The study looked at how different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer affect winter wheat growth in the Yangtze River Basin. They found that higher nitrogen levels in the soil led to more nitrate, especially in the top 40 cm of soil. Nitrogen loss was highest from winter to jointing stage. The best nitrogen application rate for good wheat yield and environmental benefits was 250 kg·hm-2, with a 5:5 ratio of base to jointing fertilizer, resulting in a grain yield of 6840 kg·hm-2.