compared to wheat and corn starches. However, corn starch has the highest values of Tonset, Tpeak, and Tendset, with enthalpy of gelatinization of 12.73 J g−1, which can be related to the amylose content of 24.25% and mainly to 0.2% of starch damage. The almost negligible amounts of damaged starch present in corn starch indicate the absence of granule fragments capable of increasing water absorption and decreasing the birefringence of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proved that time-domain NMR (TD-NMR) experiments can accurately demonstrate the interaction between starch (wheat and maize) and water and the distribution of water molecules in starch-water systems during heating. Molecular properties in starch-water systems at 50% moisture content were monitored by Rhim and Kessemeier – Radiofrequency Optimized Solid-Echo (RK-ROSE) and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequences at frequent (2 °C intervals) measurements during heating (55–80 °C). Starch-like and water-like phases were obtained by RK-ROSE and CPMG pulse sequences, respectively. The second moment, M 2 , along with the relaxation times of the populations, associated with fast-decaying protons, provided information on the crystal structure state during heating and the extent of gelatinisation. The relaxation times of the most abundant population from the CPMG signal decreased during heating due to strong interactions between starch and water. Temperature of stabilisation of this population aligned with the associated findings from the differential scanning calorimetry and rheological measurements. • 1H TD-NMR enabled monitoring the gelatinisation of hydrated starches. • Results obtained by TD-NMR align with the findings from thermal and rheological analysis. • Changes in starch crystal structures were observed with RK-ROSE sequence. • Redistribution of water molecules during gelatinisation onset were observed with CPMG sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current context of food security and global geopolitical crises calls for proactive efforts to seek adaptive strategies for limited resources in agriculture. The production of phosphatic-based fertilisers has caused a substantial depletion of natural phosphorus (P) reserves, raising concerns about price increases due to the growing demand for P. The aim of the study is to assess whether the use of liquid organo-mineral P-complexes can be an adaptive strategy to address the issue of the limited P-fertiliser resource. A complete randomised block design was implemented with three replicates, spanning two contrasting cropping seasons under a Mediterranean climate with reduced tillage and rainfed conditions. The study aimed to assess the response of a durum wheat–maize rotation to various rates of liquid organo-mineral P-complexes (humic-complexed phosphate; HCP) in comparison to granular triple superphosphate (TSP). The evaluation focused on several parameters, including P availability, plant architecture, dry matter accumulation, grain yield and yield components and P use efficiency (PUE) for both durum wheat and maize. The results revealed that applying HCP at a rate of 4 or 8 kg ha−1 increased soil P availability on average by 66% and 144%, respectively, compared to the control (no P-fertilisation), although a significant interaction with the monitoring year emerged. For wheat, applying HCP at a rate of 8 kg ha−1 of P resulted in higher grain yield (+15%), protein content (+0.9%) and P uptake (+48%) than the control on average considering both monitoring years. In the season characterised by favourable rainfall patterns, the application of HCP at 5 or 10 kg ha−1 of P for maize showed similar effects in terms of soil P availability, dry matter accumulation, grain yields and PUE. Conversely, in the season marked by a deficiency in summer precipitation, low PUE for maize was observed for HCP fertilisers, although they remained positive, unlike the case of TSP. Using HCP in conservation agriculture appears promising as an adaptive solution to address P-fertiliser scarcity, especially amid food security challenges and global crises. However, further studies are required to validate these findings in diverse pedo-climatic contexts and cropping systems. • Humic complexed P fertiliser (HCP) enhances soil P availability, especially at 0–10 cm depth. • HCP resulted in a general higher maize and wheat grain yield and crops P efficiency. • HCP is promising in the context of conservation agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An incubation study investigated the decomposition patterns, microbial activities, soil aggregates distribution, and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents, using four crop residues; wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and maize (Zea mays L.), at low and high rates (10 and 20 g kg-1). An average increase of about 35% in cumulative C-CO2 emissions and 26% in soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was observed at high residue rates as compared to low rates. A positiv e and strong correlation (0.96) was found between C-CO2 emissions and MBC, and the effect of residue quality on decomposition was found to be less at high rates. The relative reduction in C-CO2 emissions by adding rice residues may be due to their high silica content. Differences in extracellular enzyme activities (EEA) with different residues indicated the effect of residue quality on microbial activities. Cotton