Spatiotemporal dynamics of maize planting density in China: Yield responses and region-specific intensification thresholds

Strategic intensification through increased planting density is a cornerstone of maize yield enhancement in China. However, a comprehensive analysis of the nationwide spatiotemporal patterns in planting density and their association with on-farm yield remains limited. Here, we analyzed 95,040 farmer-plot surveys across 264 counties (2009–2023) to quantify density dynamics and yield associations across five agroecological regions. Nationally, the average planting density increased significantly from 54,300 to 62,200 plants ha −1 over 15 years (+14.55%; P < 0.01), with an annual growth rate of 353 plants ha −1 . We found marked and persistent regional disparities, with current densities (2019–2023) ranging from 49,574 plants ha −1 in the Southwestern Maize Region (SWM) to 69,921 plants ha −1 in the Northwest Irrigated Maize Region (NWIM). The increase in yield response per 1,000 plants ha −1 increase varied significantly (P < 0.05) among regions, reaching the highest level in NWIM (130 kg ha −1 ) and lowest in the Northern Spring Maize Region (NSM; 60 kg ha −1 ). The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain Summer Maize Region (HPSM), Northwest Dryland Maize Region (NWDM), and SWM showed intermediate responses of 100, 120, and 80 kg ha −1 , respectively. Our findings delineated the current and realized thresholds for intensification across China's agroecosystems, suggesting a practicable density range of 62,000–80,000 plants ha −1 under prevailing management, with a yield gain potential of 60–130 kg per 1,000 plants ha −1 . To advance towards sustainable intensification, we propose region-specific optimization, scale-appropriate technologies, and institutional innovations to overcome smallholder fragmentation. • National maize planting density increased significantly by 14.6% (from 54,300 to 62,200 plants ha −1 ) between 2009 and 2023. • Pronounced regional disparities persisted: The Northwest Irrigated Region reached 70,100 plants ha −1 , 41% higher than the Southwestern Region (49,600 plants ha −1 ). • Yield response to density was highly region-specific, ranging from 60 to 130 kg ha −1 per 1,000 plants increase, highlighting the critical role of precision management. • Smallholder land fragmentation was identified as a major barrier to adopting precision technologies required for high-density systems. • Three strategic pathways are proposed: region-specific optimization, scale-appropriate technologies, and institutional innovations to overcome the scale barrier.