Please wait a minute...
Journal of Integrative Agriculture  2018, Vol. 17 Issue (12): 2790-2801    DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(18)61945-8
Agricultural Economics and Management Advanced Online Publication | Current Issue | Archive | Adv Search |
Suitability of the DNDC model to simulate yield production and nitrogen uptake for maize and soybean intercropping in the North China Plain
ZHANG Yi-tao1, 2, 3*, LIU Jian4*, WANG Hong-yuan1, LEI Qiu-liang1, LIU Hong-bin1, ZHAI Li-mei1, REN Tian-zhi5, ZHANG Ji-zong1
1 Key Laboratory of Non-point Source Pollution Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100081, P.R.China
2 Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, P.R.China
3 Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire 03824, USA
4 School of Environment and Sustainability, Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, SK S7N 0X4, Canada
5 Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tianjin 300191, P.R.China
Download:  PDF (577KB) ( )  
Export:  BibTeX | EndNote (RIS)      
Abstract  
Intercropping is an important agronomic practice.  However, assessment of intercropping systems using field experiments is often limited by time and cost.  In this study, the suitability of using the DeNitrification DeComposition (DNDC) model to simulate intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) and its aftereffect on the succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop was tested in the North China Plain.  First, the model was calibrated and corroborated to simulate crop yield and nitrogen (N) uptake based on a field experiment with a typical double cropping system.  With a wheat crop in winter, the experiment included five treatments in summer: maize monoculture, soybean monoculture, intercropping of maize and soybean with no N topdressing to maize (N0), intercropping of maize and soybean with 75 kg N ha–1 topdressing to maize (N75), and intercropping of maize and soybean with 180 kg N ha–1 topdressing to maize (N180).  All treatments had 45 kg N ha–1 as basal fertilizer.  After calibration and corroboration, DNDC was used to simulate long-term (1955 to 2012) treatment effects on yield.  Results showed that DNDC could stringently capture the yield and N uptake of the intercropping system under all N management scenarios, though it tended to underestimate wheat yield and N uptake under N0 and N75.  Long-term simulation results showed that N75 led to the highest maize and soybean yields per unit planting area among all treatments, increasing maize yield by 59% and soybean yield by 24%, resulting in a land utilization rate 42% higher than monoculture.  The results suggest a high potential to promote soybean production by intercropping soybean with maize in the North China Plain, which will help to meet the large national demand for soybean.
Keywords:  maize intercropping with soybean        DNDC        topdressing N        yield        N uptake  
Received: 17 November 2017   Accepted:
Fund: This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31701995 and 31572208), the National Key Research & Development Program of China (2016YFD0800101), the Newton Fund of UK-China (BB/N013484/1). This paper was also supported by China Scholarship Council (2015-7169).
Corresponding Authors:  Correspondence ZHANG Ji-zong,E-mail: zhangjizong@caas.cn   
About author:  ZHANG Yi-tao, E-mail: ytzhang1986@163.com; LIU Jian, E-mail:jianliu1985yy@163.com; * These authors contributed equally to this study.

Cite this article: 

ZHANG Yi-tao, LIU Jian, WANG Hong-yuan, LEI Qiu-liang, LIU Hong-bin, ZHAI Li-mei, REN Tian-zhi, ZHANG Ji-zong. 2018. Suitability of the DNDC model to simulate yield production and nitrogen uptake for maize and soybean intercropping in the North China Plain. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 17(12): 2790-2801.

Bergkvist G, Stenberg M, Wetterlind J, Bath B, Elfstrand S. 2011. Clover cover crops under-sown in winter wheat increase yield of subsequent spring barley - Effect of N dose and companion grass. Field Crops Research, 120, 292–298.
Berntsen J, Hauggard-Nielsen H, Olesen J E, Petersen B M, Jensen E S, Thomsen A. 2004. Modelling dry matter production and resource use in intercrops of pea and barley. Field Crops Research, 88, 69–83.
Betencourt E, Duputel M, Colomb B, Desclaux D, Hinsinger P. 2012. Intercropping promotes the ability of durum wheat and chickpea to increase rhizosphere phosphorus availability in a low P soil. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 46, 181–190.
Blumenberg M, Berndmeyer C, Moros M, Muschalla M, Schmale O, Thiel V. 2013. Bacteriohopanepolyols record stratification, nitrogen fixation and other biogeochemical perturbations in Holocene sediments of the central Baltic Sea. Biogeosciences, 10, 2725–2735.