residues increased β-glucosidase and chitinase activities by 41 and 38%, respectively, at high rates than at low rates. High maize residues also markedly increased chitinase activity by 41%, implying higher N cycling and fungal prevalence. Acid phosphatase activity was found to increase by about 25 to 32% with high rice and wheat residues, respecti vely. Higher EEA at high residues input likely reflected the microbial nutritional limitations. Crop residues raised SOC content from 0.7 under control to 1.0% at low residues input but not at high input. Increased macro-aggregates fraction at high residues input may be attributed to higher microbial activities. In summary, high residues input can minimize residue biochemical quality's effect on decomposition, with no further increase in SOC content. While a positive effect on the soil MBC, but not on the SOC content, was observed at high residue input, suggesting moderation in the additions of organic amendments is key for SOC buildup. Crop residues, added at 10 g kg-1, may help maintain a positive SOC balance in the arid agroecosystems by moderating higher microbial activities and soil respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd and As accumulation in staple crops poses potential risks to food safety and human health. Rhizo-microbial communities are involved in their behaviors from soil to crops. However, the responses of rhizo-microbial communities to different Cd and As co-contaminated soils in wheat‒maize rotation are still unclear. This study explored whether wheat or maize could recruit distinct rhizo-microbial communities to adapt to long-term co-contaminated soils with low or high levels of Cd and As (LS or HS). It was apparent that the average wheat grain-Cd/As concentrations were 17.96-fold/4.81-fold in LS and 5.64-fold/7.70-fold in HS higher than those in maize grains, significantly depending on the mobility of Cd/As in soil–crop system, especially from soil to root and from straw to grain. Meanwhile, wheat or maize roots recruited specific bacteria and fungi in LS and HS, which were substantially associated with Cd/As bioavailability in rhizosphere. Wheat roots recruited specific bacterial genera norank_c__MB-A2-108 (Actinobacteria), norank_f__JG3 0-KF -CM45 (Chloroflexi), and norank_o__Rokubacteriales (Methylomirabilota) and fungal genera Metarhizium and Olpidium under HS, and their relative abundances were positively correlated with soil Cd/As bioavailability and were resistant to Cd and As co-contamination. However, bacterial genera Arthrobacter , Nocardioides , Devosia , Skermanella, and Pedobacter were sensitive to Cd and As co-contamination and were specifically enriched in wheat rhizospheres under LS. Meanwhile, the bacterial genus norank_c__KD4-96 (Chloroflexi) was resistant to Cd and As co-contamination under HS and was distinctly enriched in maize rhizosphere. Furthermore, the roots of wheat and maize recruited the bacterial genus Marmoricola in LS, which was sensitive to Cd and As co-contamination, and recruited specific fungal genus Fusicolla in HS, which was tolerant to Cd and As co-contamination. These results confirmed that HS and LS shifted the composition and structure of the rhizo-microbial communities in the wheat-maize rotation to promote crops survival in different long-term Cd and As co-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] • Wheat grains contain more Cd and As than maize in long term contaminated soil. • Specific rhizo-microbes have responded to the stress of Cd and As. • Cd and As contamination shifted the rhizo-microbial communities of wheat and maize. • Both Marmoricola and Fusicolla were recruited by the roots of wheat and maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to provide insights into the current network configurations of the food-trade system and to study the short-term effects of one of the ongoing and lasting global crises, the Ukraine War, on the link intensity. Towards this end, this analysis (1) reveals the pattern of countries' network positions in two most traded subcategories of the cereal network: wheat and meslin, and maize or corn, and (2) discusses the characteristics of the global cereal networks over the 2021–2022 period. The results highlight several features of the trade networks: (1) the distribution of cereal trade is highly concentrated, with considerable dependency on a small number of exporters and a low import diversification, making the system rigid and prone to shocks; (2) a central role of several key developed countries that leave many developing countries outside the centre of the networks; (3) a high network heterogeneity which confirms the propensity to have hub nodes. Particular indicators show that the highest level of interconnectivity is specific to the cereals' export network, the densest networks are the maize or corn ones, and the greatest heterogeneity appears for the cereals export network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop rotations in the northern Great Plains of North America increasingly include corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Use of cover crops, while less extensive, is also increasing given their purported agronomic and environmental benefits. To date, soil responses to the inclusion of corn, soybean, and cover crops in rainfed cropping systems have not been well documented in the region. Therefore, soil properties were evaluated 6 years after establishment of three crop rotations (spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–soybean (SW–S), spring wheat–corn–soybean (SW–C–S), and spring wheat–corn–cover crop (SW–C–cc)) each split by no and minimum tillage on a Dark Brown Chernozem near Mandan, ND, USA. Soil responses to treatments were subtle and exclusive to the 0–7.6 cm depth. Soil pH was lower in SW–S than SW–C–cc (5.28 vs. 5.48; P = 0.05), SO4-S was greater under SW–C–cc than SW–C–S (13.4 vs. 11.6 g S kg−1; P = 0.03), exchangeable K was greater under SW–C–S and SW–C–cc than SW–S (0.83 cmol kg−1 vs. 0.52 cmol kg−1; P = 0.05), and water-stable aggregates were greater in SW–S than SW–C–S (26% vs. 19%; P = 0.08). Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N did not differ among crop rotations or between tillage treatments, while particulate organic matter N was greater under no tillage compared to minimum tillage (P = 0.08). Between 2012 and 2018, soil pH decreased and SOC increased under SW–C–S. Frequent monitoring of near-surface soil conditions in rotations with soybean every other year is recommended. Furthermore, innovative management practices are needed to enhance soil C and N fractions in rotations with full-season cover crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive phasiRNAs (phased, small interfering RNAs) are broadly present in angiosperms and play crucial roles in sustaining male fertility. While the premeiotic 21-nt (nucleotides) phasiRNAs and meiotic 24-nt phasiRNA pathways have been extensively studied in maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa), a third putative category of reproductive phasiRNAs-named premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs-have recently been reported in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). To determine whether premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are also present in maize and related species and begin to characterize their biogenesis and function, we performed a comparative transcriptome and degradome analysis of premeiotic and meiotic anthers from five maize inbred lines and three teosinte species/subspecies. Our data indicate that a substantial subset of the 24-nt phasiRNA loci in maize and teosinte are already highly expressed at the premeiotic phase. The premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are similar to meiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs in genomic origin and dependence on DCL5 (Dicer-like 5) for biogenesis, however, premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are unique in that they are likely i) not triggered by microRNAs, ii) not loaded by AGO18 proteins, and iii) not capable of mediating PHAS precursor cleavage. In addition, we also observed a group of premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs in rice using previously published data. Together, our results indicate that the premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs constitute a unique class of reproductive phasiRNAs and are present more broadly in the grass family (Poaceae) than previously known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with three dietary fibre sources on the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chicken. One hundred and forty four oneday old broiler chickens were used for the experiment. The birds were brooded for two weeks on commercial starter diet after which they were subjected to four experimental diets or treatments. The birds were randomly distributed into four treatments with three replicates, each replicate consisting of 12 birds. All birds in each treatment were fed with different diet and weighed at the end of every week. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were designated as treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 while T1 was tagged as a control diet without any source of dietary fibre, T2 as a diet with wheat bran as a source of dietary fibre, T3 as a diet with rice bran as a source of dietary fibre, T4 as a diet with brewers dried grain (BDG) as a source of dietary fibre. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the initial weight of the birds across the treatments, but there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the final weight and body weight gain of the birds where T2 had the highest body weight gain and T3 has the lowest body weight gain. This trend was also observed in the carcass. Based on the result of this experiment wheat bran can be used as a source of dietary fibre for better growth performance of broiler chicken at a low inclusion level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overuse of phosphorus (P) fertilizer in crop cultivation accelerates the consistent increase in soil P accumulation and increases the risk of P leaching from the agricultural system. The long-term implications of balanced P management on soil P availability and crop P uptake are still unknown. A three-year field experiment with six different P rates was conducted to determine the effect of a balanced P application strategy on crop yield, P uptake, soil P accumulation, and P transformation in a winter wheat-summer maize rotation system. The results found that the yield and P uptake of summer maize and wheat increased linearly with P fertilization up to 12.5 kg P ha–1, after which they stabilized, and the critical threshold is 50 kg P ha–1 for winter wheat. The soil P budget under agronomic thresholds from 2017 to 2020 was observed as –2.99 to –11.04 kg P ha−1 for maize but 15.1–24.5 kg P ha–1 for