Long-term use of fertilizer and manure can affect soil fertility, crop yield, and water pollution. A 35-year study in arid soil showed that excessive mineral-N fertilizer can leach into groundwater, posing a pollution risk. By using manure instead of some fertilizer, leaching was reduced without harming crop yield. The best results were seen with a combination of ample manure and mineral N supply, which minimized nitrate and chloride leaching while maximizing fruit and dry matter yield. Soil cultivation over 35 years had little impact on plant response to fertilizer or soil composition.