Caviglia O P, Sadras V O, Andrade F H. 2011. Yield and quality of wheat and soybean in sole- and double-cropping. Agronomy Journal, 103, 1081–1089.
Chen H X, Zhao Y, Feng H, Li H J, Sun B H. 2015. Assessment of climate change impacts on soil organic carbon and crop yield based on long-term fertilization applications in Loess Plateau, China. Plant and Soil, 390, 401–417.
Chen X P, Cui Z L, Fan M S, Vitousek P, Zhao M, Ma W Q, Wang Z L, Zhang W J, Yan X Y, Yang J C, Deng X P, Gao Q, Zhang Q, Guo S W, Ren J, Li S Q, Ye Y L, Wang Z H, Huang J L, Tang Q Y, et al. 2014. Producing more grain with lower environmental costs. Nature, 514, 486–489.
Corre-Hellou G, Faure M, Launay M, Brisson N, Crozat Y. 2009. Adaptation of the STICS intercrop model to simulate crop growth and N accumulation in pea-barley intercrops. Field Crops Research, 113, 72–81.
Corre-Hellou G, Fustec J, Crozat Y. 2006. Interspecific competition for soil N and its interaction with N2 fixation, leaf expansion and crop growth in pea-barley intercrops. Plant and Soil, 282, 195–208.
Debaeke P, Caussanel J P, Kiniry J R, Kafiz B, Mondragon G. 1997. Modelling crop: Weed interactions in wheat with ALMANAC. Weed Research, 37, 325–341.
Deng J, Zhou Z, Zhu B, Zheng X, Li C, Wang X, Jian Z. 2011. Modeling nitrogen loading in a small watershed in southwest China using a DNDC model with hydrological enhancements. Biogeosciences, 8, 2999–3009.
Fan F, Zhang F, Song Y, Sun J, Bao X, Guo T, Li L. 2006. Nitrogen fixation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) interacting with a non-legume in two contrasting intercropping systems. Plant and Soil, 283, 275–286.
Fang Q X, Yu Q, Wang E L, Chen Y H, Zhang G L, Wang J, Li L H. 2006. Soil nitrate accumulation, leaching and crop nitrogen use as influenced by fertilization and irrigation in an intensive wheat-maize double cropping system in the North China Plain. Plant and Soil, 284, 335–350.
Feike T, Chen Q, Graeff-Honninger S, Pfenning J, Claupein W. 2010. Farmer-developed vegetable intercropping systems in southern Hebei, China. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 25, 272–280.
Feike T, Doluschitz R, Chen Q, Graeff-Honninger S, Claupein W. 2012. How to overcome the slow death of intercropping in the North China Plain. Sustainability, 4, 2550–2565.
Gopalakrishnan G, Negri M C, Salas W. 2012. Modeling biogeochemical impacts of bioenergy buffers with perennial grasses for a row-crop field in Illinois. Global Change Biology Bioenergy, 4, 739–750.
Gou F, van Ittersum M K, van der Werf W. 2017. Simulating potential growth in a relay-strip intercropping system: Model description, calibration and testing. Field Crops Research, 200, 122–142.
Iizumi T, Ramankutty N. 2016. Changes in yield variability of major crops for 1981–2010 explained by climate change. Environmental Research Letters, 11, 034003.
van Ittersum M K, Cassman K G, Grassini P, Wolf J, Tittonell P, Hochman Z. 2013. Yield gap analysis with local to global relevance - A review. Field Crops Research, 143, 4–17.
Ju X T, Gu B J, Wu Y Y, Galloway J N. 2016. Reducing China’s fertilizer use by increasing farm size. Global Environmental Change (Human and Policy Dimensions), 41, 26–32.
Ju X T, Kou C L, Zhang F S, Christie P. 2006. Nitrogen balance and groundwater nitrate contamination: Comparison among three intensive cropping systems on the North China Plain. Environmental Pollution, 143, 117–125.
Ju X T, Xing G X, Chen X P, Zhang S L, Zhang L J, Liu X J, Cui Z L, Yin B, Christie P, Zhu Z L, Zhang F S. 2009. Reducing environmental risk by improving N management in intensive Chinese agricultural systems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106, 3041–3046.
Lesoing G W, Francis C A. 1999. Strip intercropping effects on yield and yield components of corn, grain sorghum, and soybean. Agronomy Journal, 91, 807–813.
Li C S. 2000. Modeling trace gas emissions from agricultural ecosystems. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 58, 259–276.
