Reducing nitrogen fertilizer application in rice-wheat rotations in China's Yangtze River region can boost nitrogen use efficiency and crop yields. By testing different nitrogen levels during rice and wheat seasons, researchers found that lower nitrogen rates did not affect rice yield but did impact wheat yield. Nitrogen uptake and efficiency increased significantly with reduced fertilizer amounts, leading to better crop productivity and less nitrogen loss. The study also showed that short-term nitrogen reductions did not harm soil fertility. Overall, cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer can improve crop performance and sustainability in this important agricultural region.