Interactive effects of irrigation and nitrogen management on greenhouse gas emissions and resource efficiency in alfalfa production

Conversely, the high-water, moderate-nitrogen regime (300 mm irrigation + 120 kg N ha^-1) achieved a balanced outcome-sustaining high yield while reducing cumulative N₂O emissions by 29.5-93%, total GWP (LCA-based) by 24.1%, and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) by 29.0% relative to conventional high-input management (W2N3). These preliminary findings suggest a water-nitrogen synergy zone that improves yield-GHG trade-offs, though multi-year validation is required.