1 Introduction

Wheat is the most widely grown and consumed crop in the world. It is the main food for billions of people every day and plays a critical role in global food security. Wheat can adapt to different climates and various soils, and its nutrient-rich nature makes it very important in feeding people around the world and driving the agricultural economy (Chen et al., 2018; Jiang et al., 2023).

Now, the world population has been growing, and the problem of food is becoming more and more urgent. To solve this problem, wheat must be both high-yield and stable. Only in this way can the food needs of more people be met while reducing the impact of climate change and resource shortages. Increasing yield while keeping it stable is the key to achieving a stable food supply and promoting sustainable agricultural development, especially when environmental pressure increases, and minimizing damage to the ecology (Ma et al., 2022; Hu et al., 2023).

This study mainly summarizes the results of some recent field experiments, which are all centered on how to make wheat high-yield and stable through fertilization. We compared a variety of different fertilization methods, including the use of chemical and organic fertilizers, improving fertilizer application time and nutrient management methods. Through these experiments, we want to find some scientifically effective suggestions to help improve wheat yields and resistance. The focus is to find practices that can greatly increase yields, improve fertilizer use efficiency, and be more environmentally friendly, thereby providing better protection for global food security.

2 Fertilizer Types and Their Roles in Wheat Growth

2.1 Nitrogen fertilizers: promoting vegetative growth and grain protein

Nitrogen is a very important nutrient for wheat. It can make wheat grow faster and stronger, and it can also help to increase tillering, ultimately increasing yield and protein content in grains. The results of many field trials are similar. People have found that as long as more nitrogen is applied, wheat plant height, tillering number, dry matter accumulation and grain yield will be significantly improved, especially when the nitrogen application rate is appropriate (Arzu et al., 2024). Nitrogen can also increase the protein content in grains. Therefore, making good use of nitrogen fertilizer is very important for improving yield and quality. Some new methods, such as applying coated nitrogen fertilizer in the soil, can make nitrogen fertilizer more effectively absorbed by wheat and reduce pollution to the environment, which can help wheat achieve higher and more stable yields (Figure 1) (Duncan et al., 2018; Yaseen et al., 2021).

Figure 1 Impact of method of application of coated and uncoated N fertilizer on agronomic nutrient use efficiencies (kg/kg) of wheat. (a) Shows agronomic nitrogen-use efficiency, (b) shows agronomic phosphorus-use efficiency, (c) shows agronomic potassium-use efficiency. The figure also illustrates percent increase in agronomic nutrient use efficiencies due to proposed approaches for N application over standard N application ‘surface-applied uncoated N fertilizer’. Letters shows statistical significance among respective parameters (Adopted from Yaseen et al., 2021)

2.2 Phosphorus fertilizers: enhancing root development and early growth

Phosphorus is very important for the early growth of wheat. It promotes better root growth, helps the internal energy transfer of the plant, and is also beneficial to the growth of the entire plant. If there is enough phosphorus fertilizer, the roots of wheat will grow deeper, the ears will be longer, and the grains will be more, and the yield will naturally increase, especially when the wheat is just beginning to grow (Singh, 2022; Singh et al., 2025). Experiments have also found that if the right amount of phosphorus fertilizer is used, it will not only make it easier for wheat to absorb nutrients, but also improve yield and harvest index. Biofortified wheat varieties respond particularly well to phosphorus fertilizers (Makhdum et al., 2024). Phosphorus can also help wheat better utilize other fertilizers, such as nitrogen and potassium, so that wheat grows more vigorously.

2.3 Potassium fertilizers: improving stress resistance and grain filling

Potassium fertilizer can enhance wheat's resistance, such as its ability to adapt to adverse environments such as drought and salinity. At the same time, potassium can also help wheat fill grains and allow carbohydrates to be transported more smoothly. Although potassium fertilizer is not as easy to be deficient as nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer when using fertilizers, reasonable potassium supplementation is still very useful. In particular, when potassium fertilizer is used together with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, it can further increase yield and fertilizer utilization efficiency (Mojid et al., 2012; Yan et al., 2022a). Potassium fertilizer can also promote the transfer of nutrients to grains, allowing wheat to better utilize water and better cope with external pressures, thereby increasing overall yield.

3 Field Experiment Methodologies for Fertilization Studies

3.1 Site selection and soil condition assessment

To conduct a field fertilization experiment, you must first select a good test site and carefully evaluate the soil conditions. Researchers generally select some more representative plots, and the soil type must also be related to agricultural production. Before starting the experiment, you must first understand the basic conditions of the soil, such as soil texture, organic matter content, and nutrient levels. Because these factors will directly affect the crop's response to fertilizers, and the yield is also closely related to them (Buczko et al., 2017). If you are doing a long-term experiment, you can also select some plots with different soil pH and nutrient levels, so that you can observe the effects and patterns under time changes (Pedersen et al., 2025).

