Hydrothermal characteristics of carboxymethyl cellulose-induced soil film in farmland

Shi-Qi Yang ¹, Yu Han ¹, Xin Yan ¹

⁰Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the Journal of Applied Ecology +

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September 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) forms a soil film, improving hydrothermal conditions in arid regions. This soil mulching enhances crop yield by stabilizing soil temperature and moisture, benefiting agricultural productivity.

Area Of Science

Agricultural Science
Soil Science
Agronomy

Background

Arid regions like the Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation Area face challenges in double-cropping systems due to high evaporation.
Modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can form a soil film, improving soil hydrothermal conditions and acting as a mulch.
Understanding the impact of CMC-induced soil films on soil hydrothermal properties and crop yield is crucial for arid agriculture.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the hydrothermal characteristics of soil films formed by ammonium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-NH4) application.
To analyze the effects of CMC-NH4 treatments on soil temperature, soil water content, and crop yield in a spring wheat-summer maize rotation.
To determine the optimal application rates of CMC-NH4 for improving soil hydrothermal conditions and crop productivity.

Main Methods

Field experiment conducted in a temperate arid zone using a spring wheat-summer maize rotation system.
Application of CMC-NH4 at rates of 0 (CK), 50, 100, 200, and 300 kg·hm⁻² to induce soil film formation.
Monitoring of soil temperature at 20 cm depth, soil water content, and crop yield (spring wheat) and aboveground biomass (summer maize).

Main Results

Soil film treatments significantly reduced daily maximum soil temperature and diurnal temperature variations.
Soil film treatments increased daily minimum soil temperature and stabilized soil moisture dynamics, reducing diurnal water content differences.
Crop yields increased with higher CMC-NH4 application rates, with spring wheat yield and summer maize biomass showing significant improvements.

Conclusions

Soil film mulching effectively regulates soil hydrothermal environments by stabilizing temperature and moisture.
CMC-NH4 application enhances crop productivity in arid regions by optimizing soil conditions.
The findings support the use of soil film mulching as a viable strategy to improve crop yields in water-scarce agricultural areas.

Keywords:

carboxymethyl cellulose ammonium (CMC-NH hydrothermal effect soil film tillage soil temperature soil water content