Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42373688›Full record

ArticleScientific reports2026

Optimizing nitrogen management enhances photosynthesis and alfalfa productivity in jujube-alfalfa intercropping.

Gulinigaer Taxi, Ling Li, Jinbin Wang, Zhengjun Cui, Tiantian Li, Yaru Zhao, Hang Qiao, Sumei Wan, Xiao-Fei Li, Wei Zhang and 2 more

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in Scientific reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Gulinigaer TaxiCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Ling LiCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Jinbin WangCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Zhengjun CuiCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Tiantian LiCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Yaru ZhaoCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Hang QiaoCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Sumei WanCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China.
Xiao-Fei LiState Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Anyang, 455000, China.
Wei ZhangCollege of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China.
Hong LiCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China. lihjdy@163.com.
Guodong ChenCollege of Agriculture, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, China. cgdzky@163.com.

Funding

National College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Tarim University 202010757014Sub-project of the National Key Research and Development Program of China 2016FYC0501407-04
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Although alfalfa is capable of nitrogen fixation, the optimal nitrogen (N) application rate for jujube-alfalfa intercropping systems in arid oasis regions remains unclear. This study evaluated four N application rates (0, 80, 160, and 240 kg/ha) to determine their effects on alfalfa photosynthesis, yield, and quality. Measurements of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence revealed that the 160 kg/ha treatment (N2) significantly enhanced photosynthetic performance, particularly at the early flowering stage-a critical period when peak photosynthetic activity directly governs biomass accumulation and final yield. At this stage, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in the first and second harvests increased by 31.1% and 42.8%, respectively, while the photosynthetic performance index (PIabs) improved by 37.7%-102.2%. Compared with the unfertilized control, the N2 treatment significantly increased fresh forage yield by 23.8%-45.8% and dry matter yield by 18.4%-29.7%; crude protein content rose by up to 9.6% in the second harvest. Yield was significantly positively correlated with Pn, transpiration rate (Tr), the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), and PIabs. In conclusion, a nitrogen application rate of 160 kg/ha is recommended to maximize alfalfa yield and quality in this intercropping system.

Indexed as

Medicago sativaNitrogenPhotosynthesisZiziphusBiomassChlorophyllChlorophyllNitrogenAlfalfaFluorescence parametersIntercroppingNitrogen application ratePhotosynthetic propertiesYield quality

Identifiers

PMID42373688
PMCPMC13424121

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