Optimizing Biodegradable Films with Varying Induction Periods to Enhance Rice Growth and Soil Carbon and Nitrogen...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Polyethylene (PE) film mulching causes significant
• white pollution.
• Biodegradable films (BFs) are potential alternatives, but their efficacy in Northeast China's black soil rice systems is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of three BFs with varying degradation rates (45, 60, and 80 days) against PE film and a no-film control (CK).
• To assess the impact of these mulching materials on soil hydrothermal conditions, rice growth, yield, grain quality, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment comparing five treatments: PE film, three BFs (BF45, BF60, BF80), and a control (CK).
• Measurements included soil temperature, soil moisture, rice yield, grain quality parameters, IWUE, and soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total carbon (TC).

Main Results:

• All mulching treatments increased soil temperature and moisture compared to CK.
• PE film resulted in the highest soil temperature, while BFs showed comparable or slightly lower temperatures.
• PE and BFs significantly increased rice yield and IWUE compared to CK. BF80 showed the greatest potential among BFs.
• BFs improved soil organic nitrogen, SOC, and TN, with BF80 exhibiting the most significant positive effects, unlike PE which decreased TN and TC.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable films, especially BF80, are promising and sustainable substitutes for PE film in black soil rice systems.
• BFs effectively improve rice yield, water use efficiency, and soil nutrient status, mitigating
• white pollution.
• BF80 demonstrates strong application potential for sustainable rice production.