Li C S, Farahbakhshazad N, Jaynes D B, Dinnes D L, Salas W, McLaughlin D. 2006. Modeling nitrate leaching with a biogeochemical model modified based on observations in a row-crop field in Iowa. Ecological Modelling, 196, 116–130.
Li C S, Frolking S, Crocker G J, Grace P R, Klir J, Korchens M, Poulton P R. 1997. Simulating trends in soil organic carbon in long-term experiments using the DNDC model. Geoderma, 81, 45–60.
Li C S, Frolking S, Frolking T A. 1992a. A model of nitrous-oxide evolution from soil driven by rainfall events .1. Model structure and sensitivity. Journal of Geophysical Research (Atmospheres), 97, 9759–9776.
Li C S, Frolking S, Frolking T A. 1992b. A model of nitrous-oxide evolution from soil driven by rainfall events. 2. Model applications. Journal of Geophysical Research (Atmospheres), 97, 9777–9783.
Li C S, Frolking S, Xiao X M, Moore B, Boles S, Qiu J J, Huang Y, Salas W, Sass R. 2005. Modeling impacts of farming management alternatives on CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions: A case study for water management of rice agriculture of China. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 19, GB3010.
Li H, Wang L G, Qiu J J, Li C S, Gao M F, Gao C Y. 2014. Calibration of DNDC model for nitrate leaching from an intensively cultivated region of Northern China. Geoderma, 223, 108–118.
Li L, Sun J H, Zhang F S, Li X L, Yang S C, Rengel Z. 2001. Wheat/maize or wheat/soybean strip intercropping I. Yield advantage and interspecific interactions on nutrients. Field Crops Research, 71, 123–137.
Li X. 2007. Fate of fertilizer nitrogen and gaseous n loss in winter wheat-summer maize rotation system in North China Plain. MSc thesis, Agricultural University of Hebei, China. (in Chinese)
Liang W L, Peter C, Wang G Y, Lu R H, Lu H Z, Xia A P. 2011. Quantifying the yield gap in wheat-maize cropping systems of the Hebei Plain, China. Field Crops Research, 124, 180–185.
Lithourgidis A S, Vlachostergios D N, Dordas C A, Damalas C A. 2011. Dry matter yield, nitrogen content, and competition in pea-cereal intercropping systems. European Journal of Agronomy, 34, 287–294.
Liu X, Rahman T, Yang F, Song C, Yong T W, Liu J, Zhang C Y, Yang W Y. 2017. PAR Interception and utilization in different maize and soybean intercropping patterns. PLoS ONE, 12, e0169218.
Lv Y, Francis C, Wu P T, Chen X L, Zhao X N. 2014. Maize-soybean intercropping interactions above and below ground. Crop Science, 54, 914–922.
Midega C A O, Salifu D, Bruce T J, Pittchar J, Pickett J A, Khan Z R. 2014. Cumulative effects and economic benefits of intercropping maize with food legumes on Striga hermonthica infestation. Field Crops Research, 155, 144–152.
Min J, Zhao X, Shi W M, Xing G X, Zhu Z L. 2011. Nitrogen balance and loss in a greenhouse vegetable system in southeastern China. Pedosphere, 21, 464–472.
Moyer-Henry K A, Burton J W, Israel D, Rufty T. 2006. Nitrogen transfer between plants: A 15 N natural abundance study with crop and weed species. Plant and Soil, 282, 7–20.
NBSC (National Bureau of Statistics of China). 2016. China Statistical Yearbook. China Statistics Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
Olasantan F O. 1998. Effects of preceding maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in sole cropping and intercropping on growth, yield and nitrogen requirement of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Journal of Agricultural Science, 131, 293–298.
Perez D V, de Alcantara S, Arruda R J, Meneghelli N D A. 2001. Comparing two methods for soil carbon and nitrogen determination using selected Brazilian soils. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 32, 295–309.
Song X Z, Zhao C X, Wang X L, Li J. 2009. Study of nitrate leaching and nitrogen fate under intensive vegetable production pattern in northern China. Comptes Rendus Biologies, 332, 385–392.
Tariah N, Wahua T. 1985. Effects of component populations on yields and land equivalent ratios of intercropped maize and cowpea. Field Crops Research, 12, 81–89.
Thierfelder C, Cheesman S, Rusinamhodzi L. 2012. A comparative analysis of conservation agriculture systems: Benefits and challenges of rotations and intercropping in Zimbabwe. Field Crops Research, 137, 237–250.
Tonitto C, David M B, Drinkwater L E, Li C S. 2007. Application of the DNDC model to tile-drained Illinois agroecosystems: Model calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 78, 51–63.