wheat. Excessive P fertilization accelerated the downward movement of soil P and stocked it in the deep soil in the form of soil labile P and moderately labile P, increasing the risk of soil P leaching. The annual application of 600 kg ha–1 P fertilizer substantially increased the total P concentration by 30%–99% from deep soil to topsoil compared to the no P treatment, while the 75 kg ha–1 and 150 kg ha–1 P fertilizer treatments did not affect soil P accumulation along the soil profile. Soil Olsen-P concentration to meet crop yield requirements is still far from meeting the critical environmental threshold of 47.6 mg kg–1 and increased slightly by an annual 2.39 mg kg–1 under the balanced P fertilization strategy. An annual negative soil P budget of 3–11 kg ha–1 for summer maize could sustain optimal yields and P use efficiency. Winter wheat cultivation required additional P application to reach the agronomic threshold, set at 15–25 kg ha–1 annually. In conclusion, balanced P fertilization can reduce soil P surplus and subsoil P stock while maintaining crop yields. • The critical P rates for achieving high yields in maize and wheat are 12.5 and 50 kg P ha−1. • The soil Olsen-P level increases by 2.0 mg kg−1 for every 100 kg ha−1 of soil P surplus. • High yields are achieved without a soil P surplus for summer maize but not for winter wheat. • Overuse of P fertilizer leads to the accumulation of labile and moderately P pools in the topsoil and subsoil. • The strategy integrated P budgets and Olsen-P can ensure yields and minimize environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the most important vector of syndrome 'basses richesses' (SBR), a new disease that leads to severe economic losses in sugar beet. In this study, different soil tillage methods (ploughing and cultivator) and crops (winter wheat, spring wheat, maize and bare soil) following SBR‐infested sugar beet were tested as potential management options in field trials. In the laboratory, the survival and development of first and third instar nymphs on wheat and maize was studied to further assess their suitability as host plants. RESULTS: In five out of seven field sites, reduced soil tillage had no effect on adult planthopper emergence compared to ploughing. In two sites, reduced tillage resulted in higher emergence rates. In nearly all field sites, up to 98.9% fewer emerging adults were detected in bare soil and maize, when compared to winter wheat. Under laboratory conditions, the lowest survival rate was found in first instar nymphs feeding on maize seedlings (4.2%), while 66.7% survived on wheat, over a period of 300 days. In contrast, 73.3% and 70% of third instar nymphs survived on wheat and maize over a period of 150 days. CONCLUSION: Soil tillage had little effect against Pentastiridius leporinus. Maize is a poor host for first instars but a suitable resource for third instar nymphs, the stage which encounters maize under field conditions. Hence, reductions in planthopper emergence in the field were likely caused by starvation due to the long host‐free period between sugar beet harvest and the sowing of maize. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An updated SEBALIGEE system is proposed that can estimate global ET in few seconds. • An open-source ML algorithm was designed to estimate ET at a 30-m resolution. • Annual wheat ET decreased significantly from 2013 to 2021 over CONUS. • Corn or soybeans exhibit comparable characteristics and influencing factors. • SEBALIGEE v2 is expected to advance Precision Agriculture at regional/global scales. The open-source fully-automated Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land-Improved (SEBALI) Google Earth Engine (SEBALIGEE) estimates 30-m actual evapotranspiration (ET) at a monthly rate, a much needed parameter in many hydrological and agricultural applications. An improved version of the basin-based SEBALIGEE v1 is proposed in this paper. The improvement of SEBALIGEE v1, designated as v2, focuses primarily on incorporating advanced machine learning approaches which have enabled for the first time to implement SEBALIGEE over any scale application and enhance its overall performance. More particularly, an evaluation of the monthly ET estimated from the new algorithm across several fluxnet sites in the US, China, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and France, yielded a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 12.22 mm/month versus 14.54 mm/month in the original SEBALIGEE v1. Furthermore, we applied the new any-scale capability of SEBALIGEE v2 over the contiguous United States (CONUS) while emphasizing on the three main crops, including corn, soybeans and winter wheat. Our analysis indicated that all three crops presented two similar ET seasonal cycles with peaks occurring in late spring to the summer (May-Aug) and between October and January, corresponding well to the key stages of crop life cycle. Moreover, corn and soybeans exhibited similar magnitudes of ET (36 ∼ 168 mm/month) and higher than winter wheat (33 ∼ 122 mm/month), with large standard deviations observed in the ET estimates amogst all the crops. On interannual comparisons, the corn and soybeans ET and aKc showed higher values than winter wheat, with the highest and lowest years identified and discussed. Following an exploratory analysis against some of the most common interfering variables such as air temperature, dewpoint temperature, surface net solar radiation, wind speed, SPEI drought index calculated on 14 days and 30-days, it was noted that the surface net solar radiation had the most influencing factor on ET in corn and soybeans plantations with R2 values of ∼0.72. The SPEI-30 stands out for winter wheat, showing a water scarcity tolerance up to a month in most of its developing stages. Different management practices are then recommended in each of these two crops' categories (corn and soybeans vs. winter wheat). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study was aimed to determine the effect of replacing treated and untreated corn impurities with urea instead of wheat bran on rumen bacteria and fermentation of Awassi lambs. Five levels of treated and untreated corn impurities as 44:0%, 32:11%, 20:22%, 10:32% and 0:39% bran:impurities in a 2×5 factorial experiment/ Completely Randomized Design using forty lambs with an initial weight of 27.45 ± 2.16kg and 4-5 months old. Individual feeding was used for 70 days and rumen fluid was sampled at 0, 3, 6h after morning feeding. Results showed an increasing (p<0.05) rumen pH at zero time especially corn impurities treated with urea and increasing (p<0.05) rumen ammonia at zero time and 3h after feeding with highly significant (p<0.01) increased at 6h, and superiority increased of volatile fatty acids (VFA's) for urea treated corn impurities (P<0.05) at zero time and after 3h of feeding, similar results for rumen bacterial count at zero time, 3h and 6h after morning feeding for two dilutions × 107 and × 109 Cfu/ml for impurities treated with urea. In conclusion, it is possible to use corn impurities instead of wheat bran, preferably treated with urea for positive increase rumen fermentation and total bacterial count in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending the mechanisms underlying the response of water productivity to changing climate is essential for developing effective strategies that can maintain sustainable agricultural productivity and ecological stability amidst water scarcity and climate change. This study aimed to clarify the effects of climate and associated biologic and abiotic factors on the net water productivity (NWP) in the winter wheat—summer maize rotation system within the North China Plain (NCP), through integrating spatial-temporal pattern analysis, the Optimal Parameter-based Geographical Detector model, Random Forest, and Structural Equation Modeling. Despite climate warming and water scarcity, the NWP in the vast majority of rotation systems within the NCP exhibited an increasing trend between 2000 and 2019, which was anticipated to persist in the future. From 2000–2019, the impact of climate on the NWP exerted a fluctuating diminishment, besides the influence of WS. It is essential to add adaptive strategies that can cope with WS fluctuation in future management, to better tackle climate variability. Apart from direct effects, meteorological factors indirectly induced NWP variation primarily by influencing edaphic moisture dynamic and crop growth factors. In the paths underlying the effect of climate change on NWP, positive and negative effects coexisted. Edaphic moisture within the 40–100 cm layer played an important role in affecting NWP throughout rotation systems. To sustainably improve NWP, it was advisable to adopt deeper-rooting crop varieties in conjunction with moderate deficit irrigation and improving topsoil water retention capability. Overall, we incorporated soil and crop factors into the framework of climate impact research, providing a systematic elucidation for the mechanisms through which climate change affects NWP. Additionally, the conclusions were based on a continuous spatiotemporal framework that accounted for the geospatial heterogeneity of variables, thereby giving conclusions ample regional universality. • Soil & crop factors can help clarify mechanisms underlying climate's effect on NWP. • Despite warming and water scarcity, NWP increased and is expected to persist in future. • Impact of climate variability on NWP in wheat-maize rotation is diminishing. • Soil moisture at 40–100 cm depth is important for sustaining NWP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop lodging, either stem breaking/stem bending or root lodging, is a major concern for farmers worldwide. In the present study, meta-QTLs, ortho-MQTLs and candidate genes related to lodging and its associated traits were identified using 836 of the 1269 known QTLs retrieved from 107 QTL mapping studies published during 1998–2022. The study resulted in the identification of 86 MQTLs with an average confidence interval (CI) of 1.66 cM (4.26-fold reduction) as against a CI of > 7.08 cM in the initial QTLs. Out of 86 MQTLs, a subset of 12 MQTLs demonstrated stability and robustness, earning them the title of breeders' MQTLs. These selections were made based on criteria such as the number of initial QTLs involved, small CI, high LOD scores, and PVE values. Furthermore, leveraging synteny and collinearity facilitated the identification of 10 ortho-MQTLs shared between wheat and maize. Further, in silico expression analysis allowed the detection of 53 significantly expressed candidate genes encoding different proteins/products including the following: F-box protein, GDSL lipase/esterases, SANT/Myb domain transcription factor, pectin esterase inhibitor domain, glycoside hydrolase family, protein kinase domain, zinc finger domain, cytochrome P450, UDP-glucuronosyl/UDP-glucosyltransferase, glycosyltransferase 