N cycling, fluxes and total N budgets of the subtropical wheat-maize systems were investigated by using in situ monitoring and 15N tracer techniques.
15N mass balance including hydrological and gaseous 15N fluxes was established.
NO3− leaching and NH3 volatilization were main hydrological and gaseous N loss pathways, respectively.
Incorporation of manure decreased total environmental N loss and enhanced soil microbial N retention.
Manure incorporation fostered interaction of C and N cycles and N conservation.