UNH (University of New Hampshire). 2013. The DNDC model. [2013-10-18]. http://www.dndc.sr.unh.edu
Wang C F, Zhu Y Y. 2016. Investigation of transgenic soybean components in soybean from an area of China. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 96, 3169–3172.
Werner C, Haas E, Grote R, Gauder M, Graeff-Honninger S, Claupein W, Butterbach-Bahl K. 2012. Biomass production potential from Populus short rotation systems in Romania. Global Change Biology Bioenergy, 4, 642–653.
Wu K X, Wu B Z. 2014. Potential environmental benefits of intercropping annual with leguminous perennial crops in Chinese agriculture. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 188, 147–149.
Xia H Y, Wang Z G, Zhao J H, Sun J H, Bao X G, Christie P, Zhang F S, Li L. 2013. Contribution of interspecific interactions and phosphorus application to sustainable and productive intercropping systems. Field Crops Research, 154, 53–64.
Yang F, Wang X C, Liao D P, Lu F Z, Gao R C, Liu W G, Yong T W, Wu X L, Du J B, Liu J, Yang W Y. 2015. Yield response to different planting geometries in maize soybean relay strip intercropping systems. Agronomy Journal, 107, 296–304.
Zhang F, Shen J, Li L, Liu X. 2004. An overview of rhizosphere processes related with plant nutrition in major cropping systems in China. Plant and Soil, 260, 89–99.
Zhang F S, Li L. 2003. Using competitive and facilitative interactions in intercropping systems enhances crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency. Plant and Soil, 248, 305–312.
Zhang J, Hu K L, Li K J, Zheng C L, Li B G. 2017. Simulating the effects of long-term discontinuous and continuous fertilization with straw return on crop yields and soil organic carbon dynamics using the DNDC model. Soil & Tillage Research, 165, 302–314.
Zhang L, Spiertz J H J, Zhang S, Li B, Werf W. 2007a. Nitrogen economy in relay intercropping systems of wheat and cotton. Plant and Soil, 303, 55–68.
Zhang L, van der Werf W, Zhang S, Li B, Spiertz J H J. 2007b. Growth, yield and quality of wheat and cotton in relay strip intercropping systems. Field Crops Research, 103, 178–188.
Zhang Y, Li C S, Zhou X J, Moore B. 2002. A simulation model linking crop growth and soil biogeochemistry for sustainable agriculture. Ecological Modelling, 151, 75–108.
Zhang Y T, Liu J, Zhang J Z, Liu H B, Liu S, Zhai L M, Wang H Y, Lei Q L, Ren T Z, Yin C B. 2015a. Row ratios of intercropping maize and soybean can affect agronomic efficiency of the system and subsequent wheat. PLoS ONE, 10, e0129245.
Zhang Y T, Wang H Y, Liu S, Lei Q L, Liu J, He J Q, Zhai L M, Ren T Z, Liu H B. 2015b. Identifying critical nitrogen application rate for maize yield and nitrate leaching in a Haplic Luvisol soil using the DNDC model. Science of the Total Environment, 514, 388–398.
Zhang Y Y, Liu J F, Mu Y J, Xu Z, Pei S W, Lun X X, Zhang Y. 2012. Nitrous oxide emissions from a maize field during two consecutive growing seasons in the North China Plain. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 24, 160–168.
Zheng S, Wang Z G. 2013. Pricing efficiency in the Chinese NGM and GM soybean futures market. China: An International Journal, 11, 48–67.
Zuo Y M, Zhang F S. 2008. Effect of peanut mixed cropping with gramineous species on micronutrient concentrations and iron chlorosis of peanut plants grown in a calcareous soil. Plant and Soil, 306, 23–36.
[1] TIAN Jin-yu, LI Shao-ping, CHENG Shuang, LIU Qiu-yuan, ZHOU Lei, TAO Yu, XING Zhi-peng, HU Ya-jie, GUO Bao-wei, WEI Hai-yan, ZHANG Hong-cheng. Increasing the appropriate seedling density for higher yield in dry direct-seeded rice sown by a multifunctional seeder after wheat-straw return[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023, 22(2): 400-416.
[2] YANG Wen-jia, LI Yu-lin, LIU Wei-jian, WANG Shi-wen, YIN Li-na, DENG Xi-ping. Agronomic management practices in dryland wheat result in variations in precipitation use efficiency due to their differential impacts on the steps in the precipitation use process[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023, 22(1): 92-107.
