As one of the most important intensive cropping systems in China, wheat-maize double cropping system incorporates wheat and maize in one planting field with different time sequences annually according to their growth periods, and it has many advantages, such as high cereal production, intensive crop cultivation, increased crop water and nitrogen (N) productivity, and environmental benefits. However, the efficacy of this cropping system is still constrained by crop type, climatic conditions, and soil characteristics. Excessive irrigation and N application remain major constraints in cropping system production, leading to environmental costs and long-term unsustainability. This paper systematically reviews the history of multiple cropping systems, crop management, yield performance, N and water application rates, and technology of wheat-maize double cropping in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (HHHP) of China, and recent advances regarding soil physical, chemical, and biological improvement under this system have been summarized. In addition, the economic benefits and its potential contribution to sustainable agricultural intensification under such system have been discussed. Future research should focus on crop management optimization with systematic perspective, water-saving irrigation technology innovation, N regulation, and breeding high-yielding and stress-resistant crop varieties, which would essentially enhance the resilience and sustainability of wheat-maize double cropping system in the HHHP of China.
Li et al. (2026) studied this question.