Improving soil properties and grains yield of winter wheat and summer corn under residue management strategies

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, a 6‐year field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of different amounts of corn stover returned to the field on soil properties and grain yield of double‐cropped of winter wheat and summer maize. A randomized block design with three replications was employed including three treatments: based on all stalks of winter wheat returned to the field, (1) all summer maize stalks were mechanically pulverized and returned to the field (SR); (2) a half of summer maize stalks were mechanically pulverized and returned to the field (1/2 SR); and (3) all summer maize stalks were fully removed (control; CK). Compared with CK, the yield of summer maize and winter wheat were increased in both SR and 1/2SR. The total soil porosity, water‐stable aggregate content, and organic matter content were significantly higher in both SR and 1/2SR treatments than those in CK. The total P and available K were increased in both SR and 1/2SR, compared with those in CK. However, differences in soil properties and grain yield were not significant between SR and 1/2SR. These results indicated that corn stover returned to the field could significantly improve soil properties and yield. It can maintain soil sustainability and provide a high‐quality soil environment through treatment of 1/2SR, and the efficient use of straw can be achieved by using the remaining half of the straw for biomass energy. Overall, our data provided a basis for the use of stover resources to keep a sustainable soil production capacity.