Long-term partial replacement of mineral fertilizer with in situ crop residues ensures continued rice yields and soil fertility: A case study of a 27-year field experiment in subtropical China

High yields and environment-related issues because of over-fertilization in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) production is a major concern in China. Partial replacement of mineral fertilizer (MF) with organic matter is considered a win–win approach for resource-saving and environmentally friendly rice production. Here, we examined the effects of reduced MF and in situ crop residue on the rice yield and soil fertility in the long term. A 27-year field experiment (a randomized block design with three replicates) in subtropical China was conducted to test the feasibility of the substitution in a double rice paddy ecosystem. The treatments were CT (no fertilizer application considered as control), NPK (mineral fertilizer N, P, and K), and RFC (reduced MF and in situ crop residue to supplement the reduced NPK dose). The crop residue included half of the rice straw and green manure contents, which were retained in situ in the RFC treatment. The RFC maintained the same rice yield and soil fertility levels as NPK. In general, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content in RFC increased by 10.3% – 20.8%, and 7.5% – 28.0%, respectively, than that in NPK from the 5th to the 25th years. There was no significant difference in the content and net accumulation of SOC, TN, and TP and soil available nutrients between the RFC and NPK treatments after 25 years. The average annual yields were 9690 and 9872 kg ha −1 for the NPK and RFC treatments, respectively. There was no difference in the yield of the first, second, and annual rice crops between RFC and NPK in most years (six of the fifty-four seasons showed a significant difference). RFC increased the partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (AE) of MF, and yield stability (CV) ( p < 0.05). Positive nutrient balance and a reduced loss of nutrients are evident reasons for achieving better indicators (PFP, AE, and CV) for nutrient compensation and organic nutrient utilization in the RFC treatment. The partial replacement of MF with in situ crop residue retention, is a simple and efficient way to maintain the soil fertility and rice yield as NPK in southern China. • The substitution effects of partial NPK with in situ crop residue were evaluated. • Crop residue partially compensated for NPK and reduced loss rate of nutrients. • The substitution benefit increased with experimental duration. • Substitution measure maintained rice yield and soil fertility in the long run.