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
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
More Papers Like This
The field mulching could improve sustainability of spring maize production on the Loess Plateau
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Can dual mulching outperform single mulching in arid agriculture—Loess Plateau? A meta‐analysis based on crop yield and water use efficiency
AI summary Read the abstract
This study compares the performance of dual mulching systems — combining two types of plastic film or layering strategies — against single mulching in arid agricultural environments. Results indicate that dual mulching better conserves soil moisture, moderates temperature extremes, and improves crop yields under water-limited conditions. However, the authors also note increased plastic residue accumulation as a trade-off requiring careful management to prevent long-term soil contamination.
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
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Exploring Plastic Mulching as a Strategy for Mitigating Drought Stress and Boosting Maize Yield in the Ecuadorian Andes
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-year field experiment in the Ecuadorian Andes found that plastic mulching increased soil water content by 8-14%, raised soil temperature by 1.26 degrees Celsius, and boosted fresh corn yield by up to 162% compared to conventional plots. While demonstrating agricultural benefits of plastic use, the study highlights a tension between food security and the potential for plastic mulch to become a source of microplastic soil contamination.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.