Effects of Different Mulching Materials on Soil Water, Temperature, and Corn Growth

Abstract

The study,with randomized block design,measured the effects of different mulching materials which included biodegradable film(S),plastic film(D),corn straw(J),liquid film(Y) and bare land on soil water,temperature and corn growth in Weibei rainfed tableland,which would be as the basis of mulching cultivation in this area.The results showed that soil moisture in different mulchings showed different characteristics after heading and filling stage of corn,soil average moisture(40-60 cm) of J mulching was evidently(P0.05) higher than that of control treatment and other mulchings;water deprivation of S and D mulchings were improved in the deeper soil layers(60-120 cm).Soil water retention of J mulching was better than that of other treatments,J mulching mainly improved the soil moisture in 0-100 cm layer before heading stage,and in 100-200 cm layer after heading stage;S and D mulchings mainly improved the soil moisture in shallower layer before heading stage.The average soil temperature in 5-25 cm soil layer before heading stage increased 1.4℃,2.6℃ in S and D treatments and brought down 3.0℃,0.8℃ in J and Y treatments respectively.S and D mulchings extended the vegetative growth under the effect of water and temperature increment,and advanced 11 days of whole growing period,while J mulching extended 3 days of growth period,there was no effect on whole growing period in Y mulching.S and D mulchings evidently(P0.05) increased ear length,ear diameter,kernels per row and dry biomass of shoot;Y mulching evidently(P0.05) increased hundred-kernel weight;J mulching evidently(P0.05) decreased ear length,kernels per row and hundred-kernel weight.Four mulchings reduced economical coefficient of corn to a different extent.S,D,and Y mulchings respectively increased yield by 26.9%(P0.05),34.7%(P0.05),and 2.4%,J mulching decreased yield by 10.5%.