Optimizing irrigation strategies for sustainable crop productivity and reduced groundwater consumption in a winter wheat-maize rotation system

Inefficient irrigation practices have hindered crop yields, wasted irrigation water resources, and posed threats to groundwater levels and agricultural sustainability. This study evaluated different irrigation strategies for a winter wheat-summer maize rotation system to identify sustainable practices for maintaining yields while reducing groundwater depletion. A two-year field experiment was conducted, implementing three optimized irrigation strategies during the winter wheat season: I-4 (irrigated until the soil water content (SWC) of the 40 cm soil layer reaches 60% of field capacity (FC), I-6 (irrigated until the SWC of the 60 cm soil layer reaches 80% FC), and a rainfed (R) as control. Irrigation was repeated when the SWC dropped to the specified level. No irrigation level was used during the summer maize season, except for irrigation after sowing that ensuring the normal emergence of maize. WHCNS (Water Heat Carbon Nitrogen Simulator) model was developed to simulate soil water dynamics, field water consumption, and yield of both crops. The result indicated WHCNS model accurately simulated water dynamics, consumption, and grain yield. Compared to R treatment, the I-4 treatment significantly increased annual crop yield by 19.83%-28.65% (p < 0.05), while maintaining similar crop water productivity. Furthermore, the I-4 treatment achieved comparable yields to the I-6 treatment, but with a 33.91% reduction in irrigation water use, resulting in a 33.46% increase in crop water productivity and a 90.53% increase in irrigation water productivity. From a sustainable perspective, the I-4 treatment effectively reduced field water losses and maintained relatively high soil water storage, particularly in the topsoil, which was beneficial for the early growth of subsequent crops. The R treatment greatly contributed to groundwater recharge when precipitation was sufficient, while it led to severe yield losses. Overall, under the condition of annual rotation planting systems, the I-4 treatment sustainably maintained yields with less irrigation, decreasing groundwater consumption. This approach could conserve regional water resources and groundwater table while upholding agricultural productivity and achieving system sustainable water use.