Global Meta‐Analysis of Effects of Aerated Irrigation on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Crop Yield

ABSTRACT Soil oxygen availability plays a critical role in regulating nitrogen (N) transformation processes. However, a comprehensive understanding of how aerated irrigation (AI) affects nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) across diverse environmental conditions and management practices remains lacking. A meta‐analysis and mixed‐effects models were used to evaluate the overall effects of climate parameters, soil properties, field management practices, and aeration management on crop yield, partial factor productivity of N (PFPN), NUE, and N recovery efficiency (RE), using 2429 datasets compiled from 156 studies. The PFPN, NUE, RE, and yield were 23.6% (CI: 21.5%–25.8%), 12.0% (CI: 8.3%–16.3%), 31.3% (CI: 22.8%–40.8%), and 18.6% (CI: 17.2%–19.7%) higher, respectively, under AI than under nonaerated irrigation (NAI). Under high rainfall conditions (mean annual precipitation [MAP] > 600 mm), PFPN and RE were 19.9% and 35.1% higher under AI, respectively. AI was most effective in temperate climates, greenhouse cultivation systems, and in soils with low organic matter content (< 10 g/kg) or acidic pH (pH < 6.5). The interaction among irrigation, N application, and the aeration indicates that AI is a suitable strategy for increasing crop productivity and NUE while reducing the environmental impacts of agricultural production. AI was beneficial with micro‐nanobubble aeration at a soil depth of 20 cm and a dissolved oxygen concentration of 10–20 g/L. The main factors influencing NUE were MAP, total N level, N application rate, mean annual temperature, and the aeration method. AI efficiency enhances crop productivity and NUE under a wide range of conditions. Applying optimal aeration parameters and leveraging the interactions among irrigation, N application rate, and aeration method provides a strategy for increasing agricultural sustainability. AI should be adopted under the recommended conditions to increase yield while minimizing N losses to the environment, thereby increasing the sustainability of intensive farming practices.