Water and Nitrogen Transport in Wheat and Maize: Impacts of Irrigation, Fertilization, and Soil Management

Water and nitrogen are fundamental factors for maintaining yield stability and achieving efficient resource utilization in wheat–maize rotation systems. Based on 131 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2010 to 2025, this review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on how irrigation, nitrogen application, and soil management jointly regulate water–nitrogen migration and transformation processes during wheat and maize growth. The results indicate that irrigation practices influence nitrogen transformation and availability by altering the temporal and spatial distribution of soil moisture; optimized nitrogen application strategies align nitrogen release with crop demand at critical growth stages; and the use of soil amendments improves soil physicochemical and biological conditions, thereby enhancing water retention and nitrogen stability. These three management measures exhibit strong complementarity and synergistic effects. Integrating irrigation, fertilization, and soil management can not only improve wheat and maize yields but also harmonize resource use efficiency with ecological sustainability. This review highlights the potential and pathways of integrated management practices for enhancing water and nitrogen use efficiency and ensuring food security, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for developing efficient and sustainable region-specific water–nitrogen management systems.