[3] JIANG Hui, GAO Ming-wei, CHEN Ying, ZHANG Chao, WANG Jia-bao, CHAI Qi-chao, WANG Yong-cui, ZHENG Jin-xiu, WANG Xiu-li, ZHAO Jun-sheng. Effect of the L-D1 alleles on leaf morphology, canopy structure and photosynthetic productivity in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2023, 22(1): 108-119.
[4] LI Teng, ZHANG Xue-peng, LIU Qing, LIU Jin, CHEN Yuan-quan, SUI Peng. Yield penalty of maize (Zea mays L.) under heat stress in different growth stages: A review[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(9): 2465-2476.
[5] TIAN Chang, SUN Ming-xue, ZHOU Xuan, LI Juan, XIE Gui-xian, YANG Xiang-dong, PENG Jian-wei. Increase in yield and nitrogen use efficiency of double rice with long-term application of controlled-release urea[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(7): 2106-2118.
[6] Ebrahim ROOHI, Reza MOHAMMADI, Abdoul Aziz NIANE, Javad VAFABAKHSH, Mozaffar ROUSTAEE, Mohammad Reza JALAL KAMALI, Shahriar SOHRABI, Shahriar FATEHI, Hossain TARIMORADI. Genotype×tillage interaction and the performance of winter bread wheat genotypes in temperate and cold dryland conditions[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(11): 3199-3215.
[7] XIE Jun, Blagodatskaya EVGENIA, ZHANG Yu, WAN Yu, HU Qi-juan, ZHANG Cheng-ming, WANG Jie, ZHANG Yue-qiang, SHI Xiao-jun. Substituting nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer with optimal amount of crop straw improved rice grain yield, nutrient use efficiency and soil carbon sequestration[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(11): 3345-3355.
[8] LIU Xue-jing, YIN Bao-zhong, HU Zhao-hui, BAO Xiao-yuan, WANG Yan-dong, ZHEN Wen-chao. Physiological response of flag leaf and yield formation of winter wheat under different spring restrictive irrigation regimes in the Haihe Plain, China[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(9): 2343-2359.
[9] CHEN Yuan, LIU Zhen-yu, HENG Li, Leila I. M. TAMBEL, ZHANG Xiang, CHEN Yuan, CHEN De-hua. Effects of plant density and mepiquat chloride application on cotton boll setting in wheat–cotton double cropping system[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(9): 2372-2381.
[10] LIU Zheng-chun, WANG Chao, BI Ru-tian, ZHU Hong-fen, HE Peng, JING Yao-dong, YANG Wu-de. Winter wheat yield estimation based on assimilated Sentinel-2 images with the CERES-Wheat model[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(7): 1958-1968.
[11] YAO Bo, HE Hai-bing, XU Hao-cong, ZHU Tie-zhong, LIU Tao, KE Jian, YOU Cui-cui, ZHU De-quan, WU Li-quan. Determining nitrogen status and quantifying nitrogen fertilizer requirement using a critical nitrogen dilution curve for hybrid indica rice under mechanical pot-seedling transplanting pattern[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(6): 1474-1486.
[12] WANG Yi-bo, HUANG Rui-dong, ZHOU Yu-fei. Effects of shading stress during the reproductive stages on photosynthetic physiology and yield characteristics of peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.)[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(5): 1250-1265.
[13] LIU Hang, TANG Hua-ping, LUO Wei, MU Yang, JIANG Qian-tao, LIU Ya-xi, CHEN Guo-yue, WANG Ji-rui, ZHENG Zhi, QI Peng-fei, JIANG Yun-feng, CUI Fa, SONG Yin-ming, YAN Gui-jun, WEI Yuming, LAN Xiu-jin, ZHENG You-liang, MA Jian. Genetic dissection of wheat uppermost-internode diameter and its association with agronomic traits in five recombinant inbred line populations at various field environments[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(11): 2849-2861.
[14] MENG Lu, ZHANG Li-zhen, QI Hai-kun, DU Ming-wei, ZUO Yan-li, ZHANG Ming-cai, TIAN Xiao-li, LI Zhao-hu. Optimizing the application of a novel harvest aid to improve the quality of mechanically harvested cotton in the North China Plain[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(11): 2892-2899.
[15] XIAO Jing-xiu, ZHU Ying-an, BAI Wen-lian, LIU Zhen-yang, TANG Li, ZHENG Yi. Yield performance and optimal nitrogen and phosphorus application rates in wheat and faba bean intercropping[J]. >Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2021, 20(11): 3012-3025.
No Suggested Reading articles found!