Effects of rainfall harvesting and mulching technologies on soil water, temperature, and maize yield in Loess Plateau region of China

Precipitation is the major factor limiting crop growth in the semi-arid Loess Plateau region of China. Ridgeand-furrow rainfall harvesting systems (RFRHS) with mulches are used to increase water availability to crops, thereby improving and stabilising agricultural production in the semi-arid region of China. We conducted a field experiment from 2007 to 2010 in the Weibei Highlands of China, to determine the influence of RFRHS with different mulching patterns on soil water content, temperature, water-use efficiency, and maize yield (Zea mays L.). Ridges were covered with standard plastic film in all RFRHS treatments, while different furrow treatments were mulched with standard plastic film (PP), biodegradable film (PB), maize straw (PS), or liquid film (PL), or left uncovered (P). A conventional flat treatment without mulching was used as the control. In the early stage of maize growth, the topsoil temperature (5-20 cm) under PP and PB was significantly (P Additional keywords: mulch, ridge and furrow rainwater harvesting, spring maize, soil temperature, soil water, yield.
Introduction The Weibei Highlands, in the southern Loess Plateau of China, is a semi-humid agricultural area that is liable to drought. Precipitation is the major water resource used for agricultural [...]