3.2 Plot design, treatment levels, and replication principles

When conducting an experiment, the land should be divided into small plots and different treatments should be arranged. The common method is to use factorial design or composite design to arrange the experiment, so that different fertilizer types, dosages and application methods can be compared at the same time. The use of full factorial design or composite design allows us to more accurately see the effects of each treatment and their mutual influence. In order to reduce experimental errors, the method of repetition and random distribution is generally used, which is fairer and more scientific (Inkson, 1966). The size of each plot and how to arrange it should also consider the statistical effect and the convenience of practical operation. Generally, several repeated plots are arranged for each treatment, so that the results are more reliable.

3.3 Data collection on yield components and statistical evaluation

Data collection focuses on key indicators such as grain yield, biomass, nutrient use efficiency, and some environmental indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions and changes in soil nutrients (Chen et al., 2022; Wu et al., 2024). When analyzing these data, commonly used methods include analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), regression analysis, and response surface models. These methods can help us determine the effects of different treatments, see how much the changes in the soil itself affect the results, and find the most appropriate amount of fertilizer (Heil and Schmidhalter, 2017). Sometimes some spatial information and data from specific locations are combined for analysis, so that the results are more accurate and easier to interpret.

4 Optimization of Nitrogen Application

4.1 Split application strategies to reduce nitrogen loss

Applying nitrogen fertilizer in several times, especially arranging the ratio of base fertilizer and topdressing reasonably, is a good way to reduce nitrogen loss and improve utilization efficiency. Many field test results show that, for example, using base fertilizer and topdressing in a ratio of 5:5 can make the leaves have more chlorophyll, stronger photosynthesis, and more protein accumulation. Doing so can also reduce the accumulation of nitrates in the soil and improve the utilization efficiency of water and nitrogen (Yao et al., 2023). Some topdressing methods are now determined by data. These methods combine crop growth and environmental information, which can greatly reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used, sometimes saving up to 48%. At the same time, it can also effectively reduce the loss of active nitrogen and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Ruan et al., 2024).

4.2 Synchronization with wheat growth stages for maximal uptake

Timely application of nitrogen fertilizer during some key periods of wheat growth, such as tillering and grain filling, can allow crops to better absorb and utilize these nutrients. In particular, topdressing during these periods can not only make wheat grow better, have higher yields, and contain more protein in the grains, but also make carbon and nitrogen metabolism after flowering smoother. Some simulation models and actual experiments have shown that applying nitrogen according to wheat needs can effectively increase yields and make better use of resources, especially when combined with modern irrigation systems (Si et al., 2021).

4.3 Nitrogen-use efficiency under different soil-climate scenarios

Nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency (NUE) is affected by soil type and climatic conditions, so different regions need different application plans. Taking the North China Plain as an example, the high-yield and high-efficiency nitrogen fertilizer application rate is generally between 180 and 210 kg per hectare. If too much is applied, not only will the effect be reduced, but it may also cause environmental problems (Zhang et al., 2018; Si et al., 2020; Meng et al., 2024). Many years of experiments have also found that long-term use of too much nitrogen fertilizer will reduce utilization efficiency and leave a lot of excess nitrogen in the soil. If controlled at an appropriate amount, it can not only maintain yields but also reduce negative impacts on the environment (Liu et al., 2020; Hu et al., 2023). In addition, adjusting planting density, reasonable irrigation, or combining with microbial agents can further improve nitrogen utilization efficiency under different soil and water conditions (Yang et al., 2019; Hamani et al., 2023).

5 Integrated Nutrient Management for Yield Stability

5.1 Synergistic use of organic and inorganic fertilizers

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is the combination of organic fertilizers (such as farmyard manure, green manure, vermicompost and biofertilizer) and inorganic fertilizers. This method has been proven in many trials to significantly increase wheat yields and improve soil conditions. Field trials have found that INM can improve nitrogen changes in the soil, increase microbial activity, and make nutrients more easily absorbed by plants, which is better than using only one fertilizer (Sharma et al., 2019; Saharan, 2023; Upadhyay et al., 2024). In the long run, adding some organic matter to chemical fertilizers can increase the organic carbon content in the soil, making the soil more fertile and allowing for longer farming (Kumar et al., 2022). Combining biochar with some nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can also increase dry matter mass and grain yield, and improve efficiency, which is very helpful for stable yield and sustainable cultivation (Sarwar et al., 2023).

