Effect of legume–maize double cropping, reduced tillage, and nitrogen rate on nitrogen dynamics and use efficiency under Mediterranean conditions

Key Points

• This research aims to assess the effects of double cropping, reduced tillage, and nitrogen rates on nitrogen dynamics and use efficiency in maize under Mediterranean conditions.
• Evaluated double cropping with legumes and maize under reduced tillage practices.
• Assessed the impact of various nitrogen rates on maize yield efficiency.
• Examined nitrogen recovery and economic profitability associated with different cropping methods.
• Double cropping improved maize nitrogen use efficiency with lower nitrogen inputs.
• No-tillage enhanced nitrogen recovery and increased system profitability significantly.
• Medium nitrogen rates maximized yield efficiency and reduced nitrogen excess effectively.