Optimizing the Mulching Pattern and Nitrogen Application Rate to Improve Maize Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield, and...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Residual plastic film pollution and excessive nitrogen fertilizer application hinder agricultural productivity.
• Investigating sustainable alternatives like biodegradable plastic film is crucial for environmental and agricultural health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of biodegradable plastic film (D) versus ordinary plastic film (P) for spring maize under varying nitrogen fertilizer levels (N0, N1, N2, N3) in cold, arid environments.
• To determine the impact of these treatments on maize growth, yield, soil properties, and nutrient use efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Field experiments conducted from 2021 to 2022.
• Comparative analysis of biodegradable and ordinary plastic film mulching.
• Application of four nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 160, 320, 480 kg·ha⁻¹).
• Measurement of dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic parameters, soil enzyme activity, yield, and water/nitrogen use efficiencies.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in dry matter, photosynthesis, soil enzyme activity, or yield between biodegradable and ordinary plastic films.
• Nitrogen fertilizer significantly limited spring maize growth; biomass increased and then decreased with rising nitrogen levels.
• The N2 nitrogen level maximized yield for both film types (3.74~42.50% for D, 2.05~40.02% for P).
• Increased nitrogen improved photosynthetic parameters, soil enzyme activity, and water use efficiency, but reduced nitrogen use efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable plastic film is a suitable substitute for conventional plastic film in this environment.
• Nitrogen fertilizer is the primary limiting factor for spring maize growth and yield.
• The DN2 treatment (biodegradable film with 320 kg·ha⁻¹ nitrogen) represents an optimal strategy for stable yield, increased income, and green agricultural development in cold, irrigated areas.