Abstract
Plastic mulch film is widely used in agricultural production. However, there are very few studies on degradable mulch film. In order to investigate the effects of using degradable mulch film in arid regions on crop yield and water use efficiency, we used fully biodegradable mulch films on both maize and bare land cultivation experimental areas. The DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model was used to analyze changes in maize biomass in the future under different climate scenario models. We found that using fully biodegradable mulch film in an arid region had a positive effect on biomass yields. In 2015–2017, the annual maize biomass yield increased by 24.5%, 28.9%, and 32.9%, respectively. Hence, this method has expansion and promotion value. A comparison of the DNDC model simulated biomass yields and actual measured values found that the ranges of R2, root mean square error (RMSE), and model efficiency (ME) were 0.98–0.99, 0.38–0.86 mg C ha−1, and 0.80–0.98. This result shows that the DNDC model can accurately simulate changes in maize biomass in this region. Under the premise of a good model fit, future climate scenario model data were used to drive the DNDC model. The results showed that the possible range of maize biomass yields in the future is −6.5% to 10.3%, with the most probable range being 0.2–1.5%. Using future climatic conditions, our work suggests that degradable mulch films can increase water use efficiency by an average of 9.5%. The results of this study can be used to promote the use of degradable mulch films in arid regions, significantly improving sustainable agricultural development.
Highlights
Mulch film is widely used in agricultural production as it can increase soil temperature and plant productivity [1]
After using fully biodegradable mulch films in a 3 year field experiment and employing the DNDC model to predict changes in maize biomass under future climate scenarios, we came to the DNDC model to predict changes in maize biomass under future climate scenarios, we came to the following conclusions: following conclusions: (1) When compared to bare land cultivation, the use of degradable mulch films can effectively
(2) A comparison of simulation data and measurement data showed that the DNDC model can effectively simulate changes in maize biomass for bare land cultivation and mulch film practices were effectively simulate changes in maize biomass for bare land cultivation and mulch film practices were used
Summary
Mulch film is widely used in agricultural production as it can increase soil temperature and plant productivity [1]. It is widely used in arid and semi-arid regions where water is limited to increase soil temperature, reduce evaporation, and increase crop yields [2,3,4,5]. Despite its positive effect on crop yields, plastic mulch film has poor degradability and, causes problems like soil pollution, residual microplastics, and altered root development [6,7,8]. Subrahmaniyan and Zhou [9] studied the effects of different degradable mulch films on soil temperature, crop yield, and soil enzyme activities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
