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Including hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) in a crop sequence before maize (Zea mays L.) can enhance the cash crop grain yield and reduce nitrogen (N) fertilizer needs, though the effects are inconsistent. This study aimed to identify the variables influencing maize grain yield response to hairy vetch as a preceding cover crop and N fertilization in maize following hairy vetch. We conducted 70 experiments evaluating four treatments resulting from the inclusion (or not) of hairy vetch previous to maize with and without subsequent N fertilization. Our findings revealed significant (p<0.05) positive response of maize to hairy vetch in 21 % of the experiments (average increase of 2.79 t ha−1) and yield reductions in 13 % (average decrease of −2.02 t ha−1). The magnitude of this response was explained by the N-limited yield index (ratio between N-fertilized and non-N fertilized maize yield), N contribution from vetch, water balance of the whole sequence, and management practices of both crops (e.g., sowing dates and hairy vetch cycle length). Maize grain yield following hairy vetch showed positive response to N application in 27 % of the experiments (average of 2.68 t ha−1). Positive responses to N fertilization were evident in environments with a high N-limited yield index, low N contribution from hairy vetch, favorable water availability, and low soil organic matter concentration. These findings provide valuable insights for producers seeking to optimize the use of hairy vetch to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers on succeeding maize crop, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and diversified cropping systems. [Display omitted] • We assessed factors explaining maize yield response to hairy vetch and N application. • Mean yield response to vetch (without N) was 11 %; to N application (after vetch) 17 %. • Both yield responses were mainly explained by the N limitation of the environment. • Water availability and N accumulation in vetch also influenced both yield responses. • We provided guidance to optimize N management in vetch-maize sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and nitrogen (N) are the main factors that generate the greatest limitations in food production. The use of cover crops (CC) due to their multiple benefits, can modify soil water and nitrate dynamic. It is therefore important to know the interaction between cash crops and CC. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the interaction between rye as CC and cash crops over the dynamics of water and N; and the synergy between crops. For these objectives, samples were taken to measure soybean and corn yield and rye dry matter production (DM) and soil samples to measure evolution of the water content and available N as nitrate due to the presence of the different crops in a long-term experiment located in General Villegas (Buenos Aries) during the 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13 period. As a result, the DM production of the CC was increased (between 30 and 150%) with soybeans as a predecessor and when it was fertilized. No differences in general were observed in the availability of water due to the use of CC. Regarding the concentration of N in soil, it was observed a decrease of it concentration probably due to the consumption of CC in the soybean treatments. Finally, the yields of cash crops in general were not affected, except for a single year where corn production was statistically higher in the treatment without CC (between 1000 and 2000 kg ha-1). Therefore, it is necessary to adjust CC management according to climatic situations and the cash crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]