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Integrated double mulching practices optimizes soil temperature and improves soil water utilization in arid
Wen Yin1,2, Fuxue Feng1, Cai Zhao1,2
1Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
International Journal of Biometeorology
|January 28, 2016
Summary
A novel double mulching system, combining plastic film and straw, significantly improved soil moisture and optimized soil temperature for wheat-maize strip intercropping. This farming model effectively alleviates water shortages in arid regions.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
Background:
- Water scarcity poses a significant threat to agricultural sustainability in arid and semiarid regions.
- Developing effective water conservation practices is crucial for enhancing crop productivity under limited water conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of an integrated double mulching system with intensified strip intercropping on soil moisture, evaporation, and temperature.
- To assess the potential of this system in improving crop growth conditions and alleviating water shortage issues.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a "double mulching" system (plastic film and straw mulch) combined with wheat-maize strip intercropping.
- Monitoring of soil evaporation, soil moisture content, and soil temperature at key growth stages over two years (2009-2011) in Northwest China.
- Comparison of the double mulching system with conventional practices (control).
Main Results:
- The double mulching system significantly increased soil moisture by an average of 3.8% to 5.3% across different growth stages compared to the control.
- Total evapotranspiration of wheat-maize intercrops was reduced by an average of 4.6% under the double mulching system (P < 0.05).
- Soil temperature was reduced by 1.26-1.51°C in the top 10 cm, creating optimal conditions for both wheat and maize, with maize strips showing a beneficial temperature increase compared to wheat strips.
Conclusions:
- The integrated double mulching system effectively conserves soil moisture and optimizes soil temperature for wheat-maize strip intercropping.
- This innovative farming model demonstrates significant potential for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in water-scarce regions.
- The system facilitates a "collaborative" growth environment for intercropped species, addressing challenges posed by water shortages.
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