5.2 Application of micronutrients to address hidden hunger

In addition to conventional fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, wheat also needs some trace elements, such as zinc and boron. Adding these to INM can make food more nutritious and make plants grow healthier, thus helping to solve the problem of "hidden hunger". Field trials have shown that using biofertilizers and fertilizers containing trace elements together with ordinary nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can increase wheat yields, enhance the absorption and utilization efficiency of nutrients by crops, and make food more nutritious (Ahmed et al., 2023). If organic fertilizers are added when fertilizing, trace elements such as iron and zinc are more likely to accumulate. This combination can also enhance crop resistance and is more helpful to human nutritional health (Walia et al., 2024).

5.3 Use of controlled-release and slow-release fertilizers

Nowadays, more and more people use controlled-release fertilizers and slow-release fertilizers when applying fertilizers. These fertilizers can slowly release nutrients according to the growth rhythm of crops, which is not easy to waste and more environmentally friendly. If they are used in combination with organic fertilizers and biological fertilizers, they can not only reduce the volatilization of ammonia and the loss of nitrates, but also reduce the losses caused by denitrification, which is more environmentally friendly and helps to stabilize yields (Darjee et al., 2022). This method is particularly useful in places with dense planting. Because continuous and steady supply of nutrients is very important for long-term stable yields and soil health (Xu et al., 2018).

6 Environmental and Economic Considerations

6.1 Minimizing nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions

If we want to protect the environment, we need to be more scientific when applying fertilizers. Some methods, such as using decision support systems to guide fertilization or adding some organic materials to fertilizers, can reduce nitrate loss and greenhouse gas emissions without affecting wheat yields. For example, a technology called "Nutrition Expert System" can not only maintain wheat yields, but also reduce the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers by more than 20%, reduce nitrate loss by 30%, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21% (Yang et al., 2024). Other methods such as deep fertilization or low emission can further reduce these pollutions (Wang et al., 2023). Combining organic and inorganic fertilizers is also more environmentally friendly than single fertilization, and can effectively reduce nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions (Ejigu et al., 2024).

6.2 Economic analysis of input-output trade-offs

If fertilization is done properly, not only can it save money, but it can also make more money. Applying less chemical fertilizers, using precision fertilization or a combination of organic and inorganic methods can reduce costs without affecting wheat yields, and can even increase yields, which naturally increases net returns (Romano et al., 2024). For example, properly managed fertilization can increase wheat yields by up to 8%, increase net economic benefits by 11%, and reduce environmental pressure (Jiang et al., 2023). In addition, if part of the fertilizer is replaced with manure, it can also increase profits by more than 10%, and can also reduce the use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers without reducing yields (Li et al., 2024). Precision agricultural technologies such as variable fertilization can also bring higher yields and better economic returns by making fertilizer supply more closely match the actual needs of wheat.

6.3 Aligning fertilization with sustainable agriculture goals

To make wheat farming sustainable and profitable, yield, profitability, and environmental protection must be considered simultaneously. Integrated nutrient management, precision fertilization, and advanced fertilization technologies can help. These methods can reduce environmental pollution, improve nutrient utilization, and protect soil health so that the soil can continue to be cultivated (Amirahmadi et al., 2024; De Santis et al., 2024). These practices also fit in with the goals of sustainable agriculture because they reduce pollution, save resources, and ensure that farmers can make money. This ensures food security while protecting the natural environment.

7 Case Study: Fertilization Strategy in High-Yield Wheat Production Region

7.1 Background: climatic and soil characteristics of the study area

In high-yield wheat-producing areas such as the North China Plain and the semi-arid northwest, agriculture is well developed and planting activities are frequent. Precipitation in these places is not stable, sometimes more, sometimes less. The soil is generally fertile, but there are often problems with nutrient imbalance or water shortage. The climate in these areas varies from dry to humid. Special care must be taken to manage nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil to ensure high wheat yields and reduce environmental impacts (Yan et al., 2022b; Jiang et al., 2023).

7.2 Experimental fertilization scheme and implementation timeline

In these areas, researchers have conducted a lot of field trials. They have tried many ways of fertilizing, often using a random group design, with different treatment schemes, and each scheme has been tested several times for comparison. The fertilizers used in the experiment mainly include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and sometimes some organic fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers are added. The amount of fertilizer applied is determined according to the local soil conditions and crop needs, and the time is also arranged according to the growth stage of wheat (Figure 2). For example, in the North China Plain, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied is generally between 180 and 240 kilograms per hectare, usually applied in several times; and whether phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be used and how much to use depends on the results of soil testing. Fertilization will be arranged throughout the wheat growing season, and the conditions of the soil and crops will also be tracked and recorded (Wu et al., 2023).

