Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 79-92 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 87 shown to improve crop productivity and sustainability in a maize-wheat cropping system, enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers (Sarwar et al., 2023). These findings suggest that IAP can provide a sustainable solution for long-term agricultural productivity while preserving environmental health. 8.3 Potential environmental challenges Despite the numerous benefits, IAP also presents potential environmental challenges that need to be addressed. One such challenge is the risk of excessive nutrient accumulation in the soil, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and potential environmental pollution. For instance, while IAP strategies like the NE system have been effective in reducing N losses, there is still a need to monitor and manage soil nutrient levels to prevent long-term accumulation and potential leaching (Wang et al., 2020a). Additionally, the variability in soil fertility conditions can affect the efficiency of IAP, as seen in studies where the benefits of IAP were more pronounced in high soil fertility fields compared to low soil fertility fields (Zhou et al., 2019). Therefore, it is crucial to tailor IAP strategies to specific soil and environmental conditions to mitigate potential challenges and maximize their environmental benefits. 9 Economic Viability of IAP 9.1 Cost-benefit analysis Integrated Agronomic Practices (IAP) have shown significant potential in enhancing maize yield and nutrient use efficiency (NUE), which directly impacts the economic viability of maize production. For instance, the application of IAP, including optimal planting density, split fertilizer application, and subsoiling tillage, resulted in a 25%-37% increase in maize grain yield compared to farmers' practices (FP) under varying soil fertility conditions (Zhou et al., 2019). This yield improvement translates into higher economic returns due to increased productivity. Additionally, the use of integrated soil-crop system management (ISSM) with a combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers has demonstrated a 27% increase in maize yield relative to FP, while also reducing nitrogen surplus and environmental costs (Wang et al., 2020b). These findings suggest that the initial investment in IAP can be offset by the substantial gains in yield and efficiency, making it a cost-effective strategy for maize production. 9.2 Economic returns The economic returns from IAP are evident through various studies. For example, the integration of biochar with nutrient management practices in a maize-wheat cropping system resulted in a 60%-63% increase in grain yield and improved economic sustainability (Sarwar et al., 2023). Similarly, the use of integrated weed and nutrient management practices in the rice-maize cropping system of Eastern India not only enhanced maize yield but also maximized net returns and economic efficiency (Ghosh et al., 2020). Furthermore, conservation agriculture combined with precision nutrient management practices in the maize-wheat system significantly increased net returns by 36.8%-40.5% compared to conventional tillage (Jat et al., 2018). These studies highlight the economic benefits of adopting IAP, which include higher yields, improved nutrient use efficiency, and increased profitability. 9.3 Economic case studies Several case studies illustrate the economic viability of IAP in different regions and cropping systems. In Northeast China, an 11-year field study on ISSM demonstrated sustainable high maize yields and NUE with significantly lower nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions compared to FP (Wang et al., 2020b). In North China Plain, integrated agronomic practices management (IAPM) in double cropping of winter wheat-summer maize resulted in a 33.3% increase in annual grain yield and higher net profit and nitrogen use efficiency (Liu et al., 2018). Additionally, a study in Rajasthan, India, showed that the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) through chemical fertilizer combined with vermicompost and biofertilizers produced the highest grain yield and net returns, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.2710 (Shekhawat, 2021). These case studies provide concrete evidence of the economic advantages of IAP, demonstrating its potential to enhance productivity and profitability across diverse agricultural settings.
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