61 etc. In addition, 26 lodging tolerance genes from Arabidopsis, rice, and maize were also utilized to identify 34 wheat homologues in wheat MQTL regions. Among these, three genes TraesCS2D02G256600 (TaEREB114 -2D) , TraesCS7B02G340100 (TaIRX14- 7B), and TraesCS1B02G347600 (TaGA2ox4- 1B) were prioritized for qRT-PCR-based expression analysis in one lodging-tolerant (i.e., WH-1105) and one lodging-susceptible (i.e., WH-1184) variety. When comparing these two varieties, we found higher relative expression levels of these three genes in the second basal internode at the milky endosperm stage of the lodging-tolerant variety. The MQTLs, ortho-MQTLs, and candidate genes (CGs) identified in this study can be utilized for marker-assisted selection to improve lodging tolerance and enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of lodging tolerance in wheat. [Display omitted] • Eighty-six MQTLs with significantly reduced confidence intervals were identified. • Twelve MQTLs were recommended for breeding programs for improving lodging resistancein wheat. • Ten ortho-MQTLs were identified between the wheat and maize genomes. • Three genes viz., TraesCS1B02G347600, TraesCS2D02G256600, and TraesCS7B02G340100 were validated using qRT-PCR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the contribution of diverse nitrogen (N) sources in agricultural systems is pivotal for optimizing sustainable farming practices. While knowledge exists about the roles of various N sources, there's limited comprehensive data on the relative contributions of manure compost, fertilizer, and root residues to subsequent plant uptake. A comprehensive field study was conducted in Shandong Province, China, utilizing 15N labeling techniques to clarify these contributions. Four treatments were established, each incorporating four exogenous nitrogen sources (manure compost + urea + maize root + residual urea) applied concurrently at wheat seeding, with only one source being 15N labeled per treatment. Additional two treatments served as controls, one without 15N labelling and another without manure compost. During a wheat growing season, the N contribution from each individual source to subsequent wheat growth was quantified. Manure contributed 10% of the wheat seed N, while urea contributed 18% and maize root contributed 0.3%. Nitrogen recovery in distinct components of the wheat plant (seeds, straw, and roots) was assessed, revealing urea's superior use efficiency within the total wheat biomass at 55%. In contrast, both manure compost and maize root showed a recovery rate of 29%. Although this study spans only one-year, it offers fresh perspectives on the differential contribution and use efficiency of key N sources under field conditions, emphasizing their role in bolstering crop health and productivity for sustainable agriculture. [Display omitted] • Manure contributes 10% of N in wheat seeds, more than maize root (0.3%), but less than urea (18%). • Soil and other contributes 72% of the seed N, 71% of the straw N, and 65% of the root N. • N use efficiency in wheat biomass is comparable for manure and maize root (29%). • Urea shows superior N use efficiency in wheat total biomass at 55%. • Grains per spike, not spike number or grain weight, influence yield differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing tillage practices to improve crop yield and crop water productivity (CWP) is essential for promoting sustainable dryland agriculture. This meta-analysis used the water supply during the growing season (WS, total soil water storage at sowing time, and growing-season precipitation) instead of mean annual precipitation (MAP), to assess the effects of different tillage practices on the yield and CWP of winter wheat and spring maize in northern China. The results showed that WS had a stronger correlation with crop yield than MAP, especially for winter wheat. Compared with conventional tillage, no-tillage combined with straw mulching (SM) increased winter yield by 36.56 % and CWP by 17.93 % when WS ≤ 650 mm, and subsoiling tillage increased winter wheat yield by 21.17 % and CWP by 9.29 % in winter wheat yield when WS > 650 mm. SM and subsoiling tillage performed better in regions with higher mean annual temperature (MAT) than that with lower MAT. For spring maize, no tillage, no-tillage combined with plastic film mulching (PM), subsoiling tillage and rotary tillage significantly increased yield and CWP under different WS conditions and the highest effect was showed in PM under higher WS condition; meanwhile, PM and subsoiling tillage performed good under various temperature conditions, while rotary tillage performed better in areas with lower temperature. Thus, the recommended tillage practice for spring maize is PM in northeast China, and subsoiling tillage in north-central and northwest China; for winter wheat, subsoiling tillage is recommended for north-central China, and SM is recommended for northwest China. Taken together, our results indicate that it is more accurate to use WS rather than the MAP to evaluate appropriate tillage practices in drylands. Furthermore, WS can also replace MAP for yield estimation and prediction. • There is a strong correlation between water supply and crop yield in northern China. • Water supply could consider the mismatch between the growing period and rainfall. • Optimizing tillage practices based on water supply is accurate in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]