Alternative cropping systems for sustainable water and nitrogen use in the North China Plain

Serious water deficits and excessive nitrogen (N) applications are threatening the sustainability of intensive agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP). This study examined the possibility of replacing the conventional system (Con.W/M) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.), with an optimized double cropping system (Opt.W/M), a 2-year system (winter wheat/summer maize–spring maize, W/M–M), and a monoculture system (spring maize, M) based on optimal water and N management strategies. From 2004 to 2010, a long-term field experiment conducted in the NCP showed that although >70 mm of irrigation water can be saved with Opt.W/M compared with Con.W/M, annual net groundwater use under Opt.W/M was still 250 mm, 65–90% of which was consumed during the winter wheat season. When wheat production was decreased, 35% and 61% of irrigation water could be reduced in W/M–M and M compared to Con.W/M, respectively. As a result, annual groundwater use was decreased to 190 mm in W/M–M and 94 mm in M. Meanwhile, the N fertilizer rate was reduced 59% and 72% in W/M–M and M compared to Con.W/M, respectively. There were no significant differences in net economic returns between Con.W/M and W/M–M across the 6-year period. In the 6 years, no significant economic loss was observed between Con.W/M and M except in the 2008–2010 rotation. The W/M–M and M systems showed great potential to reduce water and N application and achieve groundwater use balance, and thus should be considered for economic and sustainable agricultural development in the NCP.

► We examined four cropping systems for sustainable water and N use.
► The double cropping wheat/maize in North China is not sustainable for water use.
► When wheat frequency was reduced, maize showed potential for groundwater use balance.
► Monoculture maize with high yield should be considered for sustainable agriculture.