Figure 2 Irrigation and fertilization scheduling during the three growing seasons (Adopted from Gao et al., 2023)

7.3 Key outcomes: yield improvement, input efficiency, and farmer feedback

With the optimized fertilization method, wheat yields in these high-yield areas have increased significantly, 2% to 8% more than the previous traditional method. This is mainly because the number of ears and the number of grains per ear have increased. The utilization rate of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers is also much higher than before, which not only reduces the waste of chemical fertilizers, but also reduces nitrate loss and greenhouse gas emissions by about 35% and 60%, respectively (Hu et al., 2023). From an economic perspective, the input is reduced, but the yield is more stable or higher, so the net income of farmers has increased by 7% to 11% (Gao et al., 2023). Many farmers have reported that these new solutions are very practical and more profitable. Many people have begun to use these recommended methods, not only to pursue high yields, but also to better protect the environment (Hou et al., 2023).

8 Challenges and Knowledge Gaps

8.1 Variability in soil nutrient dynamics across regions

Soil conditions vary greatly from place to place. For example, some places have high organic matter content, while others have low. The pH value and precipitation are also different. These differences will affect wheat's response to fertilizers and will also make the fertilization effect different. For example, in Africa and China, nitrogen fertilizers can help increase yields, but because the soil and climate in the two places are different, the optimal amount of nitrogen fertilizer is different, and the utilization efficiency is also very different. In Africa, wheat yields are often affected by insufficient nitrogen; in China, the problem is just the opposite, that is, too much nitrogen fertilizer is used, and too much nitrogen accumulates in the soil. This shows that different regions must have different fertilization plans, and management measures must be formulated in a targeted manner (Lollato et al., 2019; Feyisa et al., 2024).

8.2 Lack of site-specific recommendations and decision tools

Many farmers do not have fertilization plans tailored to their land conditions and crop needs. Although some have developed expert systems and decision-making tools that can provide regional fertilization guidance, these tools are not widely used. Some tools have not been widely used or verified in practice, so it is difficult for farmers to rely on them to guide fertilization. Many times, farmers either apply too much fertilizer, too little fertilizer, or use the wrong proportions. These problems will affect wheat yields and may also bring risks of environmental pollution (Cao et al., 2017; Hajjarpoor et al., 2018).

8.3 Limited farmer access to precision fertilization technologies

Some new precision fertilization technologies, such as variable rate fertilization or using machine learning to draw pictures to guide fertilization, have been shown to improve fertilizer utilization and reduce waste. But these technologies are not easy to promote to farmland now. There are several reasons: high cost, high technical barriers, and few training opportunities. Many farmers still use the old way to farm. Although training is important, traditional classroom lectures are not as effective as field guidance. Especially in terms of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, field teaching is more useful, but many places have not yet done it well (Pan et al., 2017; Uribeetxebarria et al., 2022).

9 Future Directions and Research Needs

In order to make wheat fertilization more scientific and efficient, remote sensing technology and precision agriculture technology need to be combined in the future. By using real-time remote sensing data, we can achieve root zone directional fertilization and variable fertilization. These methods can improve the utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer and reduce the total amount of fertilizer used. Without affecting the yield, it can also save labor costs. Because these technologies can take into account the differences in soil and crop conditions in different locations, more targeted management can be achieved, which will help promote more resource-saving and efficient fertilization methods.

At the same time, it is also necessary to cultivate wheat varieties that are more efficient in nutrient utilization. In this way, even if a large amount of fertilizer is not used, future food needs can be met. Some simulation studies have shown that if wheat genotypes with "strong storage traits" are used, the yield can be increased by 16% under the existing nitrogen application conditions, and even more under climate change conditions. Moreover, this variety can use less fertilizer and put less pressure on the environment. Long-term field trials also illustrate a problem: if you want high wheat yields, you can't just rely on good seeds, but also on reasonable fertilization methods. The combination of the two can truly bring out the yield potential.

If we want to promote these good methods, we need supporting policies. These policies should encourage more research, support agricultural technology extension services, and use subsidies or rewards to encourage farmers to use new technologies. At the same time, we should encourage the development of fertilization recommendations and decision-making tools that are more suitable for local conditions. Policies should also help farmers solve the problems of difficulty in accessing technology and lack of training, and promote cooperation between scientific researchers, enterprises and governments. Only in this way can scientific and sustainable fertilization methods be truly used in the fields and play a long-term role.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Professor Huang for his/her invaluable guidance, insightful suggestions, and continuous support throughout the development of this study.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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