We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Optimized Farmland Mulching Improves Rainfed Maize Productivity by Regulating Soil Temperature and Phenology on the Loess Plateau in China
Summary
A field experiment on the Loess Plateau found that combining plastic film mulch with straw mulch regulated soil temperature and extended the grain-filling period of rainfed maize, preventing premature senescence and improving yields. The study highlights a trade-off in dryland agriculture: plastic mulch conserves moisture but overheats soil, while novel double-mulching patterns can mitigate the temperature problem while still relying on plastic film.
Owing to global warming, continuously increasing the grain yield of rainfed maize is challenging on the Loess Plateau in China. Plastic film mulching has been extensively utilized in dryland agriculture on the Loess Plateau. However, higher topsoil temperatures under film mulch caused rainfed-maize premature senescence and yield loss. Here, we aimed to explore the influence of topsoil temperature driven by novel double mulching patterns on rainfed maize productivity based on the excellent moisture conservation function of plastic film. A maize field experiment was conducted in two different areas, namely Changwu, a typical semi-arid area, and Yangling, a dry semi-humid area. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications. Five flat-planting practices were examined in 2021 and 2022: (1) bare land (CK), (2) transparent film mulching (PFM), (3) black film mulching (BFM), (4) double mulching of PFM with a black polyethylene net (PFM + BN), and (5) double mulching of PFM with whole maize stalks (PFM + ST). Soil hydrothermal conditions, maize growth dynamics, grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic returns were quantified under different mulching practices. Under double mulching treatments, topsoil temperatures were lower than PFM by 1.7–2.0 °C at the two sites (p < 0.05), whereas BFM was slightly lower than that of PFM by 0.6–0.7 °C at Yangling (p > 0.05). The average growth period for maize under double mulching was longer than that under PFM by 8–11 days at the two sites. Double mulching treatments significantly improved the leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll relative content (SPAD), and aboveground biomass compared to CK and PFM during the late growth stage. Compared with PFM, average grain yield increased by 14.93%, 18.46%, and 16.45% in Changwu (p < 0.05) under BFM, PFM + BN, and PFM + ST, respectively, and by 2.71%, 24.55%, and 20.38% in Yangling. The corresponding WUEs also increased. Additionally, net income under BFM was higher than that under other treatments, and there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between PFM + ST and BFM in Changwu. However, PFM + ST in net income averaged 10.72–52.22% higher than other treatments, and its output value was 19.51% higher in Yangling. In summary, smallholder farmers can adopt PFM + ST to improve rainfed-maize productivity in the Loess Plateau in China.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The field mulching could improve sustainability of spring maize production on the Loess Plateau
This study evaluated field mulching impacts on yield stability, soil water storage, nitrogen budget, and soil total nitrogen in spring maize production on the Loess Plateau over multiple years, finding that plastic film mulching improved productivity but raised concerns about microplastic accumulation and nitrogen cycling disruption.
Effects of Mulching on Maize Yield and Evapotranspiration in the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China
This study examined how plastic film mulching affects maize yield and water use in northwest China's Heihe River Basin, finding that mulching increases yields and reduces evaporation. However, widespread plastic mulch use is also a major source of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Effect of Plastic Membrane and Geotextile Cloth Mulching on Soil Moisture and Spring Maize Growth in the Loess–Hilly Region of Yan’an, China
Researchers conducted a one-year field monitoring experiment in the loess-hilly region of Yan'an, China, comparing plastic membrane mulching, geotextile cloth mulching, and bare soil on soil moisture and spring maize growth. The study found that plastic membrane and geotextile mulching treatments influenced soil moisture dynamics and crop development differently compared to unprotected soil.
Combining Straw Mulch with Nitrogen Fertilizer Improves Soil and Plant Physio-Chemical Attributes, Physiology, and Yield of Maize in the Semi-Arid Region of China
Researchers found that combining wheat straw mulching with nitrogen fertilization significantly improved maize yield, soil fertility, and plant physiology compared to nitrogen application alone in semi-arid conditions. The two-year field study showed that full straw mulch plus nitrogen resulted in the greatest improvements in photosynthesis, biomass, and nitrogen use efficiency.
Effects of Future Climate Change on Spring Maize Yield and Water Use Efficiency under Film Mulching with Different Materials in the LOESS Plateau Region of China
Researchers used the DNDC biogeochemical model to evaluate effects of future climate change (2021-2100) on spring maize yield and water use efficiency under polyethylene film mulching and biodegradable film mulching in China's Loess Plateau, finding that biodegradable films can maintain yields while reducing plastic pollution under projected warming and increased rainfall.