Li et al. (2026) Optimal Drip Irrigation Frequency and Volume Mitigates Photosynthetic Impairment and Balances Yield–Resource Trade–Offs for Spring Maize in Arid Sandy Loam Soils

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Identification

• Journal: Agronomy
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-08
• Authors: Yunxia Li, Hongtai Kou, Miao Fang, Guanyu Luo, Yang ChengLin, Junliang Fan
• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy16181751

Research Groups

• Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XIEG-CAS)
• Key Laboratory of Arid Agroecology, XIEG-CAS

Short Summary

This study optimized irrigation for spring maize in arid sandy loam soils by evaluating the effects of different drip irrigation regimes on physiological performance and multi-objective synergistic responses. The results identified an optimal water management strategy that balances yield, water productivity, and nutrient efficiency.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of varying drip irrigation amounts (350 mm to 800 mm) and frequencies (4-day to 10-day intervals) on spring maize growth in arid sandy loam soils.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Field experiment conducted in Southern Xinjiang, China.
• Temporal Scale: Two-year study period from [insert dates].

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Entropy weight method coupled with TOPSIS (EWM-TOPSIS) for multi-criteria decision analysis.
• Data sources: Field measurements of maize growth parameters, including leaf area index, SPAD values, net photosynthetic rates, and photosystem II photochemical efficiency.

Main Results

• Increasing irrigation amount and frequency generally improved canopy physiological performance, with varying response magnitudes among specific parameters and levels.
• Grain yield increased with irrigation amount, peaking at 800 mm under F4 or F7 frequency, but excessive water inputs reduced water productivity.
• Nutrient use efficiencies for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium exhibited parabolic responses, reaching maxima under W3 (650 mm) and F7 (7-day interval).

Contributions

• This study provides a practical agronomic strategy to balance yield, water productivity, and nutrient efficiency in arid agroecosystems by identifying an optimal irrigation quota and frequency.
• The EWM-TOPSIS model offers a multi-criteria decision framework for optimizing irrigation management under complex environmental conditions.

Funding

• National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project code: [insert code]
• Key Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) project code: [insert code]

Citation

@article{Li2026Optimal,
  author = {Li, Yunxia and Kou, Hongtai and Kong, Hao and Fang, Miao and Luo, Guanyu and ChengLin, Yang and Fan, Junliang},
  title = {Optimal Drip Irrigation Frequency and Volume Mitigates Photosynthetic Impairment and Balances Yield–Resource Trade–Offs for Spring Maize in Arid Sandy Loam Soils},
  journal = {Agronomy},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.3390/agronomy16181751